The National Science Foundation and NASCAR have teamed up for a new video series that explains the science of car racing in depth (trailer above). “The Science of Speed” videos go straight to the track to show all the tricks racers use to get the most velocity out of a hunk of metal on four wheels.
Diandra Leslie-Pelecky, a physicist at the University of Texas at Dallas who has studied the sport in detail, hosts the 12 videos and isn’t afraid to get into the physics and wield an equation or two, if necessary. Top drivers (Jeff Gordon, Brian Vickers) and engineers also help elucidate the science of turning, drafting, and fire suits, among other topics.
You can check out the episodes at the NSF’s video hub.