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If you are a diehard fan of motorsports and you watch the full range of events such as Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar and more, then you might have noticed some interesting differences between the drivers. Perhaps most noticeable of all is the fact that NASCAR drivers seem to sit very close to their steering wheels.
NASCAR Race Drivers sit closer to the steering wheel as it allows more fine and precise adjustments to NASCAR race car steering. it also has safety benefits and is more comfortable and sustainable for these long distance endurance races.
Why do they do this? In today’s article, we’re exploring why it is that drivers in NASCAR races adopt this seemingly unusual and even unnatural seating position.
Why Do NASCAR Drivers Sit So Close to the Steering Wheel?
The two main reasons for this seating position in NASCAR are control and safety. Sitting where they do, in close proximity to the wheel, allows drivers maximum control in a sport where a large number of quick and minor adjustments are what’s needed to stay on course for victory.
In addition, being close to the wheel is a lot safer for the driver in the event of a collision as it minimizes the chances of them suffering further injuries caused by being thrown forward toward the windshield.
Control
While seating positions in various motorsports differ, the issue they have in common is that they are designed to promote greater control, and NASCAR is no exception to this rule. Most of the tracks that drivers navigate during an annual season are oval tracks, or variants of an oval track.
While “constantly turning left” may look like a simple matter to some people, it’s important to remember that it’s being done at speeds of close to 200-mph with up to 39 other drivers around you. Sitting close to the wheel helps drivers keep proper control.
As drivers navigate the oval, they have to be constantly making minor but critical adjustments to their course. This helps them stay in or close to the optimum position on the track, while also avoiding collisions and other potentially damaging problems with other drivers.
Sitting further away from the wheel would mean less control and less precision. This is something most people should be able to understand since sitting further away from the wheel in our regular street car also has a noticeable impact on how well we can control the vehicle.
Safety
Another key aspect here is safety, and this too is a common factor shared between different motorsports when it comes to seating position. Formula 1 and IndyCar drivers drive open vehicles, and are seated in a reclining position, with their arms angled and levered close to the steering wheel.
NASCAR vehicles are closer to street cars in design than Formula 1 or IndyCar vehicles, so the driving position is more akin to what many of us experience each day.
However, NASCAR drivers might appear even close to the wheel — practically “gnawing on the wheel” as some have dubbed it — because in the event of any accident, it’s far safer for them to be there.
Of course, NASCAR drivers are secured in place with other safety features within the cabin, and the seating position merely adds to that and strengthens it. The main safety goal for the interior of a NASCAR is to keep the driver as still and secure as possible, and closeness to the wheel helps with that.
Comfort
One additional reason for sitting up close to the steering wheel for NASCAR drivers is comfort. It might be secondary to safety, but it’s still highly necessary for them.
A NASCAR Race could run for three or more hours in total over the various stages, and if one were seated quite far from the steering wheel, it would quickly become a tiring experience for the arms! Sitting close angles the arms in such a way that they mostly sit at rest, but can be easily leveraged when required.
It’s worth remembering here that NASCAR drivers don’t get much say in how far away from the steering wheel they are. Their arms and feet are about the only parts of their body that they can move freely, while the rest of their body is fixed in place by the various safety gear that’s in the cars themselves.
Keeping the driver as still and secure as possible is critical when you’re dealing with potential high-speed collisions and other risks. With that feeling of being tied down to one’s seat being so prevalent in a NASCAR vehicle, a bit of flexibility and leverage in the arms is undoubtedly a welcome sensation.
Design Features of the NASCAR Steering Wheel
Most NASCAR steering wheels are made from steel and are round with three spokes in the center. Some don’t conform to this pattern, however, being hexagonal in shape.
Another common feature in these wheels is their soft suede coating, designed for both enhanced grip and greater comfort for the drivers who have to grip the wheel for hours at a time in tremendous heat and while traveling at high speeds.
Other innovations have included making wheels from aluminum, which is designed to make them lighter while not losing their key requirements of strength and sturdiness.
The steering wheels in NASCAR vehicles are also easily removable, which for the most part is done for safety purposes. If there were a serious crash, being able to quickly and easily remove the steering wheel helps greatly in getting injured drivers out of damaged cars at speed.
Comparison of Seating Positions Across Different Racing Sports
The seating position in NASCAR starkly contrasts with that of other racing sports like Formula 1 or IndyCar. Formula 1 cars, for instance, have a cockpit-style seating with the driver practically lying down, which enhances aerodynamics and lowers the car’s center of gravity.
Similarly, in IndyCar, drivers are seated almost flat, reducing their frontal area and drag. Conversely, NASCAR drivers sit upright and close to the steering wheel, a position more akin to regular street cars. This enhances control and safety in the NASCAR context, given the nature of the tracks and the cars’ design.
Ergonomics and Fatigue Management in NASCAR
Over the course of a race, fatigue can significantly affect a driver’s performance. To manage this, NASCAR vehicles are ergonomically designed. The close seating position to the steering wheel reduces arm fatigue by allowing drivers to rest their arms at a more natural angle.
Seat contours and cushioning are tailored to fit the driver’s body shape, reducing strain on their back. Additionally, the seating design takes into account the heat and vibrations generated during the race, using materials that can absorb shocks and allow heat dissipation.
Personal Preferences and Customizations
While safety regulations dictate the general seating setup in NASCAR vehicles, drivers do have a degree of flexibility in adjusting their seating position for comfort and control. Each driver’s seat is custom-built to match their body size and shape.
Factors like seat height, seat angle, and the distance from the steering wheel can often be adjusted within set boundaries. Some drivers may prefer to sit slightly farther back or more upright based on their personal comfort or driving style. This customization plays a significant role in ensuring drivers can perform at their best throughout a race.
Conclusion
So for reasons of both control and safety NASCAR drivers are close to their steering wheel. It helps them make small adjustments and provides a safety buffer in addition to all the other safety features of the NASCAR race car.
References
- https://forums.autosport.com/topic/29452-why-do-nascar-drivers-sit-so-close-to-the-wheel/
- https://carstopics.com/why-do-race-car-drivers-sit-so-close-to-the-steering-wheel/
- https://tentenths.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134521
