NASCAR's Car of Tomorrow appeared on the Bristol short track. Design changes to improve safety include: Expanding/strengthening the roll cage, making the greenhouse larger, energy management materials in doors to absorb impact, and relocating the driver to be more centered in the car. Aerodynamic improvements include the adjustable rear wing, side force-generating endplates and the adjustable front splitter.

If you'd like to learn more about the Car of Tomorrow, watch the video at http://www.nascar.com/video/cup/2007/03/23/cup.bri.bodine.cot.nascar/f​rameset.exclude.html?NewReleases

Safer, yes, did you see the energy absorbing foam that they are putting in the doors? I didn't like how the front splitter seemed to be able to cut down a tire. I think they look like real race cars with the new wing...don't you? I never would have guessed that toomuch liked racing! Rock On toomuch! you too ClowderMom!!!

Of course it's safer, the main feature is that they sat the driver a few inches closer to the middle of the car and used the new foam as you said.
Thus the reduction in side impatcts will save a few bruises, if the Hans device did not do that already.

Hi Jageedy - I thought I might get your attention with this question. LOL

My daddy really was a stock car driver/mechanic back in 'the day' with a sponsor and lots of perks. I was going to races when I was in diapers and have always been a bit of a 'gear head' (more evident in my lead foot).

It appears as though that energy management material that in the doors really absorbs impact! I don't know what to think of the front splitterand those side force inplates (sp?).... The adjustable rear wing will also take some getting used to - looks cool, but the crew/driver will take time getting used to making adjustments depending on road/weather/wind conditions. Looks like a whole new era of racing is beginning...

The major accomplishment of the Car of Tomorrow is the safer design - which also includes expanding and strengthening the roll cage. The greenhouse is also larger and the driver is positioned closer to the center of the car.

Although, Kyle Busch didn't think much of it - I hope the drivers give these cars a chance and get used to them.... Possibly the race will then be more driver vs. driver as opposed to car/driver vs. car/driver.... Your thoughts?

Thanks for answering jageedy!

>^^<

Well after the race at Bristol it looks like it can go any way, Chevrolet seemed to come out best overall with the COT.
They are running it next week at Martinsville so it wil be interesting to see if they can get it running better after this first race, after all it was really the first real test it has ever had.
Way to go Kyle, I had him on my fantasy team but I did not have him selected, Poo :(

Did you hear Kyle's comments after the race? He sure doesn't seem to like driving them (maybe it just takes getting used to?)....

>^^<

Of course I did, I think it's just something they are going to have to get used to, we will see them next week too so it will be interesting, Bristol was not a really good track to introduce them on, it's too short, they should have bought thm in on a super speedway like Talledega, California or Daytona, to see what theyy can really do!

The car of tomorrow will be a computer control hover craft that will be accident free.

They could put in sensors so that when the car is going to get into a wreck it ejects the driver & passengers. Can you see that on the California freeways where they have chain reactions all the passengers in their cars being ejected.

maybe they will be car-flying soon. would that be safer?

I already like my cars low to the ground, so I hate to be up flying and have to fall.

I think sensors will prevent collisions or from people getting too close to something.

The car of tomorrow is already being developed and is totally robot controlled.....sit back & relax....we'll be there soon.

Nascars answer to the go cart. Four tenths of a second separated the qualifiers at Bristols short track. How safe can that be? We haven't seen them up to speed yet, let's all watch and see. Maybe they fly.