Are NASCAR cars manual? An in-depth explanation on the transmission of NASCARS

Are NASCAR cars manual? An in-depth explanation on the transmission of NASCARS

Lenah Ann
updated at October 29, 2023 at 10:29 AM

In NASCAR racing, every component of the car's mechanical, from the tires to the transmission, is critical. With improving technology in the sport, fans have been curious whether NASCAR cars still use manual transmissions or have been automated. The response to their query sheds light on the complexities of operating race cars and the abilities drivers must possess. So, are NASCAR cars manual or automatic?

Are NASCAR cars automatic?
Sammy Smith, driver of the #18 Pilot Flying J/Pringles Toyota, drives during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Dead On Tools 250 at Martinsville Speedway on 28 October 2023 in Martinsville, Virginia. Photo: Chris Graythen (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

NASCAR is a stock car racing organisation and operating business based in the United States. It is regarded as one of the world's top racing organisations and one of the most popular spectator sports in the United States. Here is an in-depth explanation of the transmission of NASCAR cars.

Are NASCAR cars manual or automatic?

The famous stock racing cars are manual. The Next Gen automobile features a new position for the transmission and a five-speed sequential instead of a four-speed one, but they are yet to switch to an automatic transmission.

What is a transmission?

Transmission is the part of a vehicle that transfers power from the engine to the rear axle. It allows the gear ratio between the wheels to adjust according to the machine's speed.

In operating a manual transmission, a gear is chosen by engaging the clutch pedal and with an automatic one, a torque converter is relied on to change the gear.

Do NASCAR cars use manual transmissions?

NASCAR racing vehicles use manual transmissions. The transmissions are essential to the sport because they provide drivers complete control over the vehicle's performance, improving speed, handling, and fuel efficiency.

Do NASCAR cars use manual transmissions?
Racing cars during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Dead On Tools 250 at Martinsville Speedway on 28 October 2023 in Martinsville, Virginia. Photo: Chris Graythen (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Are NASCAR cars modified?

As of 2023, most stock racing cars have been modified to increase durability and improve safety and competition alongside withstanding abuse. In the past years, the unmodified versions of the racing cars were prone to wear and breakdowns.

Are NASCAR cars automatic?

Are NASCAR cars standard or automatic? The stock racing vehicles are not automatic due to various reasons. Here are some reasons why, even after so many years and technological advancements, race cars still use manual transmissions.

  • Speed - Manual shifting allows drivers to choose the best time to change gears, influencing the vehicle's speed.
  • Control - Manual transmissions give drivers more significant control over the vehicle's power and allow for faster acceleration.
  • Sporting tradition - Maintaining the sports legacy, the stock racing vehicle has always welcomed the challenge and skill level needed to become proficient with manual gearboxes.
  • Fuel efficiency - A manual transmission's ability to shift gears efficiently can help fuel management in competitive racing.

What engine does NASCAR use?

Do NASCAR cars use manual transmissions?
Justin Allgaier, driver of the #7 Hellmann's Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Dead On Tools 250 at Martinsville Speedway on 28 October 2023 in Martinsville, Virginia. Photo: Chris Graythen
Source: Getty Images

After 62 years of employing carburetion as engine fuel supply with compacted graphite iron blocks and a pushrod valve train activating two valves per cylinder, the cars are now powered by EFI V8 engines, which have been limited to a displacement of 358 cubic inches.

How fast do NASCAR cars go?

A NASCAR car's highest speed is just over 321 km/h or 200 mph. Compared to other racing vehicles like Formula 1 and Indycar, which have a speed of 360 km/h or 223 mph and 380 km/h or 236 mph, respectively, the stock racing vehicles are slower.

Which is the fastest race car?

According to estimated measurements, the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut is the fastest racecar in the world, with a peak speed target of more than 498 km/h or 310 mph.

What gearbox do NASCAR cars use?

The original 4-speed gearbox utilised in earlier generations of the stock racing vehicles has been replaced with a 5-speed gearbox.

Are NASCAR cars automatic?
John Hunter Nemechek, driver of the #20 Mobil 1 Toyota, and Austin Hill, driver of the #21 Global Industrial Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Dead On Tools 250 at Martinsville Speedway on 28 October 2023 in Martinsville, Virginia. Photo: Jonathan Bachman
Source: Getty Images

The P1334 manual sequential shift transaxle gearbox has replaced the conventional H-shaped box. The shift lever is on the floor and allows drivers to change up or down one gear at a time.

Although it is a thrilling feeling among most fans to spend a day at the race tracks, only a few minded ones have taken their time to care about the mechanics behind the wins. These enthusiasts have asked, "are NASCAR cars manual or automatic?" Manual transmission is preferred among drivers over automatic, and thus, NASCAR has maintained the three-pedal model in the Next Gen ride.

READ ALSO: Red football teams: A list of the 10 best football teams that wear red

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Although some of these teams' jerseys are predominantly red, some gravitate to other colours that complement them, such as yellow, green, and black. Click the link for more details about football teams that wear red.

Authors
Lenah Ann photo
Lenah Ann
Lenah Ann is a Kenyan-based content creator with 2 years of experience. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Media and Communication from Dedan Kimathi, Kenya in 2021.