8 Things You Should Know About NASCAR

All eyes are on NASCAR after the tragic death of driver Kevin Ward Jr. a couple weekends ago.

1.Altercations between drivers are common.

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NASCAR races often result in some sort of dispute between drivers, which spectators enjoy watching. There are no regulations requiring drivers to remain in their cars during competitions, but that may soon change due to Ward’s death.

2.Race car drivers don’t need street licenses.

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Drivers don’t have to have a state driver’s license to participate in races. But drivers and all the people who support them need licenses from NASCAR.

3.Drivers bring in big bucks.

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Salaries are smaller than they used to be, but drivers still rack up plenty of cash. Dale Earnhardt Jr. made $25 million last year, ranking at number 28 on the Forbes list of the world’s highest-paid athletes.

4.NASCAR tires use nitrogen, not air.

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Unlike our car tires, NASCAR tires are filled with nitrogen to prevent tire pressure from changing during races on the hottest summer days.

5.Going 200 miles per hour is the norm.

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NASCAR drivers’ speeds reach 200 mph on average, with some drivers getting up to 220 mph.

6.Race cars must weigh below 3,400 pounds.

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NASCAR weighs all of its vehicles before races begin. Race cars can weigh no more than 3,400 pounds and this requirement includes the driver’s own weight.

7.Drivers don’t get bathroom breaks.

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When nature calls, drivers typically do their business inside of their vehicles. Especially with 500 miles of driving to do, there’s just no time to stop.

8.All fines go to charity.

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Any fines that drivers accrue go straight to the NASCAR Foundation, which supports different charities and particularly those that help children.