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NASCAR has always been synonymous with speed, competition, and innovation. As the 2023 season kicked off at the historic Bowman Gray Stadium, it became clear that the sport has evolved dramatically since its early days. The cars that roar down the tracks today are not just faster; they are the result of meticulous engineering and cutting-edge technology that would make any tech enthusiast’s heart race.
From backyard garages to high-tech facilities
Walking into a facility like Hendrick Motorsports feels akin to stepping into a NASA production line. The pristine epoxy floors and stainless steel assembly plates are a far cry from the makeshift garages of the 1970s. Here, the focus is on precision and performance, with a metrology lab housing advanced robots that measure car parts to the thousandths of an inch. This level of accuracy is crucial in a sport where every millisecond counts.
According to Chad Knaus, Hendrick Motorsports’ vice president of competition, the key to unlocking speed lies in how teams combine parts during assembly. While NASCAR mandates that 85% of car components come from a single-source supplier, teams have the freedom to optimize their configurations. This flexibility allows them to tailor their vehicles to the unique demands of each racetrack, whether that means adjusting weight distribution or tweaking aerodynamics.
The role of automation in racing
Automation is revolutionizing the way NASCAR teams operate. At Hendrick, the use of Hexagon’s Absolute Arm technology allows technicians to create accurate CAD models of parts through touch probing and laser scanning. This not only streamlines the measurement process but also ensures that every component meets the stringent tolerances set by NASCAR. With an allowable variance of just 0.150 inches during inspections, Hendrick’s ability to achieve accuracy within 0.010 inches gives them a competitive edge.
The metrology lab is where the magic happens. Robotic scanners can automatically measure components like suspension uprights, significantly reducing the time and labor involved in the process. Once measured, these parts are cataloged in a database that feeds into simulation software, enabling engineers to build virtual models of cars tailored for specific tracks. This integration of technology not only enhances efficiency but also ensures that the cars are built to perform at their best.
Continuous improvement through data
Hendrick Motorsports doesn’t just stop at building new cars; they continuously refine their existing inventory. After each race, cars are disassembled, and parts are re-scanned to check for damage or deviations from specifications. This ongoing process of measurement and analysis helps the team maintain a vast database of parts, ensuring they are always ready to adapt and improve.
Roy Crump, the quality control supervisor at Hendrick, emphasizes the importance of this meticulous approach. By remeasuring parts and understanding their specifications better than ever before, the team can build confidence in their assembly processes. With 33 Absolute Arms and numerous scanners at their disposal, Hendrick Motorsports is setting a new standard for quality and performance in NASCAR.
The future of NASCAR technology
As NASCAR continues to embrace technological advancements, the future looks bright for teams willing to innovate. The integration of robotics and data analytics is not just enhancing performance; it’s transforming the entire landscape of the sport. With each race, teams like Hendrick Motorsports are proving that in NASCAR, technology and speed go hand in hand, paving the way for a new era of racing.