Ever wonder what NASCAR fans and broadcasters are talking about when mentioning different sections, pieces and parts of a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car?
- Radiator Air Intake: Directs outside air into the radiator to cool engine fluids.
- Brake Air Intake: Directs outside air to brake discs and rotors for additional cooling.
- Hood Pins: Four, quick-release metal pins with wire tethers that keep the hood closed.
- Cowl Induction: Housing for the air cleaner that connects the air intake at the base of the windshield to the carburetor.
- Body Panels: Fabricated from 24-guage/0.0247-inch (minimum) cold-rolled sheet metal.
- Roll Cage: A cage of steel tubing inside the car that protects the driver during impacts and rollovers.
- Windshield Clips: Allow for easy removal of the windshield should a driver need to be extricated from the car.
- Jack Post: Area where the jackman places the jack to lift the car during pit stops.
- Double Frame Rail and Energy Absorbing Material: A combination of steel plating and energy absorbing materials installed in between the roll cage door bars and door panels that attenuate energy upon impact.
- Window Net: Safety device located in the driver-side window that keeps the driver’s head and arms inside the car during an accident.
- Roof Strips: Two half-inch-tall aluminum strips which run lengthwise on the roof to help prevent the car from flipping when turned sideways during a spin or accident.
- TV Camera: Allows NASCAR fans to view the racing from the driver’s perspective.
- Alternate Exit: Also known as a “roof hatch,” it allows drivers to exit the car in the event of an emergency situation.
- Roof Flaps: Help prevent the car from becoming airborne when it is turned sideways or backwards during a spin or accident.
- Jacking Bolt: Area where the crew uses a tool to adjust the handling of the car by altering the pressure of the rear springs.
- Cooling Vents: Help remove warm air from the cockpit and helps cool critical components inside and at the rear of the car.
- Goodyear Eagle Racing Tires: Treadless radial tires designed specifically for racing.
- Rear Deck Fin: At 3.5 inches tall, it can be the full length of the deck lid (25 inches) but must be a minimum of 17 inches, starting at the front of the deck. This turning tool adjusts rear sideforce.
- Rear Spoiler: Directs air flowing over the rear of the car, providing down force to improve the handling.
Adapted from information by NASCAR Media