top
Anatomy of the Sprint Cup Series Car
1. Front Splitter
Allows teams to tune the front downforce to individual drivers and tracks
2. Brake Air Intake
Directs outside air to brake discs and rotors for additional cooling
3. Radiator Air Intake
Directs outside air into the radiator to cool engine fluids
4. Body Panels
Fabricated from 24-gauge/0.0247-inch (minimum) cold-rolled sheet metal
5. Hood Pins
Four, quick-release metal pins with wire tethers that keep the hood closed
6. Cowl Induction
Housing for the air cleaner that connects the air intake at the base of the windshield to the carburetor
7. Jack Post
Area where the jackman places the jack to lift the car during pit stops
8. Roll Cage
A cage of steel tubing inside the car that protects the driver during impacts and rollover
9. Windshield Clips
Allow for easy removal of the windshield should a driver need to be extricated from the car
10. 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
11. Window Net
Safety device located in the driver-side window that keeps the driver’s head and arms inside the car during an accident
12. TV Camera
Allows NASCAR fans to view the racing from the driver’s perspective
13. 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
14. Alternate Exit
Also known as a “roof hatch,” it allows drivers to exit the car in the event of an emergency situation
15. Roof Flaps
Help prevent the car from becoming airborne when it is turned sideways or backwards during a spin or accident
16. Cooling Vents
Help remove warm air from the cockpit
17. Goodyear Eagle Racing Tires
Treadless radial tires designed specifically for racing
18. Jacking Bolt
Area where the crew uses a tool to adjust the handling of the car by altering the pressure of the rear wings
19. Adjustable Rear Wing
Directs the air flowing over the rear of the car, providing better balance and control in traffic
20. Dry Break Fuel Cell
Holds 17.75 gallons of Sunoco racing fuel inside a protective, puncture-resistant bladder
Source: NASCAR Media 2008
Next Article: Daytona 500 Timeline
| 
