Sparks!

[Cougar]

I managed to get a hold of a copy of the '92 South African GP at Kyalami and note the sparks flying from the cars.

Also noted the marshals all wearing yellow (sponsored by the yellow pages I presume)

Anyways what has happened to the sparks!? Cars riding higher? Circuits less bumpy? although the drivers were complaining about bumps at Silverstone?

We should petition to bring back sparks in F1!

[Super Hans]

Originally Posted by Cougar

Anyways what has happened to the sparks!? Cars riding higher? Circuits less bumpy? although the drivers were complaining about bumps at Silverstone?

I think it's the higher ride-heights. Sparks occured when the cars 'bottomed-out' which they no longer do.

[Kidzer]

I think they still do, but the part that hits the ground used to made of a metal of some sort I think...and I dont think it is anymore, you can see it at Spa (amongs other places) sometimes, at Eau Rouge - there are marks on the track where the cars hit the ground.

[zac510]

In 1994 after that weekend, wooden planks were introduced and intended to be the first (soft) contact with the ground. These planks don't spark.

[Super Hans]

Originally Posted by zac510

In 1994 after that weekend, wooden planks were introduced and intended to be the first (soft) contact with the ground. These planks don't spark.

Am I right in saying that these planks are measured post-race to ensure that a they haven't been worn away by regular heavy contact with the ground?

[Bononi]

You're right.

[tristancliffe]

Before it was titanium 'lumps' that bottomed out, causing the sparks. I think they should make a return, if only because they looked dramatic! How hard can it be to insert titanium 'lumps' on the floor of the car that touch down just before the plank - this will save plank wear, look impressive....

Track owners might not appreciate the extra tarmac damage though

[Sodemo]

Cars still sparked afterwards, I remember Michael in 1997 at Melbourne quali had his car riding so low it sparked around all the high speed parts of the track.

Not too sure why they would be sparking, maybe screws in the wood?

[f1manoz]

Bring something back to make the sparks return!

[Super Hans]

Originally Posted by tristancliffe

Before it was titanium 'lumps' that bottomed out, causing the sparks. I think they should make a return, if only because they looked dramatic! How hard can it be to insert titanium 'lumps' on the floor of the car that touch down just before the plank - this will save plank wear, look impressive....

I think that the whole 'bottoming-out' thing was regarded as one of the many factors in Senna's fatal accident, and was therefore stamped out in the resultant rule-changes.

[Matt]

I suggest we fasten the planks to the car with 3 inch tall titanium bolts. That the head of the bolt it 1/2 inch from the road.

[Marbot]

Originally Posted by f1manoz

Bring something back to make the sparks return!

I hear that they're still touring.My favourite was always "This town ain't big enough for the both of us".Which might be a very apt song for later on in the season.

[bdwoody]

IN deed it was titanium and i have got some 12mm bar at work that makes great sparks with an angle grinder , wooden planks not so good !

[Sodemo]

One here I made from my own collection...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OnKJdNA6rU

[Marbot]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

One here I made from my own collection...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OnKJdNA6rU

Ah yes!,pre-refuelling days (God bless'em).Full race distance tanks would always get the sparks flying at the beginning of a race.

In Williams case this was aided by 'active suspension'.

[JeremySmith]

Originally Posted by martyn bott

I hear that they're still touring.My favourite was always "This town ain't big enough for the both of us".Which might be a very apt song for later on in the season.

Carry on..

[zac510]

having solid bolt heads would defeat the purpose of the plank.

[MrTTraces]

Originally Posted by martyn bott

I hear that they're still touring.My favourite was always "This town ain't big enough for the both of us".Which might be a very apt song for later on in the season.

On the subject of Sparks, there last album "Hello young lovers" released last year is actually rather good.

Back on topic thou.... It would be great to see F1 cars showering sparks again. It would certainly add to the spectical / entertainment of the races.

[Cougar]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdsvdYVoDbw

I suppose that is todays equivelant to sparks then...

Sawdust! woohoo!

[Pingguest]

Originally Posted by Super Hans

Am I right in saying that these planks are measured post-race to ensure that a they haven't been worn away by regular heavy contact with the ground?

You're right. Only 1mm wear is allowed.

[georgeboi999]

The IRL looks so good when they bottomed out.

[Dutton]

I think most people would like to see sparks once more. I would. It is just neat.

[Super Hans]

Originally Posted by Dutton

I think most people would like to see sparks once more. I would. It is just neat.

Sparks were good, but they were a natural result of the designs of the time.

Bringing them back in some artificial way, just so we could have sparks, would be spectacularly lame.

[Rockmunky]

Yeah, but i'd also like to see some tail action too... maybe once TC is gone it might make a comeback.

Lots of things help to make it look more dramatic, including sparks.

[Dutton]

Originally Posted by Super Hans

Sparks were good, but they were a natural result of the designs of the time.

Bringing them back in some artificial way, just so we could have sparks, would be spectacularly lame.

All you have to do change the regulations. It would be no more or less arbitrary than any other limit. I am not saying FORCE it on the teams. I am saying let the regulations allow for it, but leave open other options to them.