The Science of NASCAR

Peter Tkacik, Assistant Professor of Engineering, UNC Charlotte

Stock car auto racing (NASCAR) is arguably the top spectator sport in the US.  This seminar will focus on the science of the racing not only NASCAR, but the full range of auto racing worldwide.  How does drafting work?  What do the pit stop adjustments do to the handling of the cars?  Why are race teams spending millions of dollars on computers models of their cars?  In this seminar, we’ll study these questions and more, visit the research labs and race shops, hear from the experts, and do some race car testing for ourselves.  Guided by the questions of the fellows, we will learn the math and science behind racing and combine that with a hands-on experience in order to take as much as possible back to the class room.

Explore curriculum units developed by Fellows in this seminar here.

Participating Fellows