NASCAR vehicles are known for reaching a high speed and completing long distance races in record times. NASCAR vehicles can reach a wide variety of speeds, with records generally hovering around 180+ MPH. Some races are only going to see speeds of 140 MPH, while others may average around 150 to 160 MPH. Each race is unique and dependent upon restrictions placed by NASCAR.
It is important for all to note that NASCAR actually dictates how fast the cars in their particular sport and league can go. NASCAR regulates the complete build of the vehicle to make sure that each car performs in a certain way. Heavy fines and penalties are levied on those who have decided to try to alter their vehicle to try to gain a speed advantage. Even a slight change, by a quarter of an inch, can result in a fine from the governing body of the sport.
For instance, restrictor plates are used at two major speedways to attempt to reduce the speed going into higher turns (Talladega and Daytona). These plates completely dictate the max speed that the vehicles can travel.
This means that crews must work with the driver to try to maintain the top speed that their vehicle can hit. This is why crews constantly talk to their drivers about making small adjustments – they are trying to get as much speed out of the vehicle as possible. When the sport decides that they want the vehicles to go faster, they ease some of the restrictions that they have placed on the vehicles. These moves are calculated and strategic, with plenty of scientific data backing the change. NASCAR knows exactly how fast the vehicles are going to be able to go and how fast they want to let them go.
