The tools and resources available to Cup teams in 2008 are nearly identical to those used by F1 teams, finds Stockar Engineering's Sam Collins. » More Photos

Also, AP racing has introduced a clever new brake caliper for intermediate tracks, and how they developed it is fascinating. And understanding tires is the most difficult thing in NASCAR, yet teams go to great lengths to understand these rubber mysteries. We delve into all of these topics and try to peel back some of the most current tools and methods Cup teams use to win races"

While Racecar and Stockar are published in England, both are available in the US. Stockcar can also be had for free by signing up online. "You can get it anywhere – Barnes and Noble is our main outlet. Currently, its free too!

Excerpts from issue number one:

"Tractors," he said. "Just a bunch of tractors, and anyway they only race for the last 10 laps." These words were spoken to me by the editor of a leading British motorsport publication when the subject of NASCAR arose over lunch at Silverstone. "I mean, they can't even turn right properly – what possible interest can there be for Racecar Engineering?" he argued.

Admittedly, at first glance, compared to 2008 Ferrari F1 machine, a stock car does look rather old-fashioned. Nevertheless there’s rather a lot of interest in NASCAR, and oval racing in North America is awash with advanced technology, particularly in NASCAR's Sprint Cup series. Even with the introduction of the still controversial Car of Tomorrow, the rise of technology in the world of the good ol' boy continues unabated. Indeed, one leading Formula 1 engineer recently exclaimed "they have more technical freedom in NASCAR than I do in F1!" And he wasn't joking. While many of those who have been raised on a diet of European road course racing continue to regard stock cars with disdain, more and more followers are realizing that oval racing represents a serious challenge.

Many people on both sides of the Atlantic are unaware of just how high tech the top classes of NASCAR have become. Aerodynamics and electronics are obvious areas where new technology is evident, but in engines, transmission and even brakes, new ways of working are beginning to appear.

Stockcar was granted complete access to Hendrick's most sensitive areas for issue number 1, including analyzing the #48 on their 7-post 'shaker rig'. » More Photos

Many visitors to the race shop of Hendrick Motorsport in North Carolina are surprised to find a composites shop hard at work, supplying carbon fiber components to a number of teams. “We do bracketry, air cleaner housings, small components like that, and of course our seats,” explained a team member. Hendrick makes seats for its drivers. “We have a vested interest in keeping our drivers healthy, and that was really the main emphasis behind our composites program – the safety aspect,” said a spokesman. But composite seats are just about all the teams can use, as major components are still largely made from metal, as decreed by the regulations. Consequently, it is not common knowledge that Hendrick has a composites capability outside of stock car racing.