Traction Control & Racing

[Pat Ford]

Previously, you (Rich Vandervoort) wrote:
> <snip>

SNIP
 
> <snip>
> 
> Traction control is actually about maximizing traction without upsetting the 
> stability of the vehicle.  The traction control system ideally allows just 
> enough tire slip to allow the tires to operate at the peak of the 
> longitudinal Mu slip curve (usually between 15 and 20 percent).  The reason 
> you shut off traction control for autocross, solo, ect. is that so you can 
> alter the handling balance with the throttle.  All cars including race cars 
> are set up to understeer, 

 What the outlaws and other dirt racers and (most?) rally drivers would disagree
My tercel oversteers and I like it ( I had to put a stiff rear sway bar to do it)

understeer the drivers is scared
oversteer the passengers are scared

>by using the throttle on a rear drive car you can 

 the production car is set up for understeer because the corrective measure is 
instinctive turn the wheel more, great for unskilled drivers hell on performance

 I had a hard time teaching my wife to drive because I ALWAYs make my cars oversteer,
but she can handle an over cooked curve better then most now.

snip

--
Pat Ford                           email: pford at qnx.com
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