[Land-speed] Downforce vs Ballast - the Answer

[Jon Wennerberg]

On Jun 10, 2007, at 8:05 PM, Dick J wrote:

Just about everybody gave the answer that I expected.  Use Ballast -  
not downforce.  This being the case, why do so many cars - - door  
slammers, have these monster, exotic spoilers (almost wings) on the  
rear deck lids.  Why not leave the body alone and just add weight  
without adding all that additional drag?

   DickJ



Well, it's an easy answer if you're a kid driving an import -- you  
put on a spoiler, big shiny wheels with skinny rubber, and maybe some  
projection headlights -- and you think your buddies will be impressed  
and the girls will say "Yes" -- that's why the door slammers have big  
wings.

                 Jon Wennerberg
Seldom Seen Slim Land Speed Racing
              Marquette, Michigan
              (that's 'way up north)