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A physicist explores the science of speed racing and the #1 spectator sport in America in the perfect gift for both NASCAR and science fans.
Every NASCAR fan—at one time or another—asks the same question: Why isn’t my favorite driver winning? This is your chance to discover how much more there is to NASCAR than “Go fast, turn left and don’t crash.” If you’ve ever wondered why racecars don’t have mufflers, how “bump drafting” works, or what in the world “Let’s go up a pound on the right rear and add half a round of wedge” means, The Physics of NASCAR is for you.
In this fast-paced investigation into the adrenaline-pumping world of NASCAR, a physicist with a passion uncovers what happens when the rubber hits the road and 800-horsepower vehicles compete at 190 miles per hour only inches from one another.
Diandra Leslie-Pelecky tells her story in terms anyone who drives a car—and maybe occasionally looks under the hood–can understand. How do drivers walk away from serious crashes? How can two cars travel faster together than either car can on its own? How do you dress for a 1800°F gasoline fire? In simple yet detailed, high-octane prose, this is the ultimate thrill ride for armchair speed demons, auto science buffs, and NASCAR fans at every level of interest.
Readers, start your engines.
Publisher : Plume
Publication date : January 27, 2009
Edition : Reprint
Language : English
Print length : 300 pages
ISBN-10 : 0452290228
ISBN-13 : 978-0452290228
Item Weight : 10.2 ounces
Dimensions : 5.47 x 0.69 x 8.36 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #478,956 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #50 in Motor Sports (Books) #77 in Automotive Racing #129 in Automotive Engineering (Books)
Customer Reviews: 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 301 ratings var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
Customers say
Customers find the book informative and easy to read, with one review noting it takes readers from first grade through college science. Moreover, the writing style is accessible, with one customer mentioning it’s written at a high school physics level. Additionally, they appreciate the book’s technical details and find it interesting, with one review highlighting its value for NASCAR fans of all ages. The physics content receives positive feedback, with one customer specifically praising its coverage of aero dynamism.
