Race Cars

Race cars are built for speed. They are lighter, lower, and more powerful than regular cars. Drivers zoom around tracks at amazing speeds while thousands of fans watch. There are many types of racing, from NASCAR to Formula 1 to drag racing.

Types of Racing

NASCAR races happen on oval tracks, and the cars look a bit like regular sedans. Formula 1 cars are open-wheeled and race on curvy road courses around the world. Drag racers go in a straight line and can reach 300 miles per hour in just a few seconds. IndyCar races include the famous Indianapolis 500.

Built for Speed

Race cars are very different from regular cars. They have roll cages to protect the driver in a crash. Special tires grip the track tightly at high speeds. Pit crews can change all four tires in under two seconds. Race car drivers wear fireproof suits and helmets for safety.

Fun Facts

• A Formula 1 pit crew can change all four tires in less than 2 seconds.
• Top Fuel dragsters can go from 0 to 330 miles per hour in less than 4 seconds.
• NASCAR drivers can lose up to 10 pounds of sweat during a single race.

Did You Know?

Formula 1 cars create so much downforce that they could theoretically drive upside down on a ceiling at high speeds! The air pushes them toward the track so hard that gravity wouldn't matter.