NASCAR Racing: Tech. ?, daytona talladega, electric power steering

Question
I know that car,s will not use a power steering pump at Daytona,Talladega etc. for H.P. reasons .... but do they have to run an Alternator all the time? I mean the only reason they have a battery is to start the car and run they're fan,s???

Answer
Hi Scott,

The Alternators are required to start the engines and keep the fans running, so yes, the alternators will be there all the time.  All it has as a disavantage is that it increases the weight of the car.  But the electric power steering decreases the horsepower of the car in very little amounts.  But in NASCAR, you want whatever you can get.  Plus, at Talladega and Daytona you can easily turn the wheels because of the steep banking.
Hope this answers your question.
Coy Jordan