12/23/24
March 03, 2008
Ask SpoFi: In NASCAR why do some of the cars swerve back and forth when following the pace car after the caution flag has been waved? Is there a benefit or is it just something they do to amuse themselves?
posted by Ying Yang Mafia to navel gazing at 02:25 PM - 13 comments
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080219182014AABJyjb
posted by Jeffwa at 02:34 PM on March 03, 2008
I think it has something to do with the contents of the bottle they pass to the driver through the window during pit stops. The higher the proof, the more they weave back and forth. (Nawww!! cabuki got it right).
posted by Howard_T at 03:36 PM on March 03, 2008
There are Pac Man dots scattered across the track that only the drivers can see. Each one they pick up counts for valuable Sprint Cup Points. Yeah, I know, that's what I said. But the nice man on the subway wouldn't lie to me. I mean, I gave him a dollar and everything.
posted by chicobangs at 03:42 PM on March 03, 2008
Actually, it depends on how old the tires are. New tires need to be warmed up, as cabuki said. If your tires have a few laps on 'em, you want to clean the old rubber and crap off before the restart, so you don't spin them like that dumbass Dale Jr. did yesterday at the end of the race.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 03:42 PM on March 03, 2008
Thanks for the info cabuki, jeffwa, tbh. I watched a bit of the race yesterday and noticed the swerving.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 03:58 PM on March 03, 2008
I thought they swerved because they had coffee between their knees, were text messaging the car behind them (OMG Did u c what Gordon was wearing last pm!) and trying to get that yummy, full flavored Winston lit at the same time.
posted by tahoemoj at 04:44 PM on March 03, 2008
Yes, it is what cabuki and TBH said. Although I do like your response tahoemoj. Back in the day, Dick Trickle would smoke a cig when they were running under yellow. I don't know if he carried a lighter or had one built into the dash. Every so often the camera would catch him puffing away.
posted by steelergirl at 11:25 PM on March 03, 2008
Dammit, tahoe, nobody smokes in NASCAR these days! Didn't you get the memo?
posted by The_Black_Hand at 09:12 AM on March 04, 2008
I guess I missed out. Perhaps I was lost in flavor country.
posted by tahoemoj at 10:53 AM on March 04, 2008
They weave back and forth because you touch yourself at night.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 04:40 PM on March 04, 2008
You only touch yourself at night? I need a hobby!
posted by hawkguy at 05:48 PM on March 04, 2008
I thought they swerved because they had coffee between their knees, were text messaging the car behind them (OMG Did u c what Gordon was wearing last pm!) and trying to get that yummy, full flavored Winston lit at the same time. Possibly the funniest thing I've read this week, TM. Good on ya.
posted by wfrazerjr at 10:29 PM on March 17, 2008
They're warming up their tires. Warmer tires give better grip.