Originally Posted by Racer12:
A wedge chassis most likely refers to a raised left side lower frame rail. That way with a wing it doesn't bottom out. A 5 bar car is a torsion bar chassis with a front sway bar on it, 4 bar is a torsion bar chassis no sway bar. 86/40 refers to 86" wheel base and 40" driveline length. 87/40 would be the most common one used. As far as front axle length goes with a wing you run 50" non-wing 52"-53". That way it is more stable on the RF. It takes weight off of the right front on corner entry, therefore making the car more stable.
Bob
Thanks Bob, That helps me a lot.
I thought of a couple more question if y'all will indulge the new guy a bit.
1) I notice in a few of the vids I watched that a common failure is the RR breaking off with catastrophic results. Is this a result of fatigue from too many races or just something that happens from time to time?
2) Why do these cars randomly bicycle? Is it a setup issue? I understand sometimes catching a hole wrong, but I've seen guys go off in the corner sometimes seemingly the same as every other lap and it looks like the car just lays down on the RF and pitches up on the RR... Driving Error? Is it just how things are? I understand this question may be too broad, I'm just trying to learn as much as I can and prepare myself.