NASA Gives Race Car Fans a Reason to Cheer

[NASA News <hqnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sept. 7, 2011

Michael Braukus/J.D. Harrington 
Headquarters, Washington                                         
202-358-1979/5241 
Michael.j.braukus@xxxxxxxx / j.d.harrington@xxxxxxxx 
RELEASE: 11-292

NASA GIVES RACE CAR FANS A REASON TO CHEER

WASHINGTON -- NASA has launched a new interactive online program that 
allows race fans to learn about the many contributions the agency has 
made to the racing industry. The "Rockets to Race Cars" site allows 
users to navigate through the NASA garage and learn about 
heat-resistant paint, fire-resistant materials, the development of 
better brakes and several other agency spinoffs that have helped the 
racing community. 

NASA has partnered with several racing organizations to test their 
cars, while also using proven agency technology to make the racing 
industry safer and faster. For example, the Penske Racing team 
partnered with NASA in 1996 to find a way to keep their drivers more 
comfortable during races. Using scrap material from the Space 
Shuttle's Thermal Protection System (TPS) blankets, they were able to 
cool the driver's cockpit by 30 to 50 degrees. Race cars around the 
nation now regularly use the material. 

"NASA's exploration missions have a huge impact here on Earth," said 
David Weaver, associate administrator for NASA's Office of 
Communications in Washington. "This interactive website demonstrates 
the scope of NASA's space technology and research efforts." 

Visitors can navigate through NASA's racing contributions by selecting 
from icons that appear on the bottom of the screen. Users receive a 
quick and entertaining description of how the contribution was 
developed and where it is used in the racing industry. 

The interactive website complements a "NASA Rockets to Race Cars" 
exhibit that visits racetracks around the country. The exhibit 
features a scale replica race car that highlights some of the 
technology benefits NASA spinoffs provide to the automobile and 
racing industries. Visitors also can access the "Rockets to Race 
Cars" interactive feature through a touch screen monitor. 

For more information about the website, visit: 



http://www.nasa.gov/r2r 

	
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