NASCAR.LifeTips.com
Category: A - Z of NASCAR Subcategory: A - C Tip: Air Pressure Ever since radial tires with stiffer sidewalls have been used, changing the air pressure within the tires is used as another setup tool when adjusting spring rates in the vehicle's suspension. If the air pressure is increased, the "spring rate" in the tire will raise. This changes the car's handling characteristics. For example, if the racecar is "tight" coming off a corner, the driver might request a slight air pressure increase in the right rear tire to "loosen it up." Subcategory: D - F Tip: Frontstretch The section of race track between the fourth and first turns is known as the frontstretch. Typically located in the center of this section is the flagstand and start/finish line. Subcategory: G - L Tip: Loose A car is called loose when a driver goes through a turn and the rear of the car starts to swing toward the outside wall. This makes the driver feel as if he's losing control of the car and about to spin. This condition happens when the rear tires aren't sticking well to the track and providing enough traction. This is also known as oversteer. Subcategory: M - P Tip: Pit Stop A pit stop is the routine break from the race. This is when the driver pulls into the pit and the crew services the car. Service includes tire changes, refueling, chassis adjustment, drinks for the driver and/or other work that may be necessary. Subcategory: Q - S Tip: Short Track Race tracks measuring one mile or less in length are known as short tracks. At these tracks, aerodynamics and horsepower aren't particularly important in winning the race.
Three examples of short tracks are Bristol Motor Speedway, Martinsville Speedway and Richmond International Raceway. Subcategory: T - Z Tip: Tight Tight, also referred to as pushing, means the front tires aren't turning well through turns because they have less traction than the rear tires. Category: Before Race Weekend Subcategory: Buying Tickets Tip: Daytona 500 If you are planning to go to the Daytona 500, be sure to buy your tickets a year in advance. Tickets to this race sell out fast, and scalpers tend to raise the ticket prices four or five times their original value for this weekend. Tip: Go Without a Ticket If you were unable to find a ticket, there is still one option - go to the track without one. Although this can be a nerve racking experience, if you are a patient person willing to spend the money, you should be able to find a ticket for a fair price. If you are willing to miss the first few laps of the race, you will likely even find a ticket for less than face value. Be sure to be cautious when buying a ticket from a scalper. Check the date on the ticket and look it over to see that it looks right. A little extra time spent here, may be what saves you some hassle later. Tip: Surf the Internet If the track happens to be sold out of tickets for its next NASCAR race, check the internet. There are sites devoted to helping fans obtain tickets. Most of the spare tickets come from other fans who either have an extra ticket, or can no longer go to the race. But be careful when purchasing tickets across the net because although it is rare, there have be instances where the seller has printed up what appears to be a valid ticket, but is not. Category: Drivers: G - L
Subcategory: Gordon, Jeff Tip: Champion: Jeff Gordon - 1997 Driver: Jeff Gordon Year: 1997 Series: Winston Cup Series Wins: 10 Top-5s: N/A Top-10s: N/A Money Earned: $6,375,658 Achievements: Won the Winston Cup Series Championship in 1997. Category: Drivers: Q - S Subcategory: Skinner, Mike Tip: Rookie of the Year: Mike Skinner - 1997 Driver: Mike Skinner Year: 1997 Series: Winston Cup Series Wins: 0 Top-5s: 0 Top-10s: 3 Money Earned: $791,819 Achievements: Won the Winston Cup Series' Rookie of the Year Championship in 1997. Subcategory: Stefanik, Mike Tip: Champion: Mike Stefanik - 1989 Driver: Mike Sefanik Year: 1989 Series: Featherlite Modified Series Wins: 7 Top-5s: N/A Top-10s: N/A Money Earned: N/A Achievements: Won his first Championship in the Feathlite Modified Series. Tip: Champion: Mike Stefanik - 1991 Driver: Mike Sefanik Year: 1991 Series: Featherlite Modified Series Wins: N/A Top-5s: N/A Top-10s: N/A Money Earned: N/A Achievements: Won his second Championship in the Feathlite Modified Series. Category: In the Garage Subcategory: Do s and Don ts of Autographs Tip: Do - Bring a Pen Make sure to bring your own pen when searching for autographs. A black felt-tipped marker is your best choice.
Tip: Don't - Conversation Do not expect a long conversation with your favorite driver. If you want to talk longer to a driver, go to one of the pre-scheduled appearances they are making in your area. In this situation, the driver will be more relaxed and not busy trying to concentrate on other things. Tip: Don't - Qualifying Do not ask for an autograph just before qualifying. The drivers may be nervous while they await their first lap. If you do ask for an autograph, chances are that the drivers will become cranky and sign the autograph making it near impossible to read. Subcategory: Types of Cars Tip: Chevrolet In the 2002 season, Chevrolet won 10 Winston Cup Series, 12 Busch Series and 11 Craftsman Truck Series events. Chevrolet also won the Craftsman Truck Series' Manufacter's title in 2002. The first Chevy driver to win a NASCAR event was Fonty Flock in 1955. Since then, Chevrolet has captured a hundreds of Winston Cup wins. Chevrolet drivers to compete in the 2003 season include: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Robby Gordon, Jeff Green, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Bobby Labonte, Terry Labonte, Joe Nemechek, Steve Park, Tony Stewart and Michael Waltrip. Tip: Dodge After being absent for more than two decades, Dodge successfully returned to the Winston Cup scene in 2001. Since then, with the help of Sterling Marlin, Dodge led the Manufacturer's standings in the Winston Cup Series for 25 weeks. The first Dodge driver to win a Winston Cup event was Lee Petty in 1953. Since then, Dodge has 170 Winston Cup victories. Dodge drivers racing in the Winston Cup Series in 2003: John Andretti, Ward Burton, Bill Elliott, Sterling Marlin, Jeremy Mayfield, Jamie McMurray, Casey Mears, Ryan Newman, Kyle Petty, Kenny Wallace and Rusty Wallace. Tip: Ford 2002 was a superb year for Ford, having won both the Winston Cup and Busch Series Manufacturer's titles. Again in 2002, Ford continued its six-year streak of double-digit Winston Cup victories. Ford drivers won 14 events in the Winston Cup Series, 16 in Busch and four events in the Craftsman Truck Series. The first Ford win in the Winston Cup Series was won by Jimmy Florian win in 1950. Ford is the leader in all-time Winston Cup manufacturers with 539 victories. Ford drivers racing in the Winston Cup Series in 2003: Dave Blaney, Brett Bodine, Todd Bodine, Jeff Burton, Kurt Busch, Dale Jarrett, Matt Kenseth, Mark Martin, Ricky Rudd and Elliott Sadler.
Tip: Pontiac In 2002, Pontiac had five victories in the Winston Cup Series, one of which was Johnny Benson's first win in the series. For 2003, Ricky Craven and Mike Skinner will join the Pontiac family of drivers. The first Winston Cup Series win for a Pontiac came when Cotton Owens won on the old beach course at Daytona in 1957. Since then, the manufacturer has earned a total of 154 Winston Cup victories. Pontiac drivers racing in the Winston Cup Series in 2003: Johnny Benson, Jerry Nadeau, Ricky Craven, Larry Foyt and Mike Skinner. Category: In the Grandstands Subcategory: The Do s and Don ts Tip: Do - Bring Binoculars It is a good idea to bring a pair of binoculars to the race, no matter where you are sitting. This way it will be easier to see the drivers, teams and cars up close, especially at a large track. Tip: Do - Wear Sunglasses Between track glare and exhaust fumes, a race weekend can be hard on your eyes. For this reason, sunglasses are usually a good idea because they will provide some relief during the many hours spent outside. Tip: Don't - Throw Anything Do not throw anything onto the track or into the grandstands. If you are caught doing this, security guards will kick you out of the track with no refund. Subcategory: The Fans Tip: Fitting In If you have never been to a race and you want to fit in with the crowd around you, the best thing to do is keep quiet for a while and listen to the people around you. You can also cheer for your favorite driver and take part in some of the conversations around you. Another way to fit into the crowd is to dress like the other fans. To do this, you can wear a t-shirt or a hat with a driver's logo on it.
Tip: Neighbors When viewing from the grandstands, you have no choice but to make friends with the people sitting next to you. This is because the seats are located so close to one another. Subcategory: Watching the Race Tip: From the Fence If you want to see the speed of the cars up close, be sure to take a look at the track from the fence at the bottom of the grandstands during practice. If you look at the cars straight on, all you will see is a colourful blur, so it is wise to either watch them coming toward you or as they are going away. But be warned, from this position, you will be standing in the great wind made as the cars go by, and with this wind comes the blowing rubber off of the tires. When you return to your seat, you more then likely will be covered in streaks of black. Category: Merchandise Subcategory: Accessories Tip: Crew Chief Watches For around $70, you can purchase a Crew Chief Series watch from your favorite driver. On the face of the watch is the driver's car number and a replica signature on a team-colored background. Both styles for men and women are available. Tip: Schedule Watches For about $70, there are watches available that digitally contain the schedule for the Winston Cup Series. The watch contains information such as, track location, race time and even what network will broadcast the program. An alarm can also be programmed to play the American National Anthem at the start of each race. Subcategory: Headwear Tip: Caps For around $20, you can purchase a cap featuring your favorite driver. There is a wide variety of styles available for many of the drivers. Caps typically include driver's replica autograph, car number and/or primary sponsor.
Subcategory: Home & Office Tip: Nascar Facts & Fun Daily 2003 Calendar I just purchased the Nascar Facts & Fun Daily 2003 Calendar before the new year and was not disappointed. Inside it were several driver's biographies, information on every track, a description about each of NASCAR's series and top-10 lists that feature the top ten drivers from each year dating back to 1949. The part that I find best about this calendar, is that I can learn a little piece of information each day and it doesn't require me to spend more than a minute to do so. Category: On the Track Subcategory: Flags Tip: Black Flag When the black flag is waved at a driver, that driver must then pull into the pits because of either a problem with the car making it unsafe to the driver(s) or another infraction, such as rough driving. Tip: Black with White X The black flag with a white 'X' on it is shown if a driver does not pit within five laps of receiving the black flag. The flag means NASCAR officials are no longer scoring the driver until they obey the previous black flag and pit. Tip: Red with Yellow 'X' When the NASCAR official waves the red flag with a yellow 'x' on it at the end of pit lane, it signifies to the drivers that pit road is closed. This can be either due to an accident in or near the pits or because the pace car has not yet picked up the pack. Tip: Yellow The yellow flag is also known as the caution flag. The yellow flag indicates that the drivers must slow down and proceed around the track with caution. During a caution, the pace car will come on to the track and lead the cars until the race is ready to be restarted. Category: The Basics of a NASCAR Race
Subcategory: The Basics of a NASCAR Race Tip: Different Brands Race Currently, the only manufacturers authorized to compete in NASCAR are General Motors, Ford, Dodge and Toyota. The individual models are Chevy Monte Carlos, Impala SS (Car Of Tomorrow), and Silverado (Truck Series). For Ford it's the Fusion and Taurus (Busch Series) and the F-Series (Truck). Dodge has the Charger and the Avenger (Car Of Tomorrow) and the Ram in the Truck series. Toyota is the Camry and the Tundra in the Truck Series. Typically models only models less then two years old are allowed to compete in the Nextel Cup series. Tip: How the Teams Get There Racecars are brought to the track in transporters or haulers'. The haulers are normal 18 wheel tractor-trailers that have been specially modified to provide a shop of wheels' for teams. The haulers carry two racecars to the track, the primary and the backup, both carried overhead. The rest of the trailer is modified with cabinets, a workbench, storage and a lounge area for crewmembers and drivers. Because the haulers attract a great deal of attention wherever they go, as much planning and perpetration go into the paint schemes on the massive rigs and the racecars themselves. Category: The Basics of NASCAR Subcategory: The Basics of NASCAR Tip: The Divisions of NASCAR NASCAR consists of three national series: The Nextel Cup Series, The Busch Series and the Craftsman Truck Series. NASCAR also oversees four regional series as well. The NASCAR Grand National Division, which is divided into the Busch East and West Series race cars similar to the Busch Series. NASCAR also sanctions two open wheel series: the Whelen Modified Tour and the Whelen Southern Modified Tour. There is also the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, a local grassroots division. The Nextel Cup Series is the most popular and is known as the top-tier' series. Nextel Cup racecars are based on newer model cars. The Busch Series is akin to a triple A' baseball team. The Busch Series is currently the second most popular form of motorsports in America behind the Nextel Cup series. The Craftsman Truck Series has the shortest season of all the National touring series and a small but ever growing loyal fan base. The racecars used in the Busch Series are similar to those of the Nextel Cup series with the biggest differences being a short wheelbase and a larger spoiler. The Nextel Cup series is transitioning to the Car Of Tomorrow and when that happens, most likely in 2008, the Busch Series cars will truly be in a league of their own. The Craftsman Truck Series race newer model pick-up trucks, highly modified, naturally, for racing.
Tip: The NASCAR Points System Points in all three of NASCAR's major system have all been awarded the same way since 1975. Bob Latford, who was a pubic relations official at what was then known as Charlotte Motor Speedway and now known as Lowes Motor Speedway, developed the system. The system awards points from first place to 43 rd, or 36 th in the Craftsman Truck Series. The number one finisher is awarded 185 points. Second place 170-15 points back. From the third to the sixth place positions the separation is five points (sixth place is awarded 150). From seventh to eleventh the separation is four points. Three points separate positions twelfth until the end. Five bonus points are also awarded for leading a lap and leading the most laps during a race. NASCAR determines who is leading each lap at the finish line. In other words, a driver who makes a pass for the lead along the backstretch must still be leading when they cross the finish line in order to be credited with leading a lap and gaining the five bonus points. Only the driver who starts the race is awarded the points for that race. Several examples of relief drivers have appeared through the years. In 2006, two-time champion Tony Stewart who had sustained an injury the week prior, started a race at Dover International Speedway. Early in the race, driver Ricky Rudd replaced Stewart. Stewart was awarded the points for the race as if he had finished Rudd was not. In addition to driver points there are also owners points. Owner points are scored the same as driver points, the exception being that the owner keeps the points the racecar scores no matter who drives it. Category: Tracks Subcategory: A - C Tip: California Speedway California Speedway, which is located on the site of the former Kaiser Steel mill, is a two mile D-shaped oval racetrack. This track, which is found in Fontana, California, hosts six major racing weekends. It has 14 degree banking in the turns and is a great place to experience the thrills of NASCAR. Tip: Chicagoland Speedway New to NASCAR racing in 2001, Chicagoland Speedway includes 75,000 spectator seats, 37 luxury suites and on-site camping areas. This 1.5 mile tri-oval shaped racetrack is found in Joliet, Illinois, and contains 18 degree banking in the turns. Also, for the fan who prefers to attend a race in their RV, there is long-term parking areas reserved for recreational vehicles.
Subcategory: D - F Tip: Daytona International Speedway It is at Daytona International Speedway that NASCAR's major series kick off each year in February. This 2.5 mile tri-oval shaped track is found in Daytona Beach, Florida and is the home of races such as the Daytona 500, Pepsi 400, and many other races for several other series. It has 31 degree banking in the turns. Tip: Dover International Speedway With a nickname like "The Monster Mile", it is no surprise that fan continue to flock to Dover International Speedway. This one mile oval-shaped track is found in Dover, Delaware and has seating for more than 140,000 fans. It has 24 degree banking in the turns and hosts some of the largest crowds found between New York and North Carolina. Subcategory: G - L Tip: Gateway International Raceway Gateway International Raceway, which is able to host almost any form of major-league racing, can be found in Madison, Illinois. This 1.25 mile egg-shaped oval track, features two unique sets of turns with 11 9 degree banking in either end. The facility also contains a road course and a drag strip. Tip: Infineon Raceway Found in the heart of the Sonoma Valley, Infineon Raceway (formerly known as Sears Point Raceway) is surrounded by one of the top wine-producing regions in the world. This two mile track is one of the two road courses visited by the NASCAR Winston Cup Series each year. The raceway first opened in California in 1968. Subcategory: M - P Tip: Mesa Marin Raceway Mesa Marin Raceway, located in Bakersfield, California is the birthplace of the Craftsman Truck Series. It had hosted a roll-out event in 1994 featuring the now famous trucks. This 0.5 mile track is oval-shaped and features 17 degree banking in the turns. Tip: Nazareth Speedway Originally a semi-banked dirt track, Nazareth Speedway had been built in 1966. For the 70s, the racetrack had laid dormant, hosting only special events before filing for
backruptcy. Then, in 1986, Penske Speedway, Inc. purchased the facility and began renovations to improve track conditions like. The new one mile track would have 3 4 6 degree banking in the turns and would again start to attract motorsport fans. Tip: Pikes Peak International Raceway With seating for over 42,000 fans Pikes Peak International Raceway is a fan favorite because the entire track is visible from nearly every seat. This one mile oval-shaped track is found in Fountain, Colorado and features 10 degree banking in the turns. The raceway also contains a 1.3-mile road course complete with grandstand seating. Tip: Pocono Raceway Races held at Pocono Raceway are always filled with fender-to-fender action and more often then not contain a photo-finish ending. This 2.5 mile tri-oval shaped track features three turns, each with a different degree banking (14 8 6 degrees), and three straights, all of which are different lengths. Category: Watching a NASCAR Race Subcategory: Watching a NASCAR Race Tip: Keeping the Wheels Straight A track bar is a bar that runs between the rear wheels on a racecar and helps keep the rear tires centered under the car. It connects the rear axle on one side and the frame on the other. These are sometimes referred to as panhard' bars. If a crew can't correct a loose or tight condition using wedge, then they will adjust the track bar. Tip: Who Let the Dogs Out? Every racecar in a NASCAR race obviously has to complete the required number of laps in a race. If there are 500 laps in a race then you have to go the entire 500 laps. But sometimes cars will lose laps. They may be forced into the pits for repairs or they just may not be fast enough and get lapped by the field. Whatever the case, just because a car loses a lap doesn't mean their race is over. In fact the history of NASCAR has several races where the winner was able to make up a lap, or even two. There was a time when NASCAR allowed cars to make up a lap by racing back to the yellow flag when a caution came out. If the leader were just past a car that was a lap down, the lap down car would try to pass the leader before the start/finish line and get their lap back. If the car just a lap down were a teammate to the leader, the leader would often slow down and allow his teammate to make up a lap. There was also a gentlemen's agreement' that the leader would allow those cars who were a lap down to pass him and
get back on the lead lap. The leader would slow and allow cars to pass before he crossed the start/finish line. As NASCAR became more competitive however, this gentlemen's agreement' wasn't adhered to and this led to a lot of bad blood between competitors. The practice was also considered by many to be very unsafe. When the caution came out, safety vehicles were forced to wait while the field raced back to the line, if a driver was injured this delayed help getting to him. Then in September 2003 during a race at New Hampshire International Raceway, driver Dale Jarrett spun on the front stretch his car ended up sideways blocking part of the track. As the field raced back to the caution several cars barely avoided Jarrett. The following week NASCAR instituted a rule that froze' the field when the caution came out. In effect whatever position the car was in when the caution came out was where they were scored. As a compromise of the old practice of getting a lap back as a caution came out, NASCAR now allows the first car one lap down an opportunity to get their lap back via the free pass' rule. This rule is most widely known as the Lucky Dog' rule. This creates excitement for the cars that are a lap down, as they will race to try and be the first car one lap down, creating a race within a race'. Why is it called the Lucky Dog'? The first race that the new rule was used at Dover International Speedway on September 21, 2003. Driver Jimmy Spencer whose sponsor logo featured a dog was given the free pass'. One of the television commentators called Spencer the Lucky Dog'. The rule has been This rule refers to the car that's the first one a lap down. As a race unfolds cars can lose laps, the field passes them. Every time a caution period happens on the track, NASCAR will allow the first car one lap down will be allowed to pass the pace car and go to the rear of the field getting themselves back onto the lead lap.