NASCAR Cup Series

NASCAR on FOX debuts Thermal-Cam at Daytona

Published Feb. 18, 2011 4:59 p.m. ET

foxsports

During FOX Sports’ exclusive live coverage of the 53rd Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20 from Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida, the network unveils FOX Thermal-Cam, a special camera designed to register variations in the heat signature of objects in its line of site. It’s FOX’s plan to use the unique feature during the race-cast to demonstrate the extreme temperatures which develop during typical racing conditions.

A feature made more important this season as cars running in the rear of a piggy-backed pair lose air flow while drafting and must eventually switch places with the lead car to avoid overheating the engine. It can also reveal the on-track groove cars are using, as well as the difference between tires about to be changed compared to fresh replacements.

The camera is supplied to FOX by FLIR, a world leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of thermal imaging and stabilized camera systems with US headquarters in Boston.