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Crew chief
Drew Blickensderfer answers fan questions once a week.
Submit your question
here. |
Oct. 2 9, 2009 |
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2009 Q&A
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Q |
Do you run a different intake manifold at
restrictor plate races or is the plate itself
the only difference?
John Wright,
Milwaukee, Wis. |
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A |
Yes. We run intakes based on the RPM range we
run on different tracks.
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Q |
Besides changing the overall diameter of the
tire, what does adjusting air pressure on the
car do?
Matt Holschuh,
Fond du Lac, Wis. |
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A |
There is optimal grip in a tire at certain air
pressure. By changing that, you can try to add
or decrease the grip level to change the balance
of the car.
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Q |
I noticed that on the diecast model COT cars
that the body contour of the left side is not
the same as the right. The left front fender is
much wider than the right. Are the real cars
built this way? If so, what is the reason for
this? Thanks.
Robert Evans, Montréal, Québec |
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A |
The left front is slightly “larger” than the
right front. The left front is built larger to
try and put more pressure on that corner of the
car to help it turn left.
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Q |
Drew, every race I hear the announcers talk
about the Sunoco racing fuel. I have heard it is
unleaded fuel. Please explain the differences in
this racing fuel from our every day vehicles.
Thanks.
Mitzi Melero, Taylor, Ariz. |
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A |
The Sunoco fuel we use was changed from leaded
to unleaded in 2008. It has a lot more additives
in it than street car fuel to tolerate the high
engine temps we run and to help in not harming
the engine.
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Q |
What is the day to day role of the engineers on
a NASCAR team?
Andrew Grigg, Storrs, Conn. |
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A |
We have different levels of engineers at
Roush-Fenway. We have a group that runs
simulation all week long for the races coming
up. We have a group that designs parts and
pieces all week long. The race team engineers,
like our Chip Bolin, work directly with the
issues that pertain to their team through the
week. Chip works on geometry and set-ups through
the week for the 17 car.
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