Thread: Rubber Down
View Single Post
6/13/18, 12:48 AM   #2
KingRandomUser
KingRandomUser is offline
Member

Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 141
 

Not a total expert on the subject but there are numerous factors that can come into play.

First, let's start with the most obvious: Track Prep. No secret to know tracks that have been extensively worked won't rubber up as fast as tracks that get a bit more neglected. Sometimes this is intentional, depending on the classes of cars running. It can also be on how was the track prepped and what equipment worked and packed it in too. Was it a tiller? Disks? Sheep's foot? What packed it? Big heavy roller? Push Trucks? Water Truck? Sprint Cars? Stock Cars? Anything can make a difference.

2 - Weather. Sunshine and wind, even humidity play a role in moisture content. And thus how fast it dries out and sickens up.

3 - Dirt Composition. Not all dirt is equal. Different types of dirt hold different amounts of moisture and react differently to weather, water, and even pressure from being packed down. This also includes whatever additives, such as small wood chips, are also mixed in with the soil.

Then we can compare the cars themselves.

1 - Tires. Sprint Car rear tires are obviously much larger in both width and circumference. Thus more surface area to hit the dirt with. Compound also plays a role as softer compounds stick more to the dirt.

2 - Transmission. Sprints have a lack there of, so all that horsepower is pretty much at the rear wheels. Unlike in a Late Model in which power is lost through the tranny. More wheel spin causes the dirt to pack in tighter and take on rubber faster as well. Compound this with bigger tires and you can see the results.

3 - Downforce - This applies more to the wing cars, but any added Downforce will push those tires into the dirt more. Factor in the previous 2 points with more pressure and moisture goes away quickly.

4 - Car Count. More cars = more rubber

5 - Other classes of cars. Kinda goes into tires and tire compositions too, but other classes tires, while laying down rubber as well, can affect the track surface. Modified tires for example are narrow and kinda act like a slight disk cut to some extent. Any other narrow tire class can have this effect as well.

Just a few tidbits. Someone else might have a bit more insight or technical reason, but these do play factors on a track rubbering down or not.
 
4 members like this post: chrismattlin, fishnman, Simon_says17, tirespinner