Auto Racing Trivia Questions

The term "camshaft" refers to a rotating shaft within the engine in NASCAR. The camshaft is responsible for controlling the opening and closing of the engine's valves, which allows the fuel mixture to enter the combustion chamber and the exhaust gases to exit. It is an essential component in determining the engine's performance and power output.

The term "sway bar" in NASCAR refers to a component of the car that is used to counteract the rolling force of the car body through turns. This helps to improve the stability and handling of the car while navigating corners at high speeds. The sway bar connects the left and right sides of the car's suspension system and helps to distribute the weight evenly, reducing body roll and improving traction.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is known for enduring the loss of his father in the Daytona 500. Dale Earnhardt Sr., a legendary NASCAR driver, tragically passed away during the final lap of the Daytona 500 in 2001. Dale Earnhardt Jr., his son, also a NASCAR star, had to cope with the loss of his father while continuing his own racing career. This event had a significant impact on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s life and career, making him well-known for this fact in the NASCAR community.

The term "handling" in NASCAR refers to a race car's performance while racing. It encompasses how well the car responds to driver inputs, such as steering, braking, and acceleration. Good handling is crucial for a race car to maintain control, maneuver through corners, and achieve optimal speed on the track. It involves factors like suspension setup, tire grip, aerodynamics, and weight distribution. A well-handling car can provide better stability, cornering ability, and overall performance, giving the driver a competitive advantage on the race track.

Downforce in NASCAR refers to the air pressure traveling over a vehicle that creates weight on the area. This phenomenon is used to increase the grip of the tires on the track, allowing the car to maintain higher speeds and improve stability during turns. By manipulating the airflow over the car, teams can generate downforce, which helps to push the car down onto the track, increasing traction and preventing it from sliding or losing control. This is crucial for maintaining high speeds and maneuverability in NASCAR races.

In NASCAR, the term "draft" refers to the effect that allows two or more cars traveling nose-to-tail to run faster than a single car. This is because the trailing car can take advantage of the reduced air resistance created by the leading car, allowing it to maintain higher speeds. This technique is often used by drivers to gain a speed advantage and make strategic moves during a race.

An air dam in NASCAR refers to a strip that hangs under the front grill of the car. This strip helps to redirect the airflow around the car, reducing drag and increasing downforce. It is designed to improve the car's aerodynamics and stability, allowing it to maintain higher speeds and better control on the track.

The term "short track" in NASCAR refers to racetracks that are less than one mile in length. This means that the track is smaller in size compared to other tracks in the NASCAR circuit. Short tracks typically have tighter turns and shorter straightaways, which can lead to more aggressive and intense racing. Drivers need to navigate these tracks with precision and skill, as there is less room for error. Short track races often result in close-quarters racing and more frequent contact between cars.

The term "contact patch" in NASCAR refers to the part of the tire that is actually touching the road. This is the area where the tire makes contact with the racing surface, providing traction and grip for the car. The size and condition of the contact patch can greatly affect the performance and handling of the vehicle, making it an important aspect to consider in racing.

In NASCAR, the term "banking" refers to the sloping of a racetrack. This refers to the angled surface of the track, particularly on the turns, which helps to provide additional support and grip for the cars as they navigate the corners at high speeds. The banking allows the cars to maintain higher speeds and reduces the risk of sliding or losing control during the race.

Richard Petty won the 1971 Daytona 500 in a Plymouth.

In 2004, NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon used a vehicle manufactured by Chevrolet.

Dale Jarrett is the correct answer because he won the 2000 Daytona 500, earning a prize money of $1,277,975. He achieved an average speed of 155.67mph during the race.

Jeff Gordon is the correct answer because he had the highest average speed of 161.55 mph in a Chevrolet during the 1999 Daytona 500. Additionally, his winnings for the race were $1,172,246.

In the 2001 Daytona 500, Michael Waltrip emerged as the winner. He drove a Chevrolet to victory in this prestigious race.

In the year 2000, Jeff Gordon became the youngest driver in Winston Cup history to achieve 50 wins. This means that he surpassed all previous drivers in terms of the number of wins at a young age. This accomplishment highlights his exceptional skill and success in the sport during that year.

Matt Kenseth was the correct answer because he was sponsored by DeWalt Power Tools and raced as number 17 in NASCAR in 2004.

Dale Earnhardt won Rookie of the Year honors in 1979. This means that in that particular year, Dale Earnhardt was recognized as the best first-year driver in his racing category.

Robby Gordon was the 2004 NASCAR driver who was sponsored by Cingular Wireless and raced as number 31.

Richard Petty won the 1974 Daytona 500 in a Dodge.

"Dirty air" in NASCAR refers to the air that is used and discarded by the lead car. When a car is in the lead, it creates a turbulent wake of air behind it, which can disrupt the aerodynamics and handling of the cars following closely behind. This can make it difficult for the trailing cars to maintain speed and maneuver effectively, leading to a phenomenon known as "dirty air."

Cale Yarborough won the 1968 Daytona 500 in a Mercury.

Darrell Waltrip won the 1989 Daytona 500 in a Chevrolet.

Jeremy Mayfield was the 2004 NASCAR driver who was sponsored by Dodge Dealers/UAW and raced as number 19.

Mark Martin finished off his first season of racing with the 1974 Arkansas state championship.

In 2005, Jeff Gordon raced the Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

Junior Johnson's winnings in the 1960 Daytona 500 were $19,600. This is indicated by the statement "which driver's winnings was $19,600 in the 1960 Daytona 500?" Since the question does not provide any information about the average speed or the type of car driven by Junior Johnson, we cannot use those details to support the answer.

The correct answer is Darlington. The Winston Cup Labor Day race was held at Darlington for many years until it moved in 2004.

Richard Petty claimed a payoff of $33,500 by driving a Dodge at the 1973 Daytona 500 with a winning average speed of 157.21mph.

Casey Mears replaced Jimmy Spencer in the 41 Target Dodge prior to the 2003 season.