> -----Original Message-----
> From: Patricia Kelly [mailto:lollipop94588@yahoo.com]
> Is there a sliding scale in DP? If the top weight
> limit is raised to 2300#, then the bottom weight is
> raised the same amoint? Seems like smaller engined
> cars will be less able to deal with the additional
> 100# than the larger engined cars. What was the logic?
Weight has two major impacts on performance for autocross. Acceleration and
handling. The acceleration part is taken care of by legislating the ratio
of displacement-to-weight which has a fairly direct relationship on
power-to-weight. There is nothing in the formula which attempts to balance
the weight-to-grip for the range of cars. Given that, and given equal
tires/wheels (which are now legal under the proposal), it will always be
most advantageous to run the car with the smallest engine, since it will
have the most available grip relative to its lower weight. To put a limit
on this advantage, a minimum weight for the entire class regardless of
engine size, is used.
Another related point is that the smaller-engined cars tend to be smaller in
physical size. And shorter wheelbase and narrower track are advantages in
Solo II.
Note that road racing is skewed heavily towards power-to-weight as the
dominant factor on performance, with car size and handling being much less
important than in Solo II.
Hope that makes sense,
--Andy
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