The roar of a naturally aspirated V8 engine echoing off the banking at Talladega isn’t just noise; it is the auditory signature of terminal velocity. For decades, aerodynamicists and fearless drivers have engaged in an arms race against atmospheric drag and centrifugal force. Asking how fast do NASCAR cars go requires separating restricted modern realities from unrestricted historical peaks. But whether your favorite driver is racing in a Mustang or Camaro (or a new Toyota Camry lookalike), there is a restriction everyone has to live by.
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