The handbrake turn, an essential maneuvering skill

There aren’t too many opportunities in civilian driving that would bring out a driver’s potential. In racing, there are a whole lot. One of the most useful moves in maneuvering, for instance, is the handbrake turn.

In driving, the turning dynamics would require the driver to slow down to a lower speed, shift the gear to a lower speed, turn the wheel at a necessary angle, and then proceed with acceleration. In civilian driving, this is highly acceptable, and in fact, it is the rule on the road.

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However, in professional car racing, there is a need to save time, as decisions need to be made in split seconds to attain the goal of winning the race. The handbrake turn is used to intentionally slide a car sideways, especially when negotiating a sharp turn on the track.

It starts off when the driver, by way of steering, shifts most of the vehicle’s weight to one side of the car. Then he pulls on the handbrake to lock the rear wheels of the car, thereby removing the adhesion of the tires on the road surface. This way, the sideways force makes the car turn quickly.

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This is a very useful move in racing, as it becomes quite time-saving, even if it is measured in split seconds. In racing, this much time saved is gold, and it also gives the driver the chance to overcome obstacles without risking being overtaken by other opponents.

Steve B. Liefschultz is a NASCAR fan who consistently follows racing competitions. For more on car racing, read this blog.

Working Your Clutch The Right Way

America’s cars are mostly driven with automatic transmission. There are only a few stick shift cars used on public roads. This makes things rather difficult for the aspiring racer. The real racers out there would argue that being a competent race car driver would entail that you begin your learning by mastering the methods of using the clutch in manually driven cars. Here are a few tips.

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1. Find the sweet spot

There is always that clutch height at which your car will start to move forward even without you stepping on the gas. Be very comfortable and familiar with this level because this first step is essential to mastery. When you’re a beginner, do a series of repetitions on a comfortable stretch of concrete by alternating between reverse and first gear. This also creates the habit of using the clutch to bring the car to a full stop.

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2. Don’t ride the clutch pedal.

Once you’re a master at the initial bursts of forward movement, you’re now ready to go for longer stretches. This would entail shifting up and shifting down. It is crucial that you develop the habit of letting your foot off the clutch pedal when you are committed to accelerating on gear. Riding the clutch is a half-baked way of driving that wears down on your clutch system, which is bad for your car.

3. Brake first before engaging the clutch.

A lot of new stick shift drivers make the mistake of engaging the clutch right away when coming to a full stop. After a stretch, slow down your vehicle by removing your foot off the gas pedal and pressing on the brakes, once the car is almost about to stop, that’s when you step on the clutch.

Steve B. Liefschultz is a NASCAR enthusiast who loves competitive racing. Discover more of his passions and read his blog here.

Controlled chaos: The importance of NASCAR pit crews

A NASCAR race lasts about one-and-a-half to four hours. With endurance and precision needed in the marathon-like 400 lap-race, mistakes that can lessen a lap time by even just tenths of a second must be minimized. 

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This is how important a pit stop can be. 

Drivers come off the oval and enter the pit lane an average of six to eight times every race, depending on the length of the track, the number of laps, and how the vehicle handle the heat of the race. 

During a pit stop, the fuel tank is refilled, the amount of which is based on what strategy the team is employing. Putting in too much can decrease the amount of pit stop needed but increase the car’s weight; refilling with a few will do the opposite. The tires can also be replaced as treads can be worn out by the miles of riding on the asphalt. If needed, some other minor repairs or tweaks can be performed on the car. 

All of these are done simultaneously and as quickly as possible. With the littlest delay on the pits spelling the difference between finishing first or tenth, a stop should not take more than 12 seconds.

In the chaos, any semblance of control is needed. This can be achieved not only through an efficient strategy but also by having the pit crew train as hard as possible.

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My name is Steve B. Liefschultz, a part-time web developer and a full-time NASCAR fan. If you’re looking for someone to discuss the races and the sport with, follow me on Twitter.

Vintage Chevys: The Perfect Restoration Project

There are but a few who are able to appreciate the fact that automotive restoration is part and parcel of the business of artistic expression. The traditional painter takes to his brush and begins to work his magic on his piece. Following the same logic, the car restorer treats an old roughed-up has been of a car as a clean sheet of canvas, where the creative possibilities are endless.

 Image source: livingpictures.org

A popular choice for many junkyard warriors in search of the next worthwhile project can be any one from the family of old model Chevrolet cars and pick-up trucks which have been outgrown by their owners. Because of their age, they fit the profile of the once popular vehicle in its heyday that hopelessly begs for the chance to be worthy of the road again.

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Condemned vintage Chevys are oftentimes attention-grabbers because of what seems to be a genetic sleekness to their body design. They can be described as having the appealingly perfect mix of curves and angles in the right places that are waiting to be accentuated with the perfect coat of a wet-look paint job.

A fresh set of white side-walled tires on a rejuvenated Chevy is easily reminiscent of the days when Elvis Presley used to rock the world. The simplistic headlamps, the round side mirrors and chrome plated bumpers seem to exemplify the expression on the faces of youths on the verge of crying for liberation.

Restoration is the car enthusiast’s contribution to the noble intention of bringing back the former glory of something which has died off into oblivion, so unfairly. If it’s done on an old Chevy, it’s twice the charm.

Steve B. Liefschultz is in search of the next Chevy restoration project. Discover more of his passions and read his blog here.

Law Of The Land: NASCAR Race Rules

As with all kinds of sporting competitions, NASCAR has its own set of rules to ensure fair play and safety. Let’s take a closer look at the important rules in NASCAR. 

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For changing cars and drivers

NASCAR only allows one car to be used from the start of practice to the end of the actual race. However, if a car is crashed before the race proper, teams are allowed to use a backup car. Backup cars, though, start behind all the other cars. The same rule applies when changing drivers. If a team changes drivers, the new drivers start behind all other drivers. 

For the points system

There are two championships at NASCAR, one for the drivers and one for the owners. Points are rewarded per position, with a single point separating each position, except for winners and first runners-up. First and second-placers are separated by four points. There are also additional points for the driver who leads the most laps. 

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For the flags

NASCAR uses several flags. A green flag signifies the start (or restart) of a race. A yellow flag signals caution, most often because of an accident. If there is a major accident, or if the weather makes conditions hazardous for drivers, then a red flag is shown. Of course checkered flags are seen when the race or qualifying is done. 

Steve B. Liefschultz is a web developer and a die-hard NASCAR fan. For more discussion on NASCAR, follow this Twitter account.

Fit For The Wheel: Physical Conditioning For Race Car Drivers

No matter the sport, the hardworking athlete usually wins. Motor racing is no different. What does it take to be a winner? Drivers need skill, preparation, motivation, and even the right equipment to win a race.

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Racing is mentally and physically demanding. Drivers have to think of ways to make their car go faster, overtake the car in front of them, and a lot more. Moreover, if a driver lacks stamina, his or her team’s overall performance may suffer.

Drivers have specially-designed workouts. These programs are designed to fit their goals and needs. A lot of drivers have programs that strengthen their arms and legs, since driving can put a lot of pressure on their shoulders, arms, and lower extremities.

 Image source: usatoday.com

They also undergo strength training programs that help them endure the effects of car heat. Nope, majority of drivers do not turn on the air conditioning while on track. Drivers deal with heat in different ways, and these programs can help them resist the tiring and dehydrated feeling while they are on the track.

Nutrition is also important for race car drivers. Their last meal can make a difference on their condition while in the race. Eating the right food can help them maintain focus and energy.

I’m Steve B. Liefschultz, a full-time web developer and die-hard NASCAR fan. Let’s talk about race tracks and cars when you follow me on Twitter.

Starting Line: a Brief History Of Nascar

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The National Association for Stock Car Racing, more commonly known as NASCAR, officially began on February 21, 1948. Now, almost seventy years later, NASCAR has become an industry worth billions. But how did it start?

William “Bill” France, Sr. was a mechanic who also owned an automobile-repair shop in Washington, D.C. In the mid-30s, he moved to Daytona Beach, Florida, the mecca of racing in the United States East Coast. He lived a life that revolved around racing and promoting races. France noticed how promoters could make off with prizes, and realized then and there that there had to be an organized committee to oversee racing in general in the area. Along with other racers and promoters, he set up NASCAR, and became its first president.

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In 1972, William France, Jr., became president of NASCAR after Bill stepped down. It was William Jr. who turned NASCAR from regional sensation to a sport with a global following. From 1973 to 2007, NASCAR flourished under William Jr.’s leadership. William France, Jr. was also responsible for introducing NASCAR to a whole new line-up of huge corporate sponsors. It was also the younger France who brought in TV deals worth billions of dollars.

Steve B. Liefschultz has been a really big NASCAR fan since he saw the 2007 Nextel Cup Series. He has a large die-cast NASCAR collection with over a hundred models. Learn more about NASCAR and Steve by visiting his Facebook page.

How NASCAR Drivers Prepare for the Chase

It has been a hot debate whether stock car drivers, particularly NASCAR drivers, are considered athletes. A sports celebrity once heated up this argument by commenting that an individual who just sits inside and drives the car don’t make him an athlete. However, these professional drivers have proven otherwise.

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 Stock-car racing is not a regular daily drive. Drivers are in the race for four to five hours, and most locations where the competitions are held have extremely high weather temperatures. The temperature inside the driver’s cockpit can reach up to 120 F. Plus, drivers steer and maneuver a 3,400-pound car in a very challenging track with sharp curves and bumps, not to mention avoiding these obstacles with a lot of other vehicles in the way.

Just like other athletes, NASCAR drivers take their physical training seriously. The overall training focuses on strength and endurance. Endurance helps drivers in surviving the extreme conditions during the race. The lack of oxygen in the driver’s cockpit is a major concern. Since the cars are designed for optimum speed, not comfort, the air does not properly circulate inside. The drivers need to adjust with the amount of oxygen available. In their physical conditioning, aerobic exercises are needed to help improve oxygen synthesis in the body.

A strength program such as weight lifting also plays a vital role in drivers’ preparation. This helps them acquire the strength they need for handling the vehicle, steering the wheels, and making those sharp turns. This also helps drivers to bear with strong forces brought about by excessive G-forces.
NASCAR drivers perform these training along with proper nutrition and sufficient rest to reach their optimal physical and mental condition needed for the big chase.

Image source: fan4racing.com

My name is Steve Liefschultz, a part-time Web developer, and full-time NASCAR fan. During race seasons, you could hardly find me at home but you can always connect with me on Twitter.

NASCAR for the Uninitiated: Different Racing Tracks

The Sprint Cup series is the most famous racing series; one, because many of the leading drivers from the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racers (NASCAR) and two, is because it's televised on Fox, TNT, and ESPN.

While many enthusiasts pride themselves on knowledge of cars and drivers, avid fans should also take note of the kind of racing tracks involved. Below are the most common tracks used in the Sprint Cup: 

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Short tracks

As the name suggests, short tracks encompass the shortest distance, never going over a mile in length. Short tracks are popular because of close races and (occasionally) car wrecks. Some of the popular short tracks include Bristol Motor Speedway, a 0.533-mile with 24 to 30-degree turns, and Martinsville Speedway (the shortest at 0.526-mile), which is shaped like a paper clip. 

Intermediate tracks

Intermediate tracks are over a mile in length but do not exceed 2 miles. Some of the tracks in this category are ovals, but most are tri or quad-oval, which allows for a better vantage point of the races. An example of an intermediate track is the Darlington Speedway, notable for its unique egg-shaped layout.

Super speedways

Once a track goes over 2 miles, it is considered as a super speedway. Michigan International Speedway measures exactly 2 miles and is oval shaped. Other racetracks in this category have more distinctive shapes such as the Pocono Raceway, a 2,5-mile triangular track. 

Road courses

 

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What differentiates road courses from the others on this list is that it comprises of both left and right-hand turns. This is opposed to a regular oval track, which only has left-hand turns. Two road courses are employed during the Sprint Cup, and these are the Sonoma Raceway (California) and Watkins Glen International (New York). 

Hey there! I am Steve B. Liefschultz, avid NASCAR fan. Subscribe to my blog for all things racing.

Running (and debugging) the World: The Tasks of a Computer Programmer

Being a programmer is more than just about spending hours coding in front of a well-lit computer. For those in the tech industry, programmers are minds that build the computing world. Programmers create apps and programs, computer language, and operating systems that are backbones of other technologies, which are in turn crucial to industries. 

Computer programmers turn thoughts into reality. When a developer makes software, the programmer creates codes that will make the program function. They create software that can run on different gadgets like tablets and smartphones as well. Programmers are also responsible for removing errors, installing updates, and testing for bugs. 

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There are two types of programmers: systems programmers and application programmers. Application programmers customize and upgrade software programs that will fit a certain programs. System programmers create operating systems, taking on a more holistic approach on how applications can work well in computers. 

If you want to be a successful computer programmer, you must be able to recognize (and communicate) through computer languages like HTML, Java, or C-programming, among others. It is also important that you earn a Bachelor’s or Associate Degree in Technology, Computer Programming, or Computer Engineering. 

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Programmers must be willing to constantly learn new languages, programs, and techniques. After all, technology is ever changing. Competition is tough when it comes to programming, so you have to be geared for “war” if you want to survive and maintain your position in the industry. 

Steve B. Liefschultz here. Know more about NASCAR and computer programming when you follow me on Twitter.