Abstract

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has experienced tire difficulties for many years, but the problem came to the forefront at the 2008 Brickyard 400 race in Indianapolis. After a few laps, tires literally disintegrated resulting in a substantial number of laps run under caution. Because race car tires are not the same as those on personal automobiles, research and testing is needed to create more durable racing tires. The Rapid Design Exploration and Optimization (RaDEO) project has used a parameterization modification of the computer software MSC/PATRAN to explore the design of both street and racing tires. In addition, the Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) has demonstrated the power of mathematics by creating a tire test matrix to investigate multiple variables vital to NASCAR and street tire manufacturers. This article discusses the factors involved in the design of race tires and how mathematics is used in creating and evaluating the designs.

Introduction

Trouble with tires has long plagued the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). Difficulties at various speedways across America have contributed to frustration among drivers and fans. At the 2008 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Brickyard 400 race, tires lasted only 12 laps, the equivalent of 30 miles instead of the normal 80 miles (32 laps). A record setting 52 of the 160 laps were run under caution due to the disintegration of tires.[1] Fans of the race were displeased, to say the least.