NASA at NASCAR

^- ⁺ A^- A⁺ 12/05/2010

Cozily positioned next to the piping hot kettle corn tent and across from the Panasonic HD 3D truck, NASA's new traveling exhibit "From Rockets to Race Cars" made its NASCAR debut last weekend at Richmond International Raceway.

From better brakes and safer tires, the exhibit features NASA's contributions to the racing world, a correlation that was news to a lot of people.

"I didn't realize how much NASA technology is related to NASCAR," said Scott Jungers of Richmond. "I'm really interested in that, and I think kids would be too."

A quarter-scale NASA Benefits Race Car and impressive Wheel Exhibit drew many families into the NASA tent on Friday afternoon before the Nationwide Series race the Bubba Burger 250. Staffers enthusiastically shared details of the NASA/NASCAR relationship to fans.

The Wheel Exhibit, which included a NASCAR tire, a Shuttle tire, replica of a Lunar Rover tire, a Lunar Tweel and a Spring Tire, was a major hit. Race fans took pictures in front of them and learned that NASA technology has resulted in stronger, safer tires for drivers.

"Where else can you see a Shuttle tire up close?" remarked one man.

Elementary school student Brianna Menegon from Pittsburgh enjoyed learning about space food and how technology used to make astronaut suits heat resistant is now used to make suits for racecar drivers. Having just completed a book report on Neil Armstrong for school, her parents found the NASA tent to be "right on time."

"She likes science a lot," said her mom.

Diana Zabetakis, an elementary school principal from Maryland, couldn't get over how "cool" it was seeing NASA at NASCAR. She and her two sons were waiting in line to play NASA Spin the Wheel game where they could win prizes for answering questions about space correctly.

"As an educator and mother, I think this kind of exposure is great for my guys," Zabetakis said. "They can see the display here and then it also gives us something to talk about when we get home."

"From Rockets to Race Cars" will continue along the racing circuit making stops at Charlotte Motor Speedway, May 29-30 and at the Kentucky Speedway, June 11-12.