Mid
Ohio Champ Car Race
Actually
lots of races.
Tuning runs, time
trials, and several
different classes of cars.
Spectators can get close
to the
action.
Here teams are unloading
cars and
showing them off.
This is an unusual track
where you
can get a great view of the teams of mechanics as they work on the cars.
All the readouts and
most of the
controls are on the steering wheel.
Cars are only driven on
the track not
on to or off of it.
Spectators are ready for
the race.
Just a few checks of the
track and
cars before the start.
The initial
lap.
Those are pace cars
leading the way.
And the race is on.
The cloud of dust
indicates one of
the undesirable ways to leave the track.
Being carried off is
another.
An array of tires laid
out in the
pits, each set may have different rubber compounds ready for specific
track conditions.
Some of the show cars
that made the
first lap.
Another class ready for
their turn on
the track.
Adjust and tune.
And their race is on.
An interesting bit of
physics was
demonstrated as cars went around this sharp turn.
The tires provided
centripetal force
causing enough body roll to lift the rear tire off the pavement.
If the driver applies
the brakes that
wheel will stop and they will make the corner with it not turning.
Compare the wheels in
this
picture.
The spokes in the rear
one are clear
(it's stopped) and the front one are blurred (it's turning fast).
Leaving the track in a
cloud of dust
is unacceptable in this class as well.
The race teams had
another
competition.
They each tried to outdo
the others
with a spectacular array of food.
No race class has been
established
for this vehicle ... yet.
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