Can anyone tell me how NASCAR crews can change a tire so fast? Do they use special lug nuts?
+++++++++++++++
11-13-04, 04:14 PM
teeceeum
No, they don't use special lug nuts. They do glue the nuts to the wheels with weather stripping adhesive so they don't have to put them on the studs one at a time. The studs also have a fairly long unthreaded space on the end so as not to knock them off the wheels when the put them on. They do use a modified (for higher RPM) air impact wrench. Oh yeah... They practice a lot .

11-13-04, 04:34 PM
edgeview
teeceeum,

How many lugs per tire? Would NASCAR ever entertain new designs in the wheel/lug nut area?

11-14-04, 12:55 PM
teeceeum
5 lugs per wheel, edge. Steel only for all components.

NASCAR has established an R&D Center to study safety issues and develop new technology. They aren't very quick to adopt new things however. Stock cars (which are anything but stock) essentially are still using the same technology that was available in the 50s. They still use carburetors for fuel delivery, for example. Those haven't been used on street cars for about 20 years.

If you've got an idea, try contacting Gary Nelson at the R&D Center in Concord, NC.

11-14-04, 06:55 PM
edgeview
Thanks teecum I will certainly look into it and if anything comes from it, I'll let you know.

Lee

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,