Changing Your Track Vehicle Setup in the Rain
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Many think that driving in the rain is simply about bravery or an added sensitivity with the inputs. While those two aspects will benefit a driver dealing with a wet track, it’s just as important to adjust the suspension and, if possible, the engine, to get a car that is more predictable and less edgy towards the limit. Since the limit is so much lower, one must transfer weight less dramatically, and the car is generally softened in the suspension department.
The first things one must consider are the tires and the spring rates. Intermediate tires work well for semi-wet or damp conditions, whereas the fully-grooved tires must be brought in for monsoon races. Generally speaking, fresher tires with a harder shoulder allow the tires to cut through the water and give a more incisive steering feel. Springs and swaybars should be softened as much as necessary, since the limit is lower and the window between sliding and spinning is narrowed somewhat. The softer swaybars will allow for body roll, but since cornering speeds are slower, there isn’t too much of a hindrance here. In fact, if a chassis is stiff enough, the swaybars can be disconnected completely.
Many think that driving in the rain is simply about bravery or an added sensitivity with the inputs. While those two aspects will benefit a driver dealing with a wet track, it’s just as important to adjust the suspension and, if possible, the engine, to get a car that is more predictable and less edgy towards the limit. Since the limit is so much lower, one must transfer weight less dramatically, and the car is generally softened in the suspension department.
The first things one must consider are the tires and the spring rates. Intermediate tires work well for semi-wet or damp conditions, whereas the fully-grooved tires must be brought in for monsoon races. Generally speaking, fresher tires with a harder shoulder allow the tires to cut through the water and give a more incisive steering feel. Springs and swaybars should be softened as much as necessary, since the limit is lower and the window between sliding and spinning is narrowed somewhat. The softer swaybars will allow for body roll, but since cornering speeds are slower, there isn’t too much of a hindrance here. In fact, if a chassis is stiff enough, the swaybars can be disconnected completely.
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