Description / Abstract:
Introduction
The race cars of the late '50s did not closely resemble those we
see on today's tracks. Back then cars were larger, heavier, much
less nimble, and would not corner or accelerate nearly as fast as
today's race cars. Few knew anything at all about engine power
bands or oversteer/understeer balance. There were few sponsors and
little need for them. Electronics in racing was unimagined. Only
hard, skinny tires were used and drivers had little safety
equipment. Auto racing has changed a great deal since then.
Carburetors have been replaced by electronic injection, computers
now control engine functions, shock absorbers cost $5,000 a set and
their adjustments are some of the most important on the car. Wheels
are sometimes wider than they are tall, and steel tubing frames
have given way to those made from carbon fiber fabric and epoxy.
Race cars have become much more refined and require sophisticated
techniques to prepare them and to drive them. Indeed, the entire
racing industry is more sophisticated, requiring a professional
approach to obtain successful results regardless of the level of
competition.