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Media Advisory 09-009

National Science Foundation and NASCAR Announce "The Science of Speed"

Online video series uses popular motor sport to teach science and engineering

Text and photo: Heat, Light, Sound, Motion, Spinning and Crunching Energy.

A "Science of Speed" video describes how the laws of energy help keep drivers safe.


April 1, 2009

This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.

On April 3, the National Science Foundation, NASCAR and the University of Texas at Dallas announce the availability of a new online series of videos called "The Science of Speed," which aims to improve engagement in science among students in grades 8-12. The 12-part video series borrows illustrations from the wildly popular motor sport to explain scientific principles essential to NASCAR racing, such as friction, heat, drag and drafting. Video segments feature drivers, crew chiefs and engineers from numerous NASCAR garages including Brian Vickers, driver of the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota; Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet; and Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion.

What:The National Science Foundation unveils "The Science of Speed," a 12-part video series that teaches viewers the science behind making cars powerful, agile, fast and safe, and how these same principles affect their own cars.
Who:Jeff Nesbit, director of NSF's Office of Legislative and Public Affairs; Andrew Giangola, director of business communication, NASCAR; Diandra Leslie-Pelecky, physics professor at UT Dallas and author of The Physics of NASCAR; and Brian Vickers, Red Bull Racing.
Where:Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, Texas. Deadline Room.
When:Press event is April 3, 2:30 p.m.

Contact: For press credentials, please immediately e-mail Louis Mora, lmora@texasmotorspeedway.com with your name, press affiliation and driver's license number including state.

-NSF-

Media Contacts
Bobbie Mixon, NSF, (703) 292-8485, email: bmixon@nsf.gov
Louis Mora, Texas Motor Speedway, email: lmora@texasmotorspeedway.com

Program Contacts
Susan M. Mason, NSF, (703) 292-7748, email: smason@nsf.gov

Principal Investigators
Diandra Leslie-Pelecky, University of Texas at Dallas, (972) 883-4631, email: diandra2@utdallas.edu

The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.

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