The Physics of NASCAR: How to Make Steel + Gas + Rubber = Speed

Every NASCAR fan at one time or another asks the same question: Why isnt my favorite driver winning? This is your chance to discover how much more there is to NASCAR than Go fast, turn left and dont crash. If youve ever wondered why racecars dont have mufflers, how bump drafting works, or what in the world Lets go up a pound on the right rear and add half a round of wedge means, The Physics of NASCAR is for you.

In this fast-paced investigation into the adrenaline-pumping world of NASCAR, a physicist with a passion uncovers what happens when the rubber hits the road and 800-horsepower vehicles compete at 190 miles per hour only inches from one another.

Diandra Leslie-Pelecky reveals how and why drivers trust the engineering and science their teams literally build around them not only to get them across the finish line in first place, but also to keep them alive. Professor Leslie-Pelecky is a physicist in love with the sports beauty and power and is uniquely qualified to explain exactly how physics translates into winning races.

Based on the authors extensive access to race shops, pit crews, crew chiefs and mechanics, this book traces the life cycle of a race car from behind the scenes at top race shops to the track. The Physics of NASCAR takes readers right into the ultra competitive world of NASCAR, from the champion drivers hot seat behind the detachable steering wheel to the New Zealander nicknamed Kiwi in charge of shocks for the No. 19 car.

Diandra Leslie-Pelecky tells her story in terms anyone who drives a car (and maybe occasionally looks under the hood) can understand. How do drivers walk away from serious crashes? How can two cars travel fastertogether than either car can on its own? How do you dress for a 1800F gasoline fire? In simple yet detailed, high-octane prose, this is the ultimate thrill ride for armchair speed demons, auto science buffs, and NASCAR fans at every level of interest.

Readers, start your engines.

"Having caught, by chance, the broadcast of a multi-car NASCAR crash on television, Nebraska University physics professor Leslie-Pelecky found herself compelled to understand why it happened. Soon, a growing list of scientific questions ('How do you build an engine...that can run at 9,000 rpm for three hours without blowing up?') steer her to meetings with engineers, ground crews and drivers who work together 'at the limits of what we understand about aerodynamics, structural engineering and even human physiology.' The first part of the book deals with materials, and looks at how combustion, power and aerodynamics work together to maximize speed. But it's the driver and his crew who win the race, and Leslie-Pelecky gets plenty of time with the men behind the machines, joining Ray Evernham's crew to watch him race, and taking a turn behind the wheel herself. Along the way, the nanotech specialist becomes an unlikely racing fan; this fun physics primer should give any NASCAR aficionado a similar appreciation for science." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Leslie-Pelecky (physics, U. of Texas at Dallas) takes a behind-the- wheel and under-the-hood look at NASCAR racing in this well-written and readable discussion of what it takes to make those cars roar. From sheet metal to finished product, the book provides an understanding via physics that race fans and car enthusiasts will find interesting and informative. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

A physicist in love with NASCAR's beauty and power explains exactly how it works in terms anyone who drives a car--and maybe occasionally looks under the hood--can understand. Illustrated.

Diandra Leslie-Pelecky is Professor of Physics at The University of Texas at Dallas, where she researches biomedical nanomaterials. Dr. Leslie-Pelecky has published widely on her academic research and improving science education at all levels. This is her first book.