Auto Racing: Race car setup, race car setup, circle track car

Question
Hi Dan
Can you tell me how to figuar the weight on a
race car? By that i mean the weight of the lf
tire and rf and lr and rr and then how to figuar the cross weights. I have access to scales.
I have done this before just can't remember the math...This is for a 98 buick regal front
wheel drive for a 50 lap endoro race. I have some ideas on the setup i want but if you have
any hints please include them. I used to
race a late model sportsman. Just forgot the
setup math after 15 years.
Thanks
Doug


Answer
Hi Doug:

Actually I can't offer much.  Everything I've ever done has been with rear wheel drivers.  Also , you didn't tell me if you'll be running on an oval and only turning left, or if it will be a road race .  Big difference there.

As a basis though, a circle track car should have the maximum allowable amount of weight on the left side of the car.  the front should have roughly 5 deg. of negative camber in the rf, and 3 deg.. positive in the lf. Also all the caster you can adjust, beat, bend, and twist into it, and about 1/8" of toe OUT.  This should make it turn in well. Don't go overboard here, cuz tire wear will be a factor in an enduro.

Here's a hint.  If you start to lose your front end early in the race, you've probably overheated your tires. Ease off for a lap or two, and they should come back to you.

As far as cross weight math, since I'm a road racer, I've never done it.   I have seen numerous articles discussing it in Circle Track Magazine and highly recommend it to ALL racers.  There's a tremendous amount of tech info in that rag, I never miss a copy- - -and a subscription is dirt cheap.

Finally, a really great book on the subject is:
"How to Make Your Car Handle"  by Fred Puhn,  I found it on the shelf at Barnes and Noble, but if it's not there, they can order it for you - - -it's about $16.00 and well worth the money and the wait.

Good luck !!

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida