>Subject: Re:
>Sent: 10/31/98 8:17 PM
>Received: 11/9/98 1:13 PM
>From: Phil Ethier, pethier@isd.net
>To: Rod Bean, rodbean@ix.netcom.com
> Erik V. Berg, erikb@elrond.sp.TRW.COM
>CC: lotus-cars@lists1.best.com
> chapman-era@autox.team.net
>
>From: Rod Bean <rodbean@ix.netcom.com>
>
>>I do see Phil's point though about the totally different philosophies
>>between fwd and rwd required to get the cars around the turn on slippery
>>surfaces. The reason I think the definition of a drift is stretched a
>>bit for what the Saab is doing is that the rear is where it is only
>>temporarily, because of the use of momentum on entry. If the turn would
>>be long enough, this effect would dissipate, leaving no drift and pure
>>understeer.
>
>Nope. The attitude is held throughout. The rear will not start tracking
>again until the car is on the straight.
>
>Ever been ice racing? The clawing effect of the studs in ice is more
>powerful than the resistance to sideways motion of an unpowered wheel. The
>SAAB can keep that attitude all the way though the corner. It is for this
>reason that running this high angle on the driven wheels is the fast way
>around.
>
>IF you were correct that the rear of the SAAB would eventually stop drifting
>and start tracking, THEN the fast way around an ice-racing course on studs
>would be to attempt to be tracking. This is demonstrably not true. There
>is a simple word to describe any driver who attempts to keep the car
>tracking: Last.
Phil,
Well, I've never tried ice racing so I certainly accept your description.
It sounds like we in the warmer climates are really missing something!
I'd love to try it sometime.
Rod
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