Good question on TWIN tonight but no definitive answer?

Question

So I figured I'd ask it here. Why are the numbers on the top of the race cars facing inward (or towards the infield), instead of outward (towards the stands), so the fans can read them easily. Chad Knaus said it was so the scorers could easily read the numbers and more easily keep track of their assigned car. But MW said he didn't think that was right . Now I thought it was painted that way originally for the spotters (especially at the big tracks like Daytona and Talladega) who needed to see all the way across the track and identify their cars more easily on the backstretch. Anyone have thoughts or more concrete information?

Answer 1

I think that you and Stinky have it correct..still looks cool. hope they never change it

Answer 2

My guess, since NASCAR is the one who approves what types of lettering they can use in the first place, is that when the cars are on the other side of the track (especially at large tracks) then NASCAR can keep up with the cars. That could be helpful if there was a wreck on the other side of the track, or if there was a driver that was driving in such a way that he needed black flagging. Also if a caution comes out it helps determines easier which one was ahead of the other for the restart.

I guess that came out right.

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Keep in mind that when the cars on on the other side of any oval track they are facing NASCAR's left. That would make it easier for officials and announcers to read their numbers (from left to right)

Answer 3

Back in the 40's and 50's in the beginning of NASCAR, it was easier for both NASCAR officials, pit crew members, track announcers, and fans to see which car was which on the opposite side of the track. Back then don't think they had alot color choices back then...no HOME DEPOT orange, Neon Green/Yellow etc. That big ol # was their way of distinguishing who was who.....as always just an opinion.

Answer 4

Back in the day when drivers drove and crews were limited to the pits the huge numbers on the top were to help each crew keep track of their car from atop the bus. Although not really needed today by the crew due to electronics. They still look cool and the spotters on the tops of the stands can see them easier.

Answer 5

The numbers are turned that way simply for the aesthetic view of the TV camera. Most of the camera angles come from the infield so when you view the race on TV you don't see the number upside down. The cameras can't get as good a view from outside posts on the track and the only views you'll see will be the cars coming towards you or away from you. In those shots the angles won't show the roof as they will from the infield on banked tracks. The spotters at most tracks will be above the grandstands and will view the numbers upside down just as the fans in the stands will.