Inquiry into the use of spoilers to increase speed

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Justus C
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Inquiry into the use of spoilers to increase speed

Post by Justus C »

I'm relatively new to derby talk so maybe this has been addressed before, but I couldn't find anything.

On real cars, spoilers are used to keep the back end of the car from lifting off the ground. Would it be possible to use the same principle to give a derby car an additional boost down the curved section of the track? I have no idea if it could work and don't have any means to test it. Thanks in advance for your time.

Justus C
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Darin McGrew
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Re: Inquiry into the use of spoilers to increase speed

Post by Darin McGrew »

The analysis I heard is that derby cars don't want spoilers (or anything else) that pushes them into the track (which is the role of spoilers on real race cars, to increase traction aka friction).

And any spoiler that could lift the car would generate more aerodynamic drag than the reduced friction with the track would compensate for.
Justus C
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Re: Inquiry into the use of spoilers to increase speed

Post by Justus C »

Makes sense. Thanks for your time.

Justus C
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Re: Inquiry into the use of spoilers to increase speed

Post by Speedster »

It would probably slow you down but I'll bet it would look COOL !!!!
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whodathunkit
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Inquiry into the use of spoilers to increase speed

Post by whodathunkit »

Hi Justus C. and :welcome:

I'm with Darin and Speedster on this!

I have built a few semi trucks with spoilers and/or wings.
Check out the Tyrone Malone Super Boss topic.
http://www.derbytalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=8311
I also raced this truck unofficially at Mid America in the class b big rig just for fun... using Max V's 18 wheeler wheels and axles on graphite.
Speedster said he would love to see me race it there.. well here are the stats from the race. car# for the truck is 8025.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B10lro ... 15azQ/view


I think the trick to work a spoiler into your design .. would be to build a very light car or truck body.
Then pack in as much weight as you can with out going over your weight limit to hold it to the track.
Best of luck !
Whoda


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