Auto racing(also known ascar racing,motor racing,[1]orautomobile racing) is amotorsportinvolving theracingofautomobilesfor competition. In North America, the term is commonly used to describe all forms of automobile sport including non-racing disciplines.
 Manystock carsgoing into the first turn atCircuit of the Americas | |
| Highestgoverning body | FIA |
|---|---|
| First contested | August 30, 1867 |
| Characteristics | |
| Mixed-sex | Yes |
| Type | Outdoor and indoor |
| Presence | |
| Olympic | 1900 Summer Olympics(demonstration only) |
Auto racing has existed since the invention of the automobile. Races of various types were organized, with the first recorded as early as 1867. Many of the earliest events were effectivelyreliability trials,aimed at proving these new machines were a practical mode of transport, but soon became an important way for automobile makers to demonstrate their machines. By the 1930s, specialist racing cars had developed.
There are now numerous different categories, each with different rules and regulations.
History
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The first prearranged match race of two self-powered road vehicles over a prescribed route occurred at 4:30 A.M. on August 30, 1867, betweenAshton-under-LyneandOld Trafford,England, a distance of 8 mi (13 km). It was won by the carriage ofIsaac Watt Boulton.[2]
Internal combustion auto racing events began soon after the construction of the first successfulgasoline-fueled automobiles. The first organized contest was on April 28, 1887, by the chief editor of Paris publicationLe Vélocipède,Monsieur Fossier.[3]It ran 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from Neuilly Bridge to the Bois de Boulogne.
On July 22,[4]1894, the Parisian magazineLe Petit Journalorganized what is considered to be the world's first motoring competition, from Paris to Rouen. One hundred and two competitors paid a 10-francentrance fee.[3]
The first American automobile race is generally considered to be the Thanksgiving DayChicago Times-Heraldraceof November 28, 1895.[5]Press coverage of the event first aroused significant American interest in the automobile.[5]
TheTarga Floriowas an open roadenduranceautomobile race held in the mountains ofSicily,Italy near the island's capital ofPalermo.Founded in1906,it was the oldestsports car racingevent, part of theWorld Sportscar Championshipbetween 1955 and 1973.
The oldest surviving sports car racing event is the24 Hours of Le Mans,begun in 1923. It is run by theAutomobile Club of the West(ACO). TeamFerrariwon the race in 2023.
With auto construction and racing dominated by France, the French automobile club ACF staged a number of major international races, usually from or to Paris, connecting with another major city, in France or elsewhere in Europe.
Aspendale Racecourse,in Australia, was the world'sfirst purpose-built motor racing circuit,opening in January 1906. The pear-shaped track was close to a mile in length, with slightly banked curves and a gravel surface of crushed cement.
Brooklands,in Surrey, England, was the first purpose-built 'banked' motor racing venue, opening in June 1907.[6]It featured a 4.43 km (2.75 mi) concrete track with high-speed banked corners.
One of the oldest existing purpose-built automobile racing circuits in the United States, still in use, is the 2.5-mile-long (4.0 km)Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayinSpeedway, Indiana.It is the largest capacity sports venue of any variety worldwide, with a top capacity of some 257,000+ seated spectators.[7]
NASCAR was founded byBill France Sr.on February 21, 1948, with the help of several other drivers of the time. The first NASCAR "Strictly Stock"race ever was held on June 19, 1949, atDaytona Beach, Florida,U.S..
From 1962, sports cars temporarily took a back seat toGT cars,with theFédération Internationale de l'Automobile(FIA) replacing the World Championship for Sports Cars with the International Championship for GT Manufacturers.[8]
From 1962 through 2003, NASCAR's premier series was called the Winston Cup Series, sponsored byR. J. Reynolds Tobacco Companycigarette brandWinston.The changes that resulted from RJR's involvement, as well as the reduction of the schedule from 56 to 34 races a year, established 1972 as the beginning of NASCAR's "modern era".
TheIMSA GT Seriesevolved into theAmerican Le Mans Series,which ran its first season in 1998.[9]The European races eventually became the closely relatedEuropean Le Mans Series,both of which mix prototypes and GTs.
Turismo Carretera(TC) is a popular touring car racing series in Argentina, and one of the oldest car racing series still active in the world. The first TC competition took place in 1931 with 12 races, each in a different province. Future Formula One starJuan Manuel Fangio(Chevrolet) won the 1940 and 1941 editions of the TC. It was during this time that the series' Chevrolet-Ford rivalry began, with Ford acquiring most of its historical victories.
Over the last few years, auto racing has seen atransformativeshift, echoing past pivots.[citation needed]The industry, much like thecarsitchampions,has had to navigate through the hairpin turns of a globalpandemicand a persistent chip shortage, each threatening to derailproduction schedules.[citation needed]At the same time, a new course is being charted towards an electric future, a dramatic change in direction that is challenging the old guard of gasoline engines. There is also a growing number of events for electric racing cars, such as theFormula E,theEco Grand Prixor theElectric GT Championship.[citation needed]
Categories
editOpen-wheel racing
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In single-seater (open-wheel) racing, the wheels are not covered, and the cars often have aerofoil wings front and rear to producedownforceand enhance adhesion to the track. The most popular varieties of open-wheelroad racingareFormula One,theIndyCar SeriesandSuper Formula.In Europe and Asia, open-wheeled racing is commonly referred to as 'Formula', with appropriate hierarchical suffixes. In North America, the 'Formula' terminology is not followed (with the exception of F1). The sport is usually arranged to follow an international format (such as F1), a regional format (such as the Formula 3 Euro Series), and/or a domestic, or country-specific, format (such as the German Formula 3 championship, or the British Formula Ford).
F1 is a worldwide series that runs onlystreet circuitandrace tracks.These cars are heavily based on technology and their aerodynamics. The speed record was set in 2005 byJuan Pablo Montoyahitting 373 km/h (232 mph).[10]Some of the most prominent races are the Monaco Grand Prix, theItalian Grand Prix,and theBritish Grand Prix.The season ends with the crowning of the World Championship for drivers and constructors.
In the United States, the most popular series is theIndyCar Series.The cars have traditionally been similar to, though less technologically sophisticated than,F1 cars,with more restrictions on technology aimed at controlling costs. While these cars are not as technologically advanced, they are faster, in part due to their lower downforce compared to F1 cars, and also because they compete on oval race tracks, being able to average a lap at 388 km/h (241 mph). The series' biggest race is theIndianapolis 500,which is commonly referred to as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" due to being the longest continuously run race in the series and having the largest crowd for a single-day sporting event (350,000+).
The other major international single-seater racing series isFormula 2(formerly known asFormula 3000andGP2 Series). Regional series includeSuper FormulaandFormula V6 Asia(specifically in Asia),Formula Renault 3.5(also known as the World Series by Renault, succession series ofWorld Series by Nissan),Formula Three,Formula Palmer AudiandFormula Atlantic.In 2009, theFIA Formula Two Championshipbrought about the revival of the F2 series. Domestic, or country-specific, series include Formula Three and Formula Renault, with the leading introductory series beingFormula Ford.[11]
Single-seater racing is not limited merely to professional teams and drivers. There exist many amateur racing clubs. In the UK, the major club series are theMonoposto Racing Club,BRSCC F3 (formerly ClubF3, formerly ARP F3), Formula Vee and Club Formula Ford. Each series caters to a section of the market, with some primarily providing low-cost racing, while others aim for an authentic experience using the same regulations as the professional series (BRSCC F3). The SCCA is also responsible for sanctioning single-seater racing in much of North America.
There are other categories of single-seater racing, includingkart racing,which employs a small, low-cost machine on small tracks. Many of the current top drivers began their careers in karts.Formula Fordrepresents the most popular first open-wheel category for up-and-coming drivers stepping up from karts. The series is still the preferred option, as it has introduced an aero package and slicks, allowing the junior drivers to gain experience in a race car with dynamics closer to F1. TheStar Mazda Seriesis another entry-level series.Indy Lightsrepresent the last step on theRoad to Indy,being less powerful and lighter than anIndyCarracer.
Students at colleges and universities can also take part in single-seater racing through theFormula SAEcompetition, which involves designing and building a single-seater car in a multidisciplinary team and racing it at the competition. This also develops other soft skills, such as teamwork, while promoting motorsport and engineering.
The world's first all-female Formula racing team was created in 2006. The group was an assemblage of drivers from different racing disciplines and formed for an MTV reality pilot, which was shot atMazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
In December 2005, theFIAgave approval toSuperleague Formularacing, which debuted in 2008, whereby the racing teams are owned and run by prominent sports clubs such asA.C. MilanandLiverpool F.C.
After 25 years away from the sport, formerFormula 2championJonathan Palmerreopened the F2 category again; most drivers have graduated from theFormula Palmer Audiseries. The category is officially registered as theFIAFormula Two championship. Most rounds have two races and are support races to theFIA World Touring Car Championship.
Touring car racing
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Touring car racing is a style of road racing that is run with production-derived four-seat race cars. The lesser use of aerodynamics means following cars have a much easier time following and passing than inopen-wheel racing.It often features full-contact racing with subtle bumping and nudging due to the small speed differentials and large grids.
The major touring car championships conducted worldwide are theSupercars Championship(Australia),British Touring Car Championship,Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters(DTM),World Touring Car Championshipand theWorld Touring Car Cup.TheEuropean Touring Car Cupis a one-day event open toSuper 2000specification touring cars from Europe's many national championships. WhileSuper GTtraces its lineage to the now-defunctJGTC,the cars are much more similar toGT3race cars than proper touring cars, and also have much more aggressive aerodynamics.
TheSports Car Club of America'sSPEED World ChallengeTouring Car and GT championships are dominant in North America. America's historicTrans-Am Seriesis undergoing a period of transition, but is still the longest-running road racing series in the U.S. TheNational Auto Sport Associationalso provides a venue for amateurs to compete in home-built factory-derived vehicles on various local circuits.
Sports car racing
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In sports car racing, production-derived versions of two-seatsports cars,also known asgrand tourers(GTs), and purpose-builtsports prototypecars compete within their respective classes on closed circuits. The premier championship series of sports car racing is theFIA World Endurance Championship.The main series for GT car racing is theGT World Challenge Europe,divided into two separate championships: theGT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cupand theGT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup.This series has formed after the folding of the various FIA GT championships.
The prevailing classes of GT cars areGT3,GT4andGT2class cars. GT2 cars have powerful engines, often exceeding 600 horsepower. However, they have less downforce than GT3 cars and also have less driver aids. GT3 cars are far and away the most popular class of GT cars, with premier racing series such as theFIA World Endurance ChampionshipandIMSAboth using GT3 as their top class of GT car. GT3 cars have more significant aero than a GT2 car, but also have less horsepower, typically falling in between 500 and 550 horsepower. GT4 class cars have very little aerodynamics and less horsepower than GT3 machinery, typically around 450 horsepower. GT4 typically serves as the last step up to premier GT-class racing.
Other major GT championships include theGT World Challenge America,GT World Challenge Asia,Super GT,and theInternational GT Open.There are minor regional and national GT series using mainly GT4 and GT3 cars featuring both amateur and professional drivers.
Sports prototypes, unlike GT cars, do not rely on road-legal cars as a base. They are closed-wheel and often closed-cockpit purpose-built race cars intended mainly for endurance racing. They have much lower weight, more horsepower and more downforce compared to GT cars, making them much faster. They are raced in the 24 hours of Le Mans (held annually since 1923) and in the (European)Le Mans series,Asian Le Mans Seriesand theWeatherTech SportsCar Championship.These cars are referred to asLMP(Le Mans prototype) cars withLMHandLMDhcars being run mainly by manufacturers and the slightly less powerful LMP2 cars run by privateer teams. All three Le Mans Series run GT cars in addition to Le Mans Prototypes; these cars have different restrictions than the FIA GT cars.
Another prototype and GT racing championship exists in the United States; theGrand-Am,which began in 2000, sanctions its own endurance series, theRolex Sports Car Series,which consists of slower and lower-costDaytona Prototyperace cars compared to LMP and FIA GT cars. TheRolex Sports Car SeriesandAmerican Le Mans Seriesannounced a merger between the two series forming theWeatherTech SportsCar Championshipstarting in 2014.
These races are often conducted over long distances, at least 1,000 km (621 mi), and cars are driven by teams of two or more drivers, switching every few hours. Due to the performance difference between production-based sports cars and purpose-built sports prototypes, one race usually involves several racing classes, each fighting for its own championship.
Famous sports car races include the24 Hours of Le Mans,theRolex 24 at Daytona,24 Hours of Spa-Franchorchamps, the12 Hours of Sebring,the6 Hours of Watkins Glen,and the 1,000-mile (1,600 km)Petit Le MansatRoad Atlanta.There is also the24 Hours of the Nürburgringon the famed Nordschleife track and theDubai 24 Hour,which is aimed at GT3 and below cars with a mixture of professional and pro-am drivers.
Production-car racing
editProduction-car racing, otherwise known as "showroom stock" in the US, is an economical and rules-restricted version of touring-car racing, mainly used to restrict costs. Numerous production racing categories are based on particular makes of cars.
Most series, with a few exceptions, follow theGroup Nregulation. There are several different series that are run all over the world, most notably, Japan's Super Taikyu andIMSA's Firehawk Series, which ran in the 1980s and 1990s all over the United States.
Stock car racing
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In North America,stock car racingis the most popular form of auto racing.[12]Primarily raced onoval tracks,stock cars vaguely resemble production cars, but are in fact purpose-built racing machines that are built to tight specifications and, together with touring cars, also calledSilhouette racing cars.
The largest stock car racing governing body isNASCAR(National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing). NASCAR's premier series is theNASCAR Cup Series,its most famous races being theDaytona 500,theSouthern 500,theCoca-Cola 600,and theBrickyard 400.NASCAR also runs several feeder series, including theXfinity SeriesandCraftsman Truck Series(apickup truckracing series). The series conduct races across the entirecontinental United States.NASCAR also sanctions series outside of the United States, including theNASCAR Canada Series,NASCAR Mexico Series,NASCAR Whelen Euro Series,andNASCAR Brasil Sprint Race.
NASCAR also governs several smaller regional series, such as theWhelen Modified Tour.Modified cars are best described as open-wheel cars. Modified cars have no parts related to the stock vehicle for which they are named after. A number of modified cars display a "manufacturer's" logo and "vehicle name", yet use components produced by another automobile manufacturer.
There are also other stock car governing bodies, most notably theAutomobile Racing Club of America(ARCA).
In the UK,British Stock car racingis also referred to as "Short Circuit Racing". UK Stock car racing started in the 1950s and grew rapidly through the 1960s and 1970s. Events take place on shale or tarmac tracks – usually around 1/4 mile long. There are around 35 tracks in the UK and upwards of 7000 active drivers. The sport is split into three basic divisions – distinguished by the rules regarding car contact during racing. The most famous championship are theBriSCA F1 Stock Cars.
Full-contact formulas includeBangers,Bombers, and Rookie Bangers – and racing features Demolition Derbies, Figure of Eight, and Oval Racing.
Semi Contact Formulas include BriSCA F1, F2, and Superstox – where bumpers are used tactically.
Non-contact formulas include National Hot Rods, Stock Rods, and Lightning Rods.
One-make racing
editOne-make, or single marque, championships often employ production-based cars from a single manufacturer or even a single model from a manufacturer's range. There are numerous notable one-make formulae from various countries and regions, some of which – such as thePorsche Supercupand, previously,IROC– have fostered many distinct national championships. Single marque series are often found at the club level, to which the production-based cars, limited modifications, and close parity in performance are very well suited. Some of the better-known single-make series are theMini 7 Championship(Europe's longest-running one-make championship), theRadical European Masters,John Cooper Mini Challenge,Clio Cup,Ginettas,Caterhams,BMWs,andMX5s.There are also single-chassissingle seaterformulae, such asFormula RenaultandFormula BMW,usually as "feeder" series for "senior" race formula (in the fashion offarm teams).
Drag racing
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In drag racing, the objective is to complete a given straight-line distance, from a standing start, ahead of a vehicle in a parallel lane. This distance is traditionally1⁄4mile (400 m), though 1,000 feet (300 m) and1⁄8mile (200 m) are also common. The vehicles may or may not be given the signal to start at the same time, depending on the class of racing. Vehicles range from the everyday car to the purpose-builtdragster.Speeds and elapsed time differ from class to class. Average street cars cover the1⁄4mile in 12 to 16 seconds, whereas atop fuel dragstertakes 4.5 seconds or less, reaching speeds of up to 530 km/h (329 mph). Drag racing was organized as a sport byWally Parksin the early 1950s through theNational Hot Rod Association(NHRA). The NHRA was formed to discouragestreet racing.
When launching, a top fuel dragster will accelerate at 3.4g(33 m/s2), and when braking parachutes are deployed the deceleration is 4 g (39 m/s2), more than theSpace Shuttleexperiences. A top fuel car can be heard over 8 miles (13 km) away and can generate a reading from 1.5 to 3.9 on theRichter scale.[13]
Drag racing is two cars head-to-head, the winner proceeding to the next round. Professional classes are all first to the finish line wins. Sportsman racing is handicapped (slower car getting ahead start) using an index (a lowest e.t. allowed), and cars running under (quicker than) their index "break out" and lose. The slowest cars, bracket racers, are also handicapped, but rather than an index, they use adial-in.
Off-road racing
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Inoff-road racing,various classes of specially modified vehicles, including cars, compete in races through off-road environments. In North America these races often take place in thedesert,such as the famousBaja 1000.Another format for off-road racing happens on closed-courseshort course trackssuch asCrandon International Off-Road Raceway.In the 1980s and 1990s, the short course was extended to racing inside stadiums in theMickey Thompson Entertainment Group;this format was revived byRobby Gordonin 2013 with hisStadium Super Trucksseries.
In Europe, "offroad" refers to events such as autocross or rallycross, while desert races and rally-raids such as theParis-Dakar,Master Rallye or European "bajas" are called "cross-country rallies".
Kart racing
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The modern kart was invented by Art Ingels, a fabricator at the Indianapolis-car manufacturer Kurtis-Kraft, in Southern California in 1956. Ingels took a small chainsaw engine and mounted it to a simple tube-frame chassis weighing less than 100 lb. Ingels, and everyone else who drove the kart, were startled at its performance capabilities. The sport soon blossomed in Southern California, and quickly spread around the world. Although often seen as the entry point for serious racers into the sport,kart racing,or karting, can be an economical way for amateurs to try racing and is also a fully-fledged international sport in its own right. A large proportion of professional racing drivers began in karts, often from a very young age, such asMichael SchumacherandFernando Alonso.Several former motorcycle champions have also taken up the sport, notablyWayne Rainey,who was paralysed in a racing accident and now races a hand-controlled kart. As one of the cheapest ways to race, karting is seeing its popularity grow worldwide.
Despite their diminutive size, karts of the most powerful class,superkart(assuming a weight of 205 kg (452 lb), and a power output of 100 hp (75 kW)), can have apower-to-weight ratio(including the driver) of 490 hp/tonne (0.22 hp/lb). Without the driver, this figure doubles, to almost 980 hp/tonne (0.44 hp/lb).
Historical racing
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Historic motorsport or vintage motorsport uses vehicles limited to a particular era. Only safety precautions are modernized in these hobbyist races. A historical event can be of various types of motorsport disciplines, fromroad racingtorallying.Because it is based on a particular era it is more hobbyist-oriented, reducing corporate sponsorship. The only modern equipment used is related to safety and timing. A historical event can be of a number of different motorsport disciplines.
Some of the most famous events include theGoodwood Festival of SpeedandGoodwood Revivalin Britain andMonterey Historicin the United States. Championships range from "grass root"Austin Sevenracing to theFIA Thoroughbred Grand Prix Championshipfor classicFormula Onechassis. While there are several professional teams and drivers in historical racing, this branch ofauto sporttends to be contested by wealthy car owners and is thus more amateur and less competitive in its approach.
Other categories
edit- Autocross
- Autograss
- Banger racing
- Board track racing
- Demolition derby
- Dirt speedway racing
- Dirt track racing
- Drifting (motorsport)
- Eco-Marathon
- Electric drag racing
- Folkrace
- High Performance Drivers Education
- Hillclimbing
- Ice racing
- Legends car racing
- Midget car racing
- Mini Sprint
- Monster truck
- Mud bogging
- Power Wheels Racing
- Pickup truck racing
- Rallycross
- Road racing
- Short track motor racing
- Slalom
- Solar car racing
- Sprint car racing
- Swamp Buggy racing
- Wheelstand Competition
Use of flags
editIn many types of auto races, particularly those held on closed courses, flags are displayed to indicate the general status of the track and to communicate instructions to competitors. While individual series have different rules, and the flags have changed from the first years (e.g., red used to start a race), these are generally accepted.
| Flag | Displayed from the start tower | Displayed from the observation post |
|---|---|---|
|
The session has started or resumed after a full course caution or stop. | End of the hazardous section of the track. |
|
Full course caution condition for ovals. On road courses, it means a local area of caution. Depending on the type of racing, either two yellow flags will be used for a full course caution or a sign with 'SC' (Safety car) will be used as the field follows thepace/safety caron track and no cars may pass. However, if the safety car gives a green light, then the cars behind can pass the safety car (lapped cars only). | Local caution condition —no cars may pass at the particular corner where being displayed. When Stationary indicates hazard off-course, when Waving indicates hazard on-course. |
|
Debris, fluid, or other hazard on the track surface. | Debris, fluid, or other hazard on the track surface. |
|
The car with the indicated number must pit for consultation. | The session is halted, all cars on the course must return to the pit lane. May also be seen combined with a green flag to indicate oil on the track, typically referred to as a 'pickle' flag combination. |
|
The car with the indicated number has mechanical trouble and must pit. | |
|
The driver of the car with the indicated number has been penalized for misbehaviour. | |
|
The driver of the car with the indicated number is disqualified or will not be scored until they report to the pits. | |
|
The car should give way to faster traffic. This may be an advisory or an order depending on the series. | A car is being advised or ordered to give way to faster traffic approaching. |
|
The session is stopped. All cars must halt on the track or return to the pit lane. | |
|
Depending on the series, either one lap remains or a slow vehicle is on the track. | A slow vehicle is on the track. |
|
The session has concluded. |
Accidents
editThe worst accident in racing history is the1955 Le Mans disaster,where more than 80 people died, including the French driverPierre Levegh.[14]
Racing-car setup
editIn auto racing, theracing setupor car setup is the set of adjustments made to the vehicle to optimize its behaviour (performance,handling,reliability, etc.). Adjustments can occur insuspensions,brakes,transmissions,engines, tires, and many others.
Aerodynamics
editAerodynamics and airflow play big roles in the setup of a race car. Aerodynamic downforce improves the race car's handling by lowering the center of gravity and distributing the weight of the car equally on each tire.[15]Once this is achieved, fuel consumption decreases and the forces against the car are significantly lowered. Many aerodynamic experiments are conducted in wind tunnels, to simulate real-life situations while measuring the various drag forces on the car.[16]These "Rolling roads" produce many wind situations and direct air flow at certain speeds and angles.[17]When adiffuseris installed under the car, the amount of drag force is significantly lowered, and the overall aerodynamics of the vehicle is positively adjusted.[16]Wings and canards channel the airflow in the most efficient way to get the least amount of drag from the car. It is experimentally proven that downforce is gained and the vehicle's handling is considerably changed when aerodynamic wings on the front and rear of the vehicle are installed.[16]
Suspension
editSuspension plays a huge part in giving the race car the ability to be driven optimally. Shocks are mounted vertically or horizontally to prevent the body from rolling in the corners. The suspension is important because it makes the car stable and easier to control and keeps the tires on the road when driving on uneven terrain. It works in three different ways including vertically, longitudinally, and laterally to control movement when racing on various tracks.[15]
Tyres
editTyres called R-Compounds are commonly used in motorsports for high amounts of traction. The soft rubber allows them to expand when they are heated up, making more surface area on the pavement, therefore producing the most traction.[15]These types of tyres do not have grooves on them. Tyre pressure is dependent on the temperature of the tyre and track when racing. Each time a driver pulls into the pits, the tyre pressure and temperature should be tested for optimal performance. When the tyres get too hot they will swell or inflate and need to be deflated to the correct pressure.[15]When the tyres are not warmed up they will not perform as well.
Brakes
editBrakes on a race car are imperative in slowing and stopping the car at precise times and wear quickly depending on the road or track on which the car is being raced, how many laps are being run, track conditions due to weather, and how many caution runs require more braking. There are three variables to consider in racing: brake pedal displacement, brake pedal force, and vehicle deceleration.[18]Various combinations of these variables work together to determine the stiffness, sensitivity, and pedal force of the brakes. When using the brakes effectively, the driver must go through a buildup phase and end with a modulating phase. These phases include attaining maximum deceleration and modulating the brake pressure.[18]Brake performance is measured in bite and consistency. Bite happens when the driver first applies the brakes and they have not warmed up to the correct temperature to operate efficiently. Consistency is measured in how consistent the friction is during the entire time of braking. These two measurements determine the wear of the brakes.[18]
Engine
editThe race car's engine needs a considerable amount of air to produce maximum power. The air intake manifold sucks the air from scoops on the hood and front bumper and feeds it into the engine. Many engine modifications to increase horsepower and efficiency are commonly used in many racing-sanctioning bodies.[15]Engines are tuned on a machine called a dynamometer, which is commonly known in the racing world as a DYNO. The car is driven onto the DYNO and many gauges and sensors are hooked up to the car that are controlled by an online program to test force, torque, or power. Through the testing, the car's engine maps can be changed to get the most horsepower and ultimately speed out of the vehicle.
Racing drivers
editThis sectionneeds additional citations forverification.(February 2013) |
Racing drivers, at the highest levels, are usually paid by the team, or bysponsors,and can command very substantial salaries.
Contrary to what may be popularly assumed, racing drivers as a group do not have unusually better reflexes orperipheral response time.[19]During repeated physiological (and psychological) evaluations of professional racing drivers, the two characteristics that stand out are racers' near-obsessive need to control their surroundings (the psychological aspect), and an unusual ability to process fast-moving information (physiological). In this, researchers have noted a strong correlation between racers' psychological profiles and those of fighter pilots. In tests comparing racers to members of the general public, the greater the complexity of the information processing matrix, the greater the speed gap between racers and the public.[20]
Due partly to the performance capabilities of modern racing cars, racing drivers require a high level offitness,focus, and the ability to concentrate at high levels for long periods in an inherently difficult environment. Racing drivers mainly complain about pains in the lumbar, shoulder, and neck regions.[21]
Racing drivers experience extremely largeg-forcesbecauseformula carsandsports prototypesgenerate moredownforceand are able to corner at significantly higher speeds.[22]Formula 1drivers routinely experience g-loadings in excess of 4.5 g.[23]
See also
edit
References
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External links
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Media related toAutomobile racingat Wikimedia Commons
- Sanctioning bodies
- Motorsports UK Association
- American Le Mans Series (ALMS)
- Indy Racing League (IRL)
- Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)
- Grand American Road Racing Association
- International Conference of Sports Car Clubs (ICSCC)
- International Hot Rod Association (IHRA)
- International Motor Sports Association (IMSA)
- National Auto Sport Association
- National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR)
- National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)
- No Prep Racing
- SCORE International Off-Road Racing
- Sports Car Club of America (SCCA)
- United States Auto Club (USAC)
- Formula One (F1)
- Confederation of Australian Motorsport (CAMS)
- Best In The Desert Off-Road Racing