Track Bar

A track bar is a metal bar that connects a race car's frame to its rear axle to prevent the rear wheels from sliding sideways while still allowing the suspension to move up and down.

Think of a track bar like a leash that keeps your rear axle from wandering left or right. Without it, the rear end of the car would shift around unpredictably every time the driver hit a bump or went through a turn. The track bar, also called a Panhard bar, solves this problem by creating a rigid connection between one side of the frame and the opposite side of the rear axle.

The beauty of the track bar is that it only restricts side-to-side movement. The suspension can still compress and extend normally when the car goes over bumps or dips in the track. This happens because the bar is mounted on pivot joints at both ends, allowing it to swing in an arc as the suspension moves.

Race teams spend considerable time adjusting the track bar because small changes create big differences in how the car handles. When mechanics raise or lower the track bar, they're actually changing where the rear axle sits relative to the car's body. Moving the track bar up on the right side, for example, pushes the rear wheels slightly to the right, which affects how the car behaves in corners.

These adjustments directly impact what drivers call a "loose" or "tight" car. A loose car tends to oversteer, with the rear end wanting to swing out in corners. A tight car understeers, feeling like it doesn't want to turn. By tweaking the track bar height, teams can dial in the perfect balance for different track conditions.

In NASCAR racing, drivers can now adjust their track bar while driving at full speed. A small lever or dial in the cockpit connects to a mechanism that raises or lowers one end of the bar. This innovation lets drivers fine-tune their car's handling as fuel burns off, tires wear down, or track temperatures change throughout a race.

The track bar itself is typically made from strong steel tubing about one and a quarter to one and a half inches in diameter. The ends feature special joints called Heim joints that allow the bar to pivot smoothly. Despite its simple appearance, this component plays an outsized role in race car performance.

Teams also experiment with track bar rake, which means mounting the right side higher than the left side. This angled setup can help the car rotate better through corners by temporarily unloading the left rear tire at just the right moment. Getting the rake angle perfect is part science and part art, requiring endless testing and driver feedback.