Speed in NASCAR?

Question

I know that the cars in NASCAR can go up to 200 miles per hour (and a little above). Is formula faster? If so, how come NASCAR isn't as fast as formula 1? Is it perhaps because NASCAR stock cars have different structures? Or does Formula have better engineering?


Just a question...not saying one's better than the other.

Answer 1

IN the 80's road track did a top speed test of a nascar racer specifically set up to achieve the highest speed possible only for the purposes of the magazine test and I thought it went something like 240 or 250 mph. I would imagine that an F1 could probably beat that speed if it was set up for that purpose and not set up for an F1 track.

In both series the cars are designed to go around the tracks as fast as possible within the confines of the series specifications.

Formula 1 has better engineering because the series has specifications which leave for new engineering so there is constant innovation. Nascar mandates every specific model # of part and engine in the field in order to keep the cars closely competitive with one another. So, even if you wanted to design a new part for nascar you would have to build the part, let the officials examine it, let them test it, approve and then make it available to every other team.

Answer 2

One thing about stock car racing that limits the speed is the different race tracks they use. Some are very large, some are smaller and tighter, the banking on the turns is taken into account, and other factors. NASCAR has set limits that the cars can reach on each track and there's governors in the engines so they do not exceed that speed.

It's all about the skill of the drivers when it comes down to it... even at 160 mph, those things are hard to control with a full field of racers.

Answer 3

NASCAR cars are designed to run on oval circuits that also have some inclination to help it with the inertial force so they can reach such high speeds (+ powerful engines and low weight).

F1 cars run on circuits with turns, brake points, accelerations, up's and down's, so their performance has to be better, the speed is about the same as in NASCAR but it's reach in less time and distance.

In the 1/4 of mile an F1 beats a NASCAR.

Answer 4

Formula one cars and nascar cars are designed for speed in both cases.

The difference is that F1 cars (and Indy Cars) have designs optimized entirely for speed, whereas stock car racing must at least approximate the dimensions and shape of cars released by the manufacturers for the general public. Those cars tend to be boxier and thus less aerodynamic than those little bullets that F1 drivers strap themselves into.

And to determine which is better: Nascar is better because there are more drivers and more teams, which means more opportunities for competition.

Answer 5

The aerodynamics makes a big difference as well as the motors that are in each car. NASCAR used to run well over 200MPH until they brought in the restrictor plates. Stock cars will literally fly off the ground if they go much faster. As for F1 cars produce enough downforce therefore allowing them to run at higher speeds. Can't bump and grind in F1 though because they are open wheel and that would be a MESS!!!

Answer 6

NASCAR has items installed to restrict the speed. It was getting out of hand. Restricter plates (reduce air intake for the carburator) are used at Daytona and Talladega. About two years ago, they ran a test without the restricter plate at Talladega. Rusty Wallace ran a couple of laps there, only this plate removed, he hit 231 miles per hour ! Rusty said he felt the #2 car had even more speed left, could feel the car begin to "float".
Hope that helps.

Answer 7

So what i'm getting from all and sundry's solutions is invoice Elliot is the quickest at a NASCAR adventure with a real velocity of 213 mph Rusty Wallace is the quickest at a NASCAR music with a real velocity of 228 mph Russ Wicks is the quickest in a NASCAR spec race vehicle with a real velocity of 247 mph Viking i'm keen on NHRA and take exhilaration in what they do yet they do no longer make turns, so evaluating them to NASCAR is like evaluating apples with oranges.

Answer 8

n.a.s.c.a.r. National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing

stock cars are much heavier and larger than F1 cars, its a totally differant sport, like baseball versus basketball, versus football. nascar of course would be the big muscular guys with all the protective pads/guards, football!!!

Answer 9

the grand national cars that are driven in nascar are heavier and less areodynamic than formula cars ........ formula cars can hit up to @260 but nascar sets restrictions to limit the cars to max at @215

Answer 10

formula is faster, if i know correctly. nascar could be faster, but they use restrictor plates that slow the cars down to around 200 mph...not exactly sure how that works...something with air flow i think.