What is a track bar adjustment?

What is a track bar adjustment and how does it affect drivers in NASCAR?

One of the most interesting parts of NASCAR is the in-race adjustments that occur. It takes more than just driving ability to win a race. It also takes strategy on pit row and having a great crew and crew chief. Drivers also have to be able to make adjustments themselves during the race as well. One of those adjustments that drivers make is with the track bar.

A track bar is underneath the rear of the car and by adjusting it, a driver can raise or lower the bar, which adjusts the position of the rear axle in relation to the centerline of the car. Adjustments are made based on track conditions and are constantly changing based on how the driver feels the car is adjusting to the track.

By making a track bar adjustment, drivers are also redistributing the weight of the car on the back end and they have to figure that into their strategy as well. Allowing drivers to adjust it themselves was introduced last season and some drivers were hesitant to having to do it themselves.

It adds more intrigue and strategy to the race and it really can affect the outcome, depending on if the adjustment was what the car needed. To adjust the track bar, their is a switch in each driver’s vehicle and from their they can lower or raise the bar until they’re content.