land-speed
[Top] [All Lists]

1 hour turnaround time

To: LSR List <land-speed@autox.team.net>
Subject: 1 hour turnaround time
From: Malcolm Pittwood <MPittwood@compuserve.com>
Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2003 17:17:08 -0400
Russell and List

Perhaps it would be too simple to say that for FIA regs with 1 hour
turnaround you create a working team of the right size to do all that is on
your check list?  

Thrust SSC achieved two runs in one hour and whilst they had reached a
point where many parts were nearing their 'life' and body panels were
vibrating loose, the team kept Andy safe.  The whole LSR vehicle for the
FIA rules has to be built to a standard that minimises the workload and is
more bullet proof than an F1 car or CART Champ Car, or Top Fuel drag
racer.... 

In the FIM, for motorcycles they have always had 2 hours, but the work
allowed is limited by the rules so once again the bike has to be built to
make at least two quick runs with only safety checking and refuelling.

The list kicked this around before and the main reason for the rule was to
minimise the chance of tail wind conditions enhancing the performance of a
vehicle.  A simple wind meter such as the athletes use would be the arbiter
on avoiding 'outside' assistance.  Now would the FIA Steward have such a
device? ......  interestingly the FIM people would have and do have access
to such units and a speed is written into the rules!

If you convince me that we would not see wholesale vehicle and engine or
gearbox rebuilding, when turnaround should be safety checks and refuelling,
then perhaps longer time intervals could be managed without disadvantaging
racers running away from a Bonneville meeting.

Malcolm Pittwood, Derby, England

///  unsubscribe/change address requests to majordomo@autox.team.net  or try
///  http://www.team.net/mailman/listinfo
///  Archives at http://www.team.net/archive/land-speed
///  what is needed.  It isn't that difficult, folks.


<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>