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.

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.

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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.

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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.

The race continues: Power drivers of 2015

With the Sprint Cup Series nearing the end of the season, it is hard to believe that Brad Keselowski is lagging behind the likes of Joey Logano and Carl Edwards. While Keselowski's season got off to a rocky start, he led early at Phoenix, while having a victorious weekend at the Auto Club 400. The latter weeks, however, saw his sudden decline in rankings with a number of penalties, which until today is widely debated in the racing community. 

Image source: bleacherreport.com

Let us not forget that Keselowski led the Sprint Cup Series with six victories last year. So it’s really hard to understand all of the penalties that NASCAR levied against him, especially in the final stages of the race. 

Meanwhile, currently on the lead is Joey Logano, who recently won his “controversial” sixth victory this season under Team Penske. Currently with 4,000 points, Logano is battling against Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, and Kurt Busch. 

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Despite the controversies, there is no denying Logano’s skill. Like Keselowski, he too became the youngest winner in Sprint Cup Series history when he won the 35-day competition back in 2009. Hence, I am interested to see how things will work out in the last few races in November. 

Hi! I am Steve B. Liefschultz, an avid NASCAR fan and a die-cast cars collector. Visit my blog for more articles on driving and racing.

Between Harvick and Logano: Who Deserves More to Lift the Sprint Cup?

The race to the top of the Sprint Cup series this season has just become even more rigid. While Kevin Harvick currently holds the top spot in the overall rankings, Joey Logano is catching up rather fast. In fact, he just lorded over Harvick last week when he thumped his fellow speedway giant in the Cheez-It 355.

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 After running out of fuel while taking the lead at Pocono with three more laps to go, Logano overtook Harvick on the final turn of the 90-lap race as Harvick ran dry mid-way through the race. Logano fulfilled the first NASCAR weekend sweep at the track after winning the Xfinity race. Additionally, he gave his Roger Penske team their first Cup victory at The Glen. While Logano only ranked outside the top five during the restart, he had the first car off pit road and was the first driver confident enough to make it to the end of the race without the dilemma of low gas levels.

The current table standings are as follows:

1. Kevin Harvick (#4 Chevrolet) - 823 points 
2. Joey Logano (#22 Ford) - 781 points 
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (#88 Chevrolet) - 750 points 
4. Jimmie Johnson (#48 Chevrolet) - 747 points 
5. Brad Keselowski (#2 Ford) - 719 points  

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 My name is Steve B. Liefschultz. I am a fan of NASCAR races and everything else that involves fast cars. Like me on Facebook for more insights about the Sprint Cup and other major racing competitions.

NASCAR Linchpins: Racers on the Current Truck Series Leaderboard

With five more laps to go and a damaged catch fence cutting the race short, pole-sitter Matt Crafton #18 was declared the winner of the UNOH 225 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event on July 9th. This propelled him atop the leaderboard of the said series (417 points), surpassing Erik Jones #4, Ryan Blaney #29, Daniel Suarez #51, and Timothy Peters #17.

While fans like me could make intelligent guesses, none of us can predict who will ultimately bag the silverware in NASCAR’s third-tier race. Racers’ standings are changing by the week and the competition’s highly energetic nature makes things all the more unpredictable. Nevertheless, this gives the tournament extra spice and thrill.

Image source: popularspeed.com

 The victory was the fourth of the season for the two-time defending series champion, who won for the first time in Kentucky. So far, he has already won nine times in his entire career. Overall in the current season, Crafton leads Tyler Reddick by 20 points, and has a 29-point edge over third-ranked Erik Jones. Completing the top eight are Johnny Sauter (359 points), John Wes Townley (330 points), Timothy Peters (322 points), Cameron Hayley (315 points), and Spencer Gallagher (308 points).

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 My name is Steve B. Liefschultz and I have been following NASCAR races since forever. Follow with me on Twitter for updates on our favorite auto racing event.