All we need is big, stiff springs and big, thick rollbars to go racing, right? Only if our tracks were as flat as a pool table. Every bump or irregularity in the track upsets our cornering race car to some degree, so we need to have suspension compliancy as well as stiffness. And there is a reason why Formula One drivers need to be as fit as Olympians, a stiff suspension really … [Read more...] about CHASSIS part 3, SUSPENSION
CHASSIS part 2, ROLLCAGE
Continuing on our rollcage discussion, how many points of attachment is enough? More is better is the usual train of thought, but more bars in the cage means more weight. And since acceleration is determined by horsepower per pound of car, the more you weigh, the less you accelerate. So the right balance of enough cage to be safe and to keep the chassis rigid versus keeping the … [Read more...] about CHASSIS part 2, ROLLCAGE
710 AT BUTTONWILLOW
REKINDLING THE FIRE
If you have been out of the sport for a while, and are feeling the old desire pulling you back in, be prepared for sticker shock! The old days of driving your MG to the track, unhooking the muffler, and letting your scarf fly are unfortunately gone. $350 entry fees, $8/gal race fuel, $800/set racing tires, they are now a fact of life. But don't let that keep you on the … [Read more...] about REKINDLING THE FIRE
SHARING EXPENSES
One of the best ways to Race On The Cheap is sharing expenses with your buddies. If you don't have any friends in this sport when you start, you will have some shortly. For the most part, racers are a pretty great group of folks, especially in the vintage race clubs. Lots of comraderie in the pits, and always a helping hand. A lot of beginners, and veterans alike, will split … [Read more...] about SHARING EXPENSES
RACE CAR CHASSIS, part 1
Since most new racers come from the street car scene, engine modifications are usually the first area of interest in a race car. New racers want to spend all their time and money getting the most horsepower out of their engine. This is a natural desire, put its quite misguided. Max power output of your race car engine is only going to make a difference once you have made your … [Read more...] about RACE CAR CHASSIS, part 1