NASA is coming to NASCAR this weekend as the space agency launches a national racetrack tour featuring an exhibit highlighting its contributions to tire and wheel technology.
Cleaner exhaust emissions, better brakes and heat-resistant paint are other out-of-this-world innovations that have landed within the automotive orbit, according to spokeswoman Amy Johnson.
“From Rockets to Race Cars” makes its debut April 30 through May 1 at Virginia’s Richmond International Raceway.
“Over the years, NASA has provided technology that not only helps the racing world, but also improves conditions for all drivers while helping to protect the environment,” Johnson says.
On display will be a quarter-scale NASA Benefits Race Car along with a Wheel Exhibit including a NASCAR tire, Shuttle tire, Lunar Rover tire, Lunar Tweel (a non-pneumatic tire/wheel combination) and a Spring Tire.
Racing fans have the opportunity “to see, touch and compare the wheels of yesterday, today and tomorrow,” she explains.
Attendees also get a shot at spinning a prize wheel based on correctly answering NASA-related questions. In addition, visitors can have a photo taken with their own camera in which they look like they are sitting in a NASA-designed race car.
Other scheduled stops include the Charlotte Motor Speedway, May 29-30, and the Kentucky Speedway, June 11-12.
For more information, visit www.nasa.gov.
