Why are there no automatic transmissions allowed in NASCAR? Are 4-speeds faster, cheaper, both? It’s kind of a bummer knowing that I’ll never win the Winston Cup solely because I can’t drive a stick.
…OK, maybe that’s not the only reason, but it’s on the list.
:smack: GQ, dipshit.
NASCAR rules only allow manual transmissions with 4 forward gears and one reverse gear. Automatic transmissions are heavy, not as efficient as manuals and would not last long in an 800 HP racecar. I raced with both manuals and automatics when I drove racecars, manual transmissions are much better. You can find more info about the cars of NASCAR here and here.
Manual trasnmissions are all of these things compared to automatics:
*I know that last point seems a bit counterintuitive, but a manual transmission allows the diver to keep the engine where they want it in terms of RPM, etc. This is a critical advantage in a race situation, where you need to have your car in the appropriate gear to exit a corner before you get there. Given that most automatic transmissions only downshift under acceleration, they can’t meet that requirement.
Another thing to note is that race cars that have “automatic” transmissions really don’t. They have manual transmissions that are shifted by computer.