The NASCAR cars are renowned for their exceptional performance, characterized by high speeds and superior drivability. But, have you ever wondered what materials are used to build these cars?
Every extra gram of weight adds to a loss in lap time per race. Hence, in order to achieve the performance required to compete at the highest level, the car's bodies have to be built with lightweight and durable materials.
Materials used to construct the NASCAR body.
The most important parts of the car’s body are its chassis and protective cage; which are often made of steel. The steel is molded into a tube of round or rectangular cross sections. The steel tubings are welded or bolted together, depending on the configuration a particular manufacturer desires. As steel is easier to mold and fabricate, it gives flexibility in terms of design.
To reduce vehicle weight, the car's body panels, including the front and rear bumpers, side body panels, hood, rear deck lid and aerodynamic performance-enhancing components such as spoilers and diffusers, are constructed predominantly from composite materials, notably carbon fiber. The use of carbon fiber is not just limited to these parts but also in components such as cooling hoses, gear cooler housings, brake ducts and battery cases. Carbon fiber offers not only weight-saving and performance-enhancing features but also provides additional safety in the event of a crash. Unlike materials that may crumble upon impact, carbon fiber splinters and shatters, reducing the risk to the driver.
Also Read : Do NASCAR cars turn left or right?
FAQ's On NASCAR bodies
A. The chassis and protective cage is constructed of steel.
A. The body panels and aerodynamic components are made out of carbon fiber.
A. Steel often crumbles on impact, which might endanger the driver incase of an accident.
A. Carbon fiber is lightweight which in turn helps improve the performance while also providing extra safety incase of a crash by splintering and shattering rather than crumbling.
A. Yes, if a car is a bit overweight, it can cause drivability issues which in turn will affect lap time.
