The Wall

[JERRY KNIGHT]

Does anybody know why at certain tracks ( Snetterton - Brands ) we run down the pit wall even though it is the "wrong" side of the track ?

[Bob Bull]

Probably so that the short sighted can read their pit boards!!

[TonyLees]

all the better for the team to see the fear in one's eyes?

[Andy Green]

who says its the wrong side

[jack bellinger]

The so called theory is ...
1.if you get as close to the wall as you can the air is not affected by the wind on the rest of the track ..
2.if you get overtaken by faster cars the draught is meant to be greater ..
3. if like Andy you have aerodynamics ( its a secret)

personally I get close to the wall just to annoy the pit lane

jack

[JERRY KNIGHT]

Thank you for that Jack .
Amazing, 4 replies to get a sensible answer , lower than average I suspect.

[Bob Bull]

Gerry,
Using my years of experience, and detailed knowledge of aerodynamic theory, I would suggest that drivng close to the pit wall would have a deletorious effect on a car's stability and speed.
The air displaced by the car's forward momentum would spill 'cleanly' away on the 'trackside' , but on the nearside it would be compressed between the car and the wall, thus causing buffeting along that side of the vehicle. This would almost certainly increase drag causing a dimunition of forward velocity and a tendency to push the car sideways across the track that would require correction by use of the steering wheel. Neither of these effects could be deemed advantageous to progress. Spilt air would also look for the easiest route away from the compressed area and would be directed under the car, further effecting stability.
Even worse would be following another car along the wall, as the displaced air flowing back behind the car in front would upset the aerodynamic effficiency of the following car quite markedly.
While some may scoff at this analysis I defy anyone to find a wind tunnel with a wall in it!!

Your question is why do people do it?
I suspect that the reason is psychological, it gives a greater impression of speed when you can see the wall hurtling by so close and also means that anyone behind can only pass on the other side, making it easier to defend one's line at the next corner.

Next question?

Bob FPC Cemap

[JERRY KNIGHT]

Yes Bob but as we are not dealing with laminar air flows as the air speeds up so the density decreases and so on as per Daniel Bernoulli's theorys so is this really the case ?

[jack bellinger]

Bob ... ever driven that close to the wall .. in the 2CV,s you go up the wall in a train of as many cars as possible the only way to get a fast lap..

Why cant Bumble Bees (some kind of scientific theory) fly
You dont see bumble bees in a wind tunnel either..

jack

[Bob Bull]

Jerry,
As you well know, Morgans are to aerodynamics, what lead is to balloons, which explains why Jack has to use the humble 2CV to defend his dubious theories of 'wall brushing' as an aid to faster lap times.

Knowing Jack as a very experienced, and learned man in his field, I suggest that we conduct a series of carefully controled experiments to check the veracity of his calculations.

We will neeed;
1) A suitable circuit with a level straight adjacent to a pit wall. (I recommend Snetterton as this is where Jack bases his theory on lap times.)
2) Thirty 2CV's all of a similar performance and aerodynamic configuration.
3) Thirty drivers of equal weight (or ballast to level the overall gross weight of car and driver)
4) RAC approved speed measuring devices, with suitably qualified officials to operate the equipment.
5) A senior Formula 1 level aerodynamicist.
6) One bumble bee.

The experiment will consist of two strings of cars lapping the circuit and upon debouching on to the straight one string will proceed to pass by the pit wall at a pre determined distance from the wall, and the other string will proceed along the opposite side of the track, and the terminal velocity recorded prior to applying the brakes for the first corner.
The Bumble Bee will fly straight and level along the centre of the track to provide a datum reference point.

In theory there should be a distinct difference in the speed recorded between the two adjacent lines of cars. I have no idea about the Bee!

I will leave you to organise the appropriate details.

Kind regards,


Bob.

NB; Naturaly BBC Three Counties Radio will provide media coverage of the event

[JERRY KNIGHT]

plans were absolutley fine until I got to item 4 . I cannot find any RAC speed measuring equipment that records below 45mph .

[Bob Bull]

Jerry,
The best laid plans......etc..etc.

Do you think we could manage with an hourglass and a wind-up alarm clock?

Maybe we could allow two people to push each car rather than the usual one.

I would welcome your thoughts on how to resolve the dilemma.

Yours in science,

Bob,

[jack bellinger]

Bob there is a flaw in your expriment >>> Bumble Bees cant fly !!

jack

[Bob Bull]

Bumble Bees cant fly !!

Jack, Neither can 2CV's!!!

Bumble Bees cant fly !!

No! But they can run B***** fast!

You know, I can't understand why we have not heard from that well known 'Clever Clogs' Tiny Leaves on this subject. He usualy has plenty to add to any technical discussion.

[Mary Lindsay]

wind-up alarm clock

Is that powered by wind or fear?