Top end Bonneville straight line speed poll

[Ghoste]

Is the wing versus adding ballast not a moot point here though?  If we are talking about top speed as set up for NASCAR then the Ford aero cars could run no more ballast than they do on a high bank.  Or do I need to go back re-read because this has already been covered? 

[Redbird]

For a Production based car using SCTA-BNI rules, one of the main challenges is the amount of air going under the car and the lift it provides. Under the rules, all that is allowed in the front is whatever front bumper or spoiler the manufacturer sold. Even with the big lump-o-iron in front, air lifts the car at speed.

A 1982 Pontiac Firebird had an optional aero front that works great.

A NASCAR car solves the same problem because one can run Harry Hyde's best front spoiler, like the original #71 KK car did.

[learical1]

If we are talking about top speed as set up for NASCAR then the Ford aero cars could run no more ballast than they do on a high bank.  Or do I need to go back re-read because this has already been covered? 

For the oval tracks, ballast was added low,between the front and rear wheels.  I believe the rules call for a minimum weight, not a maximum weight.  Theoretically, you could add as much ballast as you need.  Extra weight kills acceleration, not top end.

[Ghoste]

Perhaps true of the amount of weight we are discussing but I'd disagree if you meant that as an absolute.

[JB400]

There's a maximum and a minimum weight limit.

[Sbird69]

There is absolutely no disadvantage from the wings and actually the additional ass end weight is a benefit. Another example would be that we fill the regular gas tank to water (at 9lbs per gallon it works great) to provide additional rear tire 'bite' on the slippery salt as you attempt to gain traction and get up to speed before the timing lights. The wings are adjustable and can be matched to your actual car attitude to provide a neutral force. Tha ADVANTAGE is the end supports of our wings and the lateral force which prevents the rear end from going sideways.   Roof rails must be fabricated,installed, and are mandatory on most of the production style vehicles run on the salt as the SCTA wants the over-car air stabalized. Drag coifficient number of the areo cars are available and should then be matched with the actual 'frontal area' number of each car.  The Daytona is tops of the areo's with the Bird and the Fords a toss up. If you search old archives you'll find comments from our Boston area local boy that won the Daytona 500 in 1970, Pete Hamilton, that on that February day 42 years ago he remembers throwing Petty's #2 car into the turns at dangerously excessive speeds and that the ass end stayed on the track like it was glued to the ground. God bless the Salt and that a place such as that even exists for us to play on. I do every August at Speed Week.
Sbird69

[odcics2]

There's a maximum and a minimum weight limit.

Checking the 1970 Nascar rule book, I found that there was a 3,900 lb. minimum weight only.   They did not specify a max. weight.  But more weight would slow a car coming off the corner...   And add to tire and brake wear.   

[Ghoste]

It would be kind of strange to specify a maximum weight in almost any motorsport wouldn't it?

[odcics2]

It would be kind of strange to specify a maximum weight in almost any motorsport wouldn't it?

Tractor pulls maybe?? 

[Ghoste]

Oh, yeah maybe.  Never thought of that one.

[held1823]

a max weight at bonneville makes perfect sense. traction is the issue, so any extra weight could be overcome with horsepower. 

it would be kind of humerous to pop a trunk lid, only to find a row of tractor weights hanging inside.

[odcics2]

a max weight at bonneville makes perfect sense. traction is the issue, so any extra weight could be overcome with horsepower. 

Or better aerodynamics!!! 

[Ghoste]

All hail the Charger Daytona. 

[JB400]

All hail the Charger Daytona.  

[odcics2]

All hail the Charger Daytona.  

Especially the race cars with the drooped front ends!!