Synopses & Reviews
A physicist explores the science of speed racing With 75 million fans, NASCAR is the #1 spectator sport in America. Now, in The Physics of NASCAR, a scientist explains the intricate and complex way the sport works, in terms that anyone who drives a car?or maybe occasionally looks under the hood?can easily comprehend. Based on her extensive access to NASCAR race shops, drivers, crew chiefs, engine builders, and pit crews during races, Diandra Leslie-Pelecky traces the life cycle of a race car from its creation at top race shops to competing in the door-todoor action of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Review
"NASCAR fans will flock to this book."
- Booklist
"To understand what is happening on the track... you need The Physics of NASCAR."
-The New York Times
"Language sports fans can understand... You'll be as entertained as you are informed."
-The Sporting News
"The people she encounters are fascinating... Even if you are not a NASCAR fan, read The Physics of NASCAR."
-Physics Today
Synopsis
A physicist explores the science of speed racing andthe #1 spectator sport in America, with 75 million fans.
Every NASCAR fan at one time or another asks the same question: Why isn t my favorite driver winning?This is your chance to discover how much more there is to NASCAR than Go fast, turn left and don t crash. If you ve ever wondered why racecars don t have mufflers, how bump drafting works, or what in the world Let s go up a pound on the right rear and add half a round of wedge means, The Physics of NASCARis 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. Leslie-Pelecky is a physicist in love with the sport s beauty and power and is uniquely qualified to explain exactly how physics translates into winning races.
Based on the author s 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 NASCARtakes readers right into the ultra competitive world of NASCAR, from the champion driver s 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 faster together than either car can on its own? How do you dress for a 1800 F 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."
Synopsis
A physicist explores the science of speed racing and the #1 spectator sport in America in the
perfect gift for both NASCAR and science fans, Every NASCAR fan--at one time or another--asks the same question: Why isn't my favorite driver winning? This is your chance to discover how much more there is to NASCAR than "Go fast, turn left and don't crash." If you've ever wondered why racecars don't have mufflers, how "bump drafting" works, or what in the world "Let's 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 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 faster together than either car can on its own? How do you dress for a 1800 F 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.
About the Author
Diandra Leslie-Pelecky is professor of physics at the University of Texas at Dallas. Her research is funded by the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health.