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Why race cars don't turn; they rotate
Brian Fuller
9/28/2012 10:41 PM EDT
FONTANA, Calif.--The automotive electronics contribution to
successful auto racing can't be underestimated, but a lot of a car's
performance still comes down to mechanical features and
optimizations.
That was another take-away from James "Sulli" Sullivan's tech talk here recently during the MAVTV 500 IndyCar race. Sullivan works with KV Racing sponsors and took a group of engineers who enjoyed the race and pre-race festivities thanks to the Littelfuse Speed2Design program.
[Learn more about the Littelfuse Speed2Design program.]
In an earlier segment, we heard Sullivan talk about how engineering (and costs) differ radically between IndyCar and Formula One teams. In this segment (video embedded below), Sullivan talks about the importance of toe and stagger, or how engineers set and optimize race car wheels to get optimal handling in their vehicle. And much of this is effected throughout the race depending on conditions.
Here's Sullivan explaining how KV Racing engineers work with wheels and explaining what he means when he says "Cars don't turn; they rotate:"
Related stories:
--Whether F1 or IndyCar, clever engineering is key
--Five lessons from race teams
--Dream engineering job?
--The racer's edge
--Limiting innovation
--Innovation in racing helmets
--Engineering mischief and a legendary racing shocker
-- To driver Arie Luyendyk, it's about engineering and racer's edge
--Littelfuse Speed2Design project
That was another take-away from James "Sulli" Sullivan's tech talk here recently during the MAVTV 500 IndyCar race. Sullivan works with KV Racing sponsors and took a group of engineers who enjoyed the race and pre-race festivities thanks to the Littelfuse Speed2Design program.
[Learn more about the Littelfuse Speed2Design program.]
In an earlier segment, we heard Sullivan talk about how engineering (and costs) differ radically between IndyCar and Formula One teams. In this segment (video embedded below), Sullivan talks about the importance of toe and stagger, or how engineers set and optimize race car wheels to get optimal handling in their vehicle. And much of this is effected throughout the race depending on conditions.
Here's Sullivan explaining how KV Racing engineers work with wheels and explaining what he means when he says "Cars don't turn; they rotate:"
Related stories:
--Whether F1 or IndyCar, clever engineering is key
--Five lessons from race teams
--Dream engineering job?
--The racer's edge
--Limiting innovation
--Innovation in racing helmets
--Engineering mischief and a legendary racing shocker
-- To driver Arie Luyendyk, it's about engineering and racer's edge
--Littelfuse Speed2Design project
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