Nascar

[old2soon]

      At The Circuit of The Americas finish was Nothing short of FANTASTIC! Bumpin and bangin just before the finish line on the last lap!  Normally you git finishes like that on short tracks. This was on a road course. Now they Need to git rid of stages and just let em RACE!  RIDE SAFE.

[f6john]

I didn’t watch the race except for the last 10 laps. And it was a very eventful 10 laps. But I did make a few other observations that may or may not be correct. They said that the new cars being used this year are bodied to look much more like the factory cars, which I agree, and I like the change, just wish Dodge would get back in the game. In one interior shot it looked like the driver was shifting a sequential transmission instead of the old H pattern. That would be a big change for NASCAR if what I saw is true. Sequential transmissions for cars are quite expensive. I checked to see if I could get a sequential transmission for my Corvette and yes I can, it was $25k back then. Then I noticed what appeared to me to be a major change in the wheels being used, instead of steel wheels, they had what appeared to be aluminum multi spoke wheels similar in appearance to wheels you see on the street. Finally, I noticed what appeared to me to be a major change in the rear suspension. In those final laps one of the cars involved in the wreck had taken a hit in the right rear and the tire and wheel were laying over at the top a bunch but still able to roll right along. No way that would be possible if they were using the old 9” Ford rear axles of years gone by. I also had previously heard that they are using rack and pinion steering instead of the old style but not sure if this is a brand new development or not. All good changes as far as I’m concerned.

[scooperhsd]

There's more that you missed -

Wheels are using only 1 giant nut in the center, instead of 5 "normal ones " ( like F1 uses)

more aerodynamic changes. (at least one is below the car )

Cars are now Fuel injected, with more complex computers (I don't know how they are restricting computers being re-programmed).

And there is probably more ....

[Willow]

... In those final laps one of the cars involved in the wreck had taken a hit in the right rear and the tire and wheel were laying over at the top a bunch but still able to roll right along. No way that would be possible if they were using the old 9” Ford rear axles of years gone by. ...

I only saw the ending also but one of the announcers mentioned adjustable camber.  That is likely especially meaningful on the road tracks, multiple turns both ways.

I prefer watching a road track that is wide enough to allow real passing.

[old2soon]

... In those final laps one of the cars involved in the wreck had taken a hit in the right rear and the tire and wheel were laying over at the top a bunch but still able to roll right along. No way that would be possible if they were using the old 9” Ford rear axles of years gone by. ...

I only saw the ending also but one of the announcers mentioned adjustable camber.  That is likely especially meaningful on the road tracks, multiple turns both ways.

I prefer watching a road track that is wide enough to allow real passing.

        Carl NASCAR has been preaching equality and level playing field for a number of years now. While the Drivers dislike conga lines-think superspeedways-NASCAR seems happy with it. ALWAYS at least a couple of "BIG ONES" at Daytona and Talladega.    And now add Atlanta to the conga line list!    Personally I am NOT a conga line fan on racetracks. RIDE SAFE.

[f6john]

There's more that you missed -

Wheels are using only 1 giant nut in the center, instead of 5 "normal ones " ( like F1 uses)

more aerodynamic changes. (at least one is below the car )

Cars are now Fuel injected, with more complex computers (I don't know how they are restricting computers being re-programmed).

And there is probably more ....

All positive changes. I probably would have caught the one spindle nut if I had seen any pit action. I think they did have one pit during the caution laps but I got up to get a drink or something. I may look in on NASCAR again soon to see all the good stuff.

[RDKLL]

I dont believe it was mentioned...if it was I apologize. Independent rear suspension. I have not watched this many races in a season for YEARS! I love the new car, I love the parity between the big teams and the small teams, I love that NASCAR "seems" to be making it very costly for teams to "message" parts. There have been some SERIOUS fines and penalties to keep everyone on the right path.