May 2023 Archive: NASCAR, Barber Motorsports Park, and the Racing Line

Welcome back to Motorsport Motorhome Hub! In May 2023 we posted two quick‑hit articles that answer big questions for fans and drivers alike. First, we dug into the mystery of why NASCAR never runs at Barber Motorsports Park. Then, we broke down the racing line – the secret sauce behind faster laps. Let’s recap the key takeaways and give you the practical info you need.

Why NASCAR Skips Barber Motorsports Park

If you’ve ever wondered why you don’t see stock cars roaring around Barber’s twisty road course, you’re not alone. The main reason is that Barber was built with motorcycles and lightweight sport‑cars in mind. Its layout features a lot of tight corners and elevation changes that suit agile machines, not the heavy, high‑centred stock cars that dominate NASCAR.

Beyond the track shape, the venue lacks the infrastructure NASCAR expects for a big‑crowd event. Think massive grandstands, extensive pit facilities, and the ability to handle tens of thousands of fans in one day. Barber does have a solid fan base, but its capacity is geared toward a different audience size.

Another practical factor is the NASCAR calendar. The schedule is already packed with oval races and a few road‑course stops that fit the series’ marketing plan. Adding a new venue means shifting dates, securing TV slots, and negotiating contracts – a hassle many series avoid unless there’s a strong business case.

Finally, tradition plays a role. NASCAR’s identity is closely tied to oval racing, and while they’ve experimented with road courses, most of those tracks are already part of the lineup. Barber, despite being a beautiful circuit, simply doesn’t align with the series' current focus.

Understanding the Racing Line

Now, let’s talk about the racing line – the invisible path that separates fast laps from slow ones. In plain English, the racing line is the path that lets a driver get through a corner in the least amount of time. It’s not just a straight line; it’s a series of entry, apex, and exit points that balance speed and grip.

The first step is the entry. You want to approach the turn from the outside, giving the car room to straighten out the steering wheel and keep the tires on the rubber. Hitting a wide entry lets you carry more speed into the corner.

Next comes the apex – the point where your car is closest to the inside of the turn. Most drivers aim for a “late apex,” meaning they hit the inside just before the turn’s midpoint. This lets them stay on the outside longer, preserving speed for the exit.

Finally, the exit. After the apex, you should unwind the steering and let the car drift back to the outside of the track. A wide exit maximizes acceleration and sets you up for the next straight. Mastering these three phases – wide entry, early‑late apex, and wide exit – can shave tenths of a second off each lap.

Why does it matter? In racing, a few tenths can be the difference between a podium and a mid‑pack finish. Even casual track days benefit from a smooth line, because it reduces tire wear and makes the car feel more stable.Want to practice? Pick a simple corner, drive it a few times focusing only on entry, then only on apex, and finally on exit. You’ll feel the improvement instantly.

That’s the roundup for May 2023. Whether you’re curious about NASCAR’s schedule choices or trying to perfect your cornering technique, we hope these quick guides give you something useful to take to the track or the next fan discussion.