Interesting Race Facts

[newsvx]

Hey Trev and LETITSNOW,

Regarding the suspension of the INDY / F1 cars - I just recently read the following in the latest issue of Road and Track Magazine (page 121 in the Tech Correspondence):

"the answer is rules and the lack of suspension travel. F1 regulations limit wheel diameter, so taller sidewalls are required just to reach the ground. Also, as F1 cars have given up suspension travel for aerodynamic predictability, some cushion from the tire sidewall has proven beneficial.
"Finally, there is a limit to how low tire sidewalls can go before their benefits are surpassed by their suspension - and occupant - punishing ride. The more extreme applications we're seeing today are well past that point and are fashion statements only."

Something else to consider as well - there is NO flexibility in F1 suspensions as demonstrated when one of these cars just touches a wall or another car (no trading paint in F1 racing!!). Of course the suspension components are also the bare essentials, weight-wise (no "heavy duty" parts here).

Harry

[LetItSnow]

My question leans toward "streetworthy" supercars... How do you handle outrageous downforce capabilities, but also assure that the driver can go to the big-name party with a supermodel, and not hear how she's never riding in that car again?

I'm sure there are plenty of adjustables involved.

[Trevor]

Originally Posted by newsvx

Hey Trev and LETITSNOW,

Regarding the suspension of the INDY / F1 cars - I just recently read the following in the latest issue of Road and Track Magazine (page 121 in the Tech Correspondence):

"the answer is rules and the lack of suspension travel. F1 regulations limit wheel diameter, so taller sidewalls are required just to reach the ground. Also, as F1 cars have given up suspension travel for aerodynamic predictability, some cushion from the tire sidewall has proven beneficial.
"Finally, there is a limit to how low tire sidewalls can go before their benefits are surpassed by their suspension - and occupant - punishing ride. The more extreme applications we're seeing today are well past that point and are fashion statements only."

Something else to consider as well - there is NO flexibility in F1 suspensions as demonstrated when one of these cars just touches a wall or another car (no trading paint in F1 racing!!). Of course the suspension components are also the bare essentials, weight-wise (no "heavy duty" parts here).

Harry

Greetings Harry, Interesting data for sure.

Formula one holds no interest for me. The cars and the circuits involved, have no relationship with reality. I relate them to full size slot cars. When my son was a boy I did quite a lot of work with him in tuning those little projectiles, which in fact have greater merit from many points of view.

Cheers, Trevor.

[Tony117s]

2007 F1 cars are 2.4 liter v8s producing ~750 hp and they are limited to below 20k rpm.

[newsvx]

Originally Posted by Trevor

Greetings Harry, Interesting data for sure.

Formula one holds no interest for me. The cars and the circuits involved, have no relationship with reality. I relate them to full size slot cars. When my son was a boy I did quite a lot of work with him in tuning those little projectiles, which in fact have greater merit from many points of view.

Cheers, Trevor.

Hey, Trev,
Can't say I disagree with you, but I am still amazed regarding the skill of the drivers. I was at the INDY 500 when Montoya won the race, and I was (still am) astounded that on his very last lap, he turned 215 MPH, which was better than his qualifying speed. And this after driving 500 miles!!!! And of course, he is now running NASCAR He hasn't won yet (with the big boys, but has in the Bush series), but I think he will. I think he enjoys the "rubbing is racing" NASCAR style of racing. I won't go into how NASCAR has gone to pot during the last few years and especially with the Car of Tomorrow (they all look alike now!), but still, I admire those guys too for what they do on the track. But NASCAR is another thread all together

Hope all is well - Down Under!!

Harry

[Trevor]

Hi Harry, (That has a nice ring to it. )

I agree with what you are saying, the drivers do not lay down the tracks or rules and I don't think have much input into the specifications covering their mounts. The mighty dollar and therefore the public rule. But I still question as to whether the promoters properly interpret real public desire.

All OK down here, but summer is leaving. Cheers, Trevor.

[LetItSnow]

Originally Posted by newsvx

...215 MPH...

Anyone who wants to criticize any sort of racing can go right ahead and tell me what it's like past 120 MPH. I haven't been there, but 115 MPH in a straight line is pretty harrowing for the casual Joe as it is.

"Just turning left"? Indeed. At 180 MPH, after a half second of reaction time, whatever's in front of you is now 132 feet closer. 220 MPH? 161 feet.

Reaction time, constant concentration, and physical endurance (dehydration, anyone?) in race drivers borders on superhuman for the naysayers.

[Trevor]

Originally Posted by LetItSnow

Anyone who wants to criticize any sort of racing can go right ahead and tell me what it's like past 120 MPH. I haven't been there, but 115 MPH in a straight line is pretty harrowing for the casual Joe as it is.

"Just turning left"? Indeed. At 180 MPH, after a half second of reaction time, whatever's in front of you is now 132 feet closer. 220 MPH? 161 feet.

Reaction time, constant concentration, and physical endurance (dehydration, anyone?) in race drivers borders on superhuman for the naysayers.

I can assure you that at past 120 MPH, in a properly designed car, on a straight and good surface, it can be quite relaxing. When the time comes to think of the corner yet to be negotiated, concentration, or better, inherent and learned skills, come into play. Those who do not enjoy it, should not do it.

Having made that statement --- all hell breaks loose when the adrenaline starts flowing.