Nascar was founded back in 1948, since then the NASCAR Cup Series has grown into one of the most famous sports in the entire world. The first race took place on Daytona Beach, where Red Byron took first place driving a Ford car. NASCAR has a rich history, as do the famous NASCAR tracks. For those who want to learn more, let’s take a look at a few things you might not know about NASCAR race tracks.
1 . Drivers Prefer The ‘Aged’ Race Tracks
NASCAR drivers have an interesting way of judging race track surfaces. According to NASCAR.com, drivers have coined the phrase, ‘aged to perfection.’ What they mean is, the best race tracks are the slightly older race tracks. Apparently, the track surfaces with a little character make for a better racing experience! NASCAR racing drivers enjoy the challenge of maneuvering grooves in the track. This explains why so many NASCAR drivers love the Atlanta Motor Speedway.
2. How NASCAR Tracks Are Measured
NASCAR tracks are measured using eight points, at each point a NASCAR representative measures three grooves in the track. The next step involves taking six images of each groove. The images are used to represent the middle line, low line, and high line.
According to NASCAR.com, the images are used to measure, ‘in micrometers from the highest peaks in the surface to the lowest valleys.’ They gather the info and make a graph to present the tracks from ‘smoothest to roughest.’ Lower numbers represent the smoother race tracks.
3. An Unusual NASCAR Track
The Infineon Raceway track was first built in 2002. In 2012 the track changed its name to Sonoma Raceway. The track is pretty unusual for a NASCAR circuit, instead of an oval track (or a slight variation) Sonoma is a road course. The track winds around like a snake, meaning drivers need to take right turns, as well as the standard left turns. In 2003, the Sonoma track needed a new surface. Huge asphalt trucks had to brave those tricky hairpin turns, to give the track it’s asphalt paving!
4. The Slowest Track
Martinsville Speedway is the slowest NASCAR race track there is. According to Live About, ‘ This flat, 526-mile oval is the smallest and slowest track on the schedule.’ The track was founded in 1947 by Clay Earles. It’s the only NASCAR race track that has been involved in the cup series every single year since the division started in 1949.
Quality Asphalt Paves the Way for a Safe Racing and Driving Experience
One thing’s for sure, NASCAR race tracks are beautifully constructed and expertly maintained, to give the drivers the race of a lifetime. For NASCAR fans, the better the rack, the more exciting the race.
At Ajax Paving, we’ve been constructing top-quality roadways, runways, and racetracks for decades. Our work is award-winning and we always deliver on budget, on spec, and on time. We can meet all your asphalt paving needs, and deliver impeccable quality every time. Whether it’s automotive proving grounds or race track paving, we have the talent and tools to take on your projects. For more info about our services contact Ajax Paving today.