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Crew chief
Drew Blickensderfer answers fan questions once a week.
Submit your question
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Feb. 4, 2010
2010 Q&A
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Drew, I’m doing a science project on how gear
ratios affect the performance of an oval kart’s
motor. My question to you is, How do gear ratios
affect the torque and horsepower of a race car,
and how do you decide which gear ratio to use?
Thanks for your help.
Andrew
Kirschenman, Elkton, S.D. |
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Gear ratios determine the type of components
Doug Yates puts into the motor. For certain race tracks, you will see extended
periods of high RPMs based on the ratio. For other tracks, like most short
tracks, the motor will reach 9400 RPMs, but only for a second or two before
braking and going way down. NASCAR mandates which gear ratios every team runs at
the track.
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Drew, Do you feel like you’ve making progress
this off-season?
Blake Barnett,
Kearney, Mo. |
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I think so. We have worked hard to re-do all of
our cars making them better than last year.
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How much does having the extra cars from
Yates/Petty help in developing the new engine?
Mike Lanzalotti, Williamstown, N.J. |
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I am not sure it helps having more cars. The
main issue with the engine is parts
availability. It will give the motor shop more
parts to look at after the 150’s, but we already
had plenty of teams last year.
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Has your team figured out a way to beat Jimmie
Johnson?
Griffen
Waltmire, Rockford, Ohio |
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I hope we have figured a way out to beat all 42
other cars every week.
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How does one become a crew chief in NASCAR? For
example, what degree is commonly needed? Whom
could you contact to get you “in the business”
so to speak? Thanks a lot I’m a big fan.
Joe Boyle, Chicago, Ill. |
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There isn’t a common degree needed to be a crew
chief, but you need to have been around race
cars for some time and understand the different
areas of the car. Contacting someone in the
business to get started is difficult. Being in
the Charlotte area and getting started with a
team is the start and then working your way
through the ranks is the most common way.
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