Race Track Physics

Newton's Laws and Racing

Race Track Forces

Practical examples of Newton's laws are easy to find. One set of examples is found in the very popular sport of NASCAR racing. Our goal is to find how each of Newton's Laws applies to a race car on a particular race track. When we have figured this out we will use a map of Richmond International Raceway to track a race car around the track. We will diagram the forces working on the car at a speed of your choosing at various parts of the raceway. We will need to diagram the forces for at least two spots on each section of the track (Turn 1, Turn 2, Backstretch, Turn 3, Turn 4, and the Start/Finish straightaway.

For the purposes of these calculations we will ignore the aerodynamic forces of the moving car through the air and those of friction. We will be concerned with those forces related to straight line and circular motion. We will want to work on analyzing how much force is required to sustain a car moving at race speeds. How much force is required to turn the corners? How much force is required to accelerate to higher speeds? How much force is required to slow for the turns? We want to know what the source of these forces are and in what direction they are acting.

After we have calculated the forces in the previous paragraph and illustrated them, I want you to describe what the impact of the aerodynamics of the cars and the friction of the cars will be on the racetrack. You need not calculate these forces but I want descriptions of the way they will act upon those forces you have already calculated.

This work is to be done in groups of two students. Each student will be assessed with the same grade so it is important that the quality of the work submitted meet the expectation of both students.

Track Facts

LENGTH: Three-Quarter Mile, measured 15 feet in from retaining wall.

SHAPE: "D" Shaped Oval

WIDTH: Constant 60-foot width with 10-foot apron.

BANKING: 14 Degrees in turns, 8 degrees at starting line, 2 degrees on 860 foot back stretch, Front Stretch is 1290 feet

PIT ROAD: 64-foot width with 43 pit stalls 28' x 19'
Turn Radius:

Turn 1 and 4-1198.68

Turn 2 and 3-365.00
For the purposes of this exercise consider the Start/Finish line portion of the track between turn 4 and turn 1 to be straight rather than the gradual curve that it is.