Richard Buck, managing director of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, and The Weather Channel’s Kait Parker break down how and why temperature affects the science of racing.
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“In NASCAR, track temperature is everything,” Parker explains. “If the track is too hot, the oil seeps out of the asphalt and it makes it greasy and it’s tough for the tires to grip. If it’s too cold, the tires can be too hard and then you also have a problem driving. You want a happy medium.”
On-track activity isn’t the only way temperature can factor into racing. With temperatures that can range upward to 130 degrees inside the vehicles, Buck says the athletes behind the wheel must deal with the fluctuating weather, too.