ORLANDO, Fla. – “Drivers, start your engines!” is one of the most iconic phrases in all of sports.
For many, weekends are often centered around racing, whether on a dirt track or asphalt. And for some, Sunday afternoons are always reserved for watching NASCAR and rooting for their favorite driver.
However, in addition to the extensive technical and engineering work done on the cars, weather conditions can significantly influence the race’s outcome.
Rain occurring between qualifying and the actual race can introduce significant changes to the track. During practice and qualifying sessions, rubber accumulates on the track, creating a smoother surface for race day. However, rain can wash away much of this rubber, resulting in a slightly rougher and more abrasive track surface. Consequently, this increased roughness can accelerate tire wear for teams during the race.
Rain and thunderstorms are less than ideal for a racing weekend, especially for NASCAR events, as they can’t run on wet road surfaces except for road courses. NASCAR tires feature a slick tread pattern without grooves or sipes. This design maximizes contact between the tire and the racetrack, optimizing grip and traction at high speeds.
Track temperature is also a big factor. During a hot day, when the asphalt heats up, the road surface becomes slicker. With stock car tires being bald and lacking tread, a slicker track typically results in reduced grip, leading to slower overall speeds.
Conversely, when the weather is cooler or overcast, tires can achieve their maximum grip and speed capabilities. During these conditions, race crews may opt to add tape to the left side of the grill. This tactic increases engine temperature, enhances downforce, and reduces drag on the front of the car, thereby increasing its speed. However, it’s a risky strategy. Adding too much tape during the race can potentially cause engines to overheat and fail.
For NASCAR fans, it’s important to keep up with the weather. It could determine how much sunscreen to bring for the grandstands or whether to take a poncho along.
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