Can anyone explain the coil binding used in NASCAR in VERY simple terms?

Question

It's been explained to me, and I've read about it, but I still don't quite get it.

I gather teams use it sometimes, but not always? How do they determine when to use it? What are the alternatives?

Answer 1

T-bone? Pay the lady her $225million and keep the points!

lol

Answer 2

Lynn honey...  You mean you don't know?  J/K

Picture a spring that has the coils welded or fastened together so there is little or no rebound.

Coil binding helps keep the front nose of the car bound to the track so there is constant downforce on the nose and hood.  Of course downforce helps the tires stick to the pavement meaning better traction.   If they didn't bind the coils the nose would rebound off the turns down the straight and reduce the downforce as I mentioned.  Coil binding is generally used at any track over 1.25 where the cars need speed down the straights.

The downside is a very rough ride.  Take note of the nose on cars at Martinsville compared to Michigan tomorrow.  You'll see it. The nose will be constantly stuck to the pavement.  

I failed to mention it brings down the rear wing or spoiler as well for less drag.

Answer 3

When a cars nose comes closer to the track in a turn, it completely compresses the spring so it there is no rebound from it. It is like riding through the corner with no suspension.