Pre And Post Race Inspection

Pre And Post Race Inspection

Author: Gem9 at rootzoo.com
Date Created: Oct 8, 2008 - 2:31:21 PM

Before  every race there is what is called a pre race inspection. This is to ensure that no one car has an advantage over another.
     The cars are inspected in a multitude of ways. Each car is placed on a Dyno to measure the amount of Horse Power it has, the pressure in the shocks are measured. the angle and height of the spoiler is measured, the splitter on the front of the car is also to be within specs. Last but not least they place a template on the body of the car to determine that the shape is the same as all others. This is due to the fact that parts of the car body can be altered to create more down force or less wind resistance, allowing the car to go faster with an advantage. There are many ways that a car can be altered in small increments to gain the advantage.  
     If a car FAILS this inspection the team is given the chance to repair it and try passing again. If the infraction is determined to be on purpose or so far out as to be obvious , NASCAR will confiscate the car and fines and penalties will be given to that team, consisting of a loss of points(owner points, manufacturer points, and/or driver points), monetary fines and possible suspensions to the crew chief and/or crew members. If this happens the Back up car is brought out and subjected to the same scrutiny before it is allowed to be used. The driver at that point, regardless of where he qualifies must start at the back of the field.

     After the race the cars are also subject to what is called post race inspection and tests are preformed to determine weather a car was altered at anytime during the race to gain an advantage. this again, includes the Height of the car, spoiler height and angles and at random, cars are chosen to be placed on the dyno after a race to determine the HP. This is an attempt to keep them honest as it could be anyone who is chosen to visit the dyno after a race.   Again if it is determined that the team has cheated in some way, the car is again confiscated and fines and penalties will be imposed.
   I hope this helps those who are new to the sport, and if anyone can add to this i would appreciate any input you might have. 

About the author:
Gem9 is a huge Nascar fan and can be found on rootzoo.com, talking on their Nascar Forum.  In addition to Nascar, he loves fantasy hockey and hopes to see Detroit on top of the NHL standings.

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