Ride height is too damn low

[NaBUru38]

We have been talking for decades on how to chance racecar regulations to improve the show.


Most people talk about making wings smaller or remove them, or reduce the wheel size.


However, I have a new theory: increase ride height.

Ride height has become smaller and smaller over the years, to increase underbody downforce. To make it work, suspension must be ridiculously hard.


The result is that cars barely roll. And this makes cars look like they aren't cornering fast.


This looks fast:





This doesn't:





So just mandate 10 cm of ride height, and problem solved!

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

We have been talking for decades on how to chance racecar regulations to improve the show.


Most people talk about making wings smaller or remove them, or reduce the wheel size.


However, I have a new theory: increase ride height.

Ride height has become smaller and smaller over the years, to increase underbody downforce. To make it work, suspension must be ridiculously hard.


The result is that cars barely roll. And this makes cars look like they aren't cornering fast.


This looks fast:





This doesn't:





So just mandate 10 cm of ride height, and problem solved!

Interesting thought. When the NGTC regs were first used in BTCC, the following was typical of many observers' comments at the time:

For me, as a spectacle, I think the NGTC cars are "ok". They just don't seem to have the poise or precision of the old supertourers or even the S2000 cars. They just seem "wallowy" and very "soft", like a blancmange on wheels, they have so much body-roll.

[BertMk2]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

This looks fast:
.....
This doesn't:

The DTM cars may not 'look fast' in a photo but on track their cornering speed was spectacular to watch - they certainly 'looked fast' in the flesh. The aero meant that they couldn't follow each other closely but there was no problem with how fast they looked.

[Anyopenroad]

I think the DTM car looks much faster! The touring car looks like something someone drove to the track for a RWYB session. The DTM car looks like a spaceship.

[FIRE]

SC cars look dynamic and spectacular.
DTM cars look maybe fast but also boring.

[NaBUru38]

I'm not talking about the bodywork, but about the ride height and roll.

[Anyopenroad]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

I'm not talking about the bodywork, but about the ride height and roll.

I know. But the two things go hand-in-hand. High ride and roll is not what top cars do. I mean, the roll has largely been engineered out of Lotus Cortinas now! There’s a delight to be had in watching drivers grapple with big roll and under-steer, but it’s hardly modern motorsport.

[jimclark]

De-regulate the requirement for billiard table smooth circuits. The rest would follow.

[nelik]

yeees, i agree - it looks really spectacular!

[JT240Z]

Originally Posted by jimclark

De-regulate the requirement for billiard table smooth circuits. The rest would follow.

One track comes to mind... Sebring.

[Presley]

In my opinion, To increase ride height while still maintaining underbody downforce, you can use adjustable suspension systems. These systems allow you to raise the car's height without sacrificing the aerodynamic benefits of a lower ride height. Another option is to install an air suspension, which allows you to adjust the ride height on-the-fly while driving. Additionally, you can use taller tires to increase the ride height, although this may affect the car's handling and performance. It's important to consult with a professional mechanic or engineer to determine the best solution for your specific car and racing needs.