WASHINGTON, D.C. -

NASA recently launched a new interactive online program designed to give race fans the chance to learn about the many contributions the agency has made to the racing industry.

The “Rockets to Race Cars” site can allow users to navigate through the NASA garage and learn about heat-resistant paint, fire-resistant materials, the development of better brakes and several other agency spinoffs that have helped the racing community.

NASA officials recapped that they’ve partnered with several racing organizations to test their units while also using proven agency technology to make the racing industry safer and faster.

For example, they highlighted the Penske Racing team partnered with NASA in 1996 to find a way to keep their drivers more comfortable during races. Using scrap material from the Space Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System (TPS) blankets, Penske drivers were able to cool the driver’s cockpit by 30 to 50 degrees.

NASA said race cars around the nation now regularly use the material.

Visitors can navigate through NASA’s racing contributions by selecting from icons that appear on the bottom of the screen. Users can receive a quick description of how the contribution was developed and where it is used in the racing industry.

The interactive website is meant to complement a “NASA Rockets to Race Cars” exhibit that visits racetracks around the country.

The exhibit features a scale replica race car that highlights some of the technology benefits NASA spinoffs provide to the automobile and racing industries.

Visitors also can access the “Rockets to Race Cars” interactive feature through a touch screen monitor.

“NASA’s exploration missions have a huge impact here on Earth,” stated David Weaver, associate administrator for NASA’s office of communications.

“This interactive website demonstrates the scope of NASA’s space technology and research efforts,” Weaver added.

For more information about the website, visit http://www.nasa.gov/r2r.