If someone is in tune with Formula 1, they will surely remember that Red Bull Racing was levied with a wind tunnel penalty for breaching the cost cap in 2021. While it is tough for many to understand the significance of the wind tunnel, it does create a remarkable set of changes in the functioning of the car. Therefore, it is to be remembered that the essence of any motorsport is not just the cars and drivers, but also the engineering and the years of research that go into the creation of those cars.

The aerodynamics, engines, and most importantly the fuel that is used to derive the desired horsepower. The world of NASCAR is no exception to it. That’s what Dr. Diandra Leslie-Pelecky underscores in the recent conversation.

NASCAR can increase the horsepower of the cars without compromising the safety of the drivers

In a recent episode of Star Talk, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, along with his co-host Gary O’Reilly, hosted Dr. Diandra Leslie-Pelecky for a conversation. While speaking on an array of subjects, they stumbled upon the use of lubricants and how their efficacy could be increased to generate more horsepower.

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Co-host Gary O’Reilly inquisitively asked Dr. Diandra, “So is there an area that the engineers haven’t really got heavily into yet doctor, in terms of what you think, you know what if we go there we could really make something special happen?”

To this, the physicist replied, “Yes, and it goes back to nanoparticles, lubricants. So one of the things you have to worry about is a cooler engine produces more horsepower and everything.”

While the astrophysicist Dr. Tyson enquired, “Why is that?”

 The reason, according to Dr. Diandra, was, “Because you get more air molecules in when the air is because it’s denser.”

Moreover, it seemed that the team Star Talk had hit the jackpot as they burst into excitement. They exclaimed, “Wow, look at that, that is so simple, that is such a simple concept, mic drop right there.”

Dr. Diandra also attested to the fact by professing, “It’s basic physics, right?” 

Will there be any significant changes in the cars after the uproar from the drivers?

The reason for such a deeper understanding of horsepower and the use of nanoparticles in cars can be traced back to the rollout of Next-Gen cars in NASCAR. The authority in an initiative to cut down the cost of the cars and also to ensure the safety had reduced the horsepower of the car.

As a result of which, the cars running at 750hp were reduced to 650hp, thus slowing down the speed of the cars on road courses. And lower power would also limit the chances of on-track accidents. However, this led to an uproar among the teams and drivers, among which Denny Hamlin was the most outspoken one.

He believed in the fact that reduced horsepower would make driving those cars uncomfortable. Hamlin had also drawn the instance of the hybrid engines that are used in Formula 1. They can also incorporate this form of engine into NASCAR cars.

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Physicists like Dr. Diandra Leslie-Pelecky believe that nanoparticles have the potency to make races faster without compromising safety. Hence, perhaps it is time for NASCAR to pay heed to the suggestion and incorporate newer technologies to retain its old glory.