I watch Nascar every week and after a car goes behind the wall you always see two guys pushing the cars to garage with what looks like no effort. Are these car lighter than they look? Anyone have a idea on how much they weigh? just curious.
How much does a Nascar car weigh?
joels
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I watch Nascar every week and after a car goes behind the wall you always see two guys pushing the cars to garage with what looks like no effort. Are these car lighter than they look? Anyone have a idea on how much they weigh? just curious.
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They all weigh 3200 lbs without driver or fuel; 3400 lbs with driver and fuel.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprint_Cup_Series
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprint_Cup_Series
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5,592 Posts
It really has little to do with the weight and everything to do with reducing the rolling resistance. That means getting the geometry 'right' so the wheels and tires aren't working against each other, reducing friction in the wheel bearings, making sure the rearend housing and internal componets are true and as free of friction as possible. And the components are as light as possible.
I know of some NHRA Competition Eliminator teams that use ceramic wheel bearings , or at least coated with ceramic (or another hi-tech substance) at a cost of around 20K for all 4 corners. They offer less rolling resistance.
Years ago I read an article by revered NHRA Stock Eliminator racer Dan Dvorak (raced early 60's Dodges) and he said he would re-pack the wheel bearings before a race and eliminate any extra grease to reduce friction and weight.
It takes a lot to get a car to roll free and easy. I haven't experiemnted with expensive wheel bearings but my 1968 Caprice Stock Eliminator race car weighs 4120 pounds, on a flat and level surface 2 people can push it without much effort.
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how hard is it supposed to be for 5 or 6 people in peak physical condition to push a 3400 pound race car?
i can push my 5300 pound pickup around by myself on a level concrete floor with not too much effort...
i can push my 5300 pound pickup around by myself on a level concrete floor with not too much effort...
My 68 weighs about 3100 at least thats what the truck scale at work said when I drove on it. I push it around my shop with no problem and I'm only 5'9 180. However I would bet those cup cars have to be less than 3000.
Update: I just Googled it and the weight is 3400, I cant beleive something so stripped down can be that heavy.
Update: I just Googled it and the weight is 3400, I cant beleive something so stripped down can be that heavy.
just saw the post after I posted ( I'm still shaken up after the Bear game yesterday)
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You're shaken up? How do ya think we feel down here in Carolina,lol.
The Cup cars have lots of roll bars, probably lots of balast too. I wouldn't be suprised if they have 300-400 pounds of ballast.
I am pretty sure the Cup cars have a longer wheelbase and are 100-200 pounds heavier than the Nationwide cars.
:yes
ix please:yes:
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the Cup and Nationwide cars are now built on the same chassis with a few minor changes.. they have the same wheelbase, but the Nationwide cars might be a little bit lighter in legal race trim.
Ok now a picture of you pushing them.
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that #3 Lumina is one of my favorite race cars of all time.. there's just something about it that looks "right".
Charley holy cats
that is insane especially the #3
you are officially the coolest guy , period
and by the way are you going to the MCACN ?
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