Tires: Tires profile, low profile tires, nascar tires

Question
While low profile is the norm for road going sports cars, why are F1 and NASCAR use large profile tires?


Answer
Simon,

I suppose it depends on what you mean by "low".

NASCAR tires are 50 series and F1 tires are 55 front 45 rear.

But the real answer is "The Rules".  Both NASCAR and F1 have rules concerning tire size.  The teams have to use tires that conform to the rules.

In NASCAR's case, it the same tire for everyone.  In F1's case, it's that tires have to meet certain dimensions.

In other words, they can't use "low" profile tires.