NASA Plans Presence At The Charlotte Motor Speedway For Memorial Day

What do NASA and NASCAR have in common? Find out this weekend at one of the most attended sporting events in the world.

From better brakes and safer tires to heat-resistant paint and cleaner emissions, NASA's contributions to the racing world will be featured in the traveling exhibit: "From Rockets to Race Cars" Memorial Day Weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina.

Over the years, NASA has provided technology that not only helps the racing world, but also improves conditions for all drivers while helping to protect the environment. On display will be a quarter-scale NASA Benefits Race Car as well as a Wheel Exhibit, that includes a NASCAR tire, Shuttle tire, Lunar Rover tire, Lunar Tweel (a non-pneumatic tire/wheel combination) and a Spring Tire allowing fans the opportunity to see, touch and compare the wheels of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Fans will get a shot at NASA Spin the Wheel and NASA Plinko where they can win prizes if they answer NASA-related questions correctly. A "Rockets to Race Cars" photo opportunity will allow visitors to have a photo taken with their own camera in which they look like they are sitting in a NASA Race Car. Race fans can also get up close and personal with an astronaut suit, space food and tools.

The exhibit has one more planned stop on the NASCAR circuit this summer. That will be at the Kentucky Speedway, June 11-12.

FMI: www.nasa.gov