NASCAR Racing: nascar transmissions, automatic transmissions, different gear

Question
Why don't they use automatic transmissions in nascar racing ?

Answer
Hey Tom,

Automatic Transmissions don't really handle 200+ mph very well. That's probably the main reason. They just can't do super high speeds.

It would also take away the edge from the race. Sometimes on restarts drivers can shift to a different gear just a slight second faster than the others and it can put him up 2 or 3 spots. If it were an automatic, he'd have to wait for it to shift out, regardless of speed or other factors.

The transmissions when you are racing need to be as independently operated as they can. And at such high speeds a quick shift may be needed for unforeseen reasons.