Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is an important contributor to the popularization of science. He has continued to inspire people with his knowledge through books and talk shows. His talk show “StarTalk” continues to follow Tyson’s pattern and motto of exploring the cosmos. In a recent episode, NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr has graced the show with his presence.
An incredibly experienced and knowledgeable Junior talks about various issues on the show. Particularly highlighting the innovations and their applications in NASCAR racing, even deGrasse Tyson joins in the enthusiasm. Accompanied by physicist Diandra Leslie-Pelecky and co-hosts Gary O’Reilly and Chuck Nice, the duo explores possible options for NASCAR and its future. Pelecky also is reminded of a particular joke about physicists.
Everything interesting is negligible: Pelecky reminisces NASCAR insider joke
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Pelecky has been in and around innovation for a while now. To know about the essence of one’s profession in another is only standard. Going back in time, she shares an instance of her conversation with a NASCAR member. As she goes on to ask a question that underlines the presence of physicists around the track, she asks, ” It’s actually interesting because I always like to ask if there are physicists at the race shops. And one of the guys said no I don’t think we have any physicists. You guys think everything interesting is negligible.”
The hilarious twist to the conversation sets off a burst of laughter. As the dust settles and the laughter calms down, Neil moves on to other domains of interest and moves to Dale Jr. He enquires with respect, “Let’s get into our first clip with Dale. is he abbreviated DE Junior? Is this like if you’re buddies with him, you know I want to be respectful.”
Pelecky adds a confirmation for nicknames, saying, “We just told him Junior. Well there is another Junior but he’s in his 80s or 90s, so yeah. If you say Junior I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Physics is the base of racing. From turning the wheels to setting up the chassis, physics plays a part in everything. A collaboration of physics and NASCAR personalities is definitely exciting to watch.
Neil DeGrasse Tyson discusses the evolution of motorsports with Dale Earnhardt Jr
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Technical modifications are a stepping stone in NASCAR. Innovations in the dynamics and mechanics of the car have been key to improvement on the track. On being asked about the changes in regulations over the years and what distinguishes them, the two-time Xfinity champion says “I’m familiar with … there’s this long history of how the cars have changed and developed but to your point all of the cars are measured, there’s a technical inspection and they all have to meet the same requirements.”
Further elaborating on the process, the former Hendrick Motorsports driver adds, “So how does a manufactured differentiate from the others if they all have to appear .. you know measure the same body panels?”
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The changes in regulations have definitely evolved over the years. Guidelines around budgets, build-ups of cars and features on them have been important factors in that. To maintain a parity on the track is something desirable. With only their skill to set them apart, it highlights essence of a competition.
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