So when one attempts a record for speed why is it has to be done twice? Surely if the record is say 200mph and you go 205 mph that is it? Yes I know you go twice and they do an average but why? Does wind come into it, unfair advantage if one gets a strong tail wind or something. But these things tend not to be done in howling gales anyway or even a small gale. Why risk life and limb and expensive machinery twice? Might be something very simple but Ive always wondered.
r.g.nixon,
Aug 18, 6:13am
Besides wind, there is slope. The start of the course could be quite a few metres in altitude from the end.
mojo49,
Aug 18, 6:51am
Bob Seager "Against the Wind"
socram,
Aug 18, 6:55am
Yes, as above. Wind speed and direction and few places are dead flat - especially road courses such as Canal Road. It would be all too easy just to take a strong tail wind or downhill run!
At 200mph, even a 5mph head wind is going to have an impact.
Gunhand. The only dumb question is the one you don't ask.
gunhand,
Aug 18, 7:13am
Send them all the same way then? Does a few meters of incline over a mile or two plus build make that much difference? But yea since these things are down all over the world in differing places I guess some sort of level playing field is needed.
pettal,
Aug 18, 7:23am
And there is usually a time limit on gap between runs .
socram,
Aug 18, 7:29am
That is exactly it Gunhand. It is the only way to level the playing field, locally or internationally.
To be recognised, local officials have to be present and there are certain protocols to be observed.
Remember too, that in most cases, apart from Bonneville speed week, a speed record is set up for just one vehicle at a time, not several. Think Rodger Freeth, Racing Ray Williams, Owen Evans etc.
mojo49,
Aug 18, 7:40am
You still have to run "Against the Wind"
gunhand,
Aug 18, 7:43am
Don't mind a bit of Bob.
gunhand,
Aug 18, 7:43am
What if its a side wind?
richardmayes,
Aug 18, 7:58am
Didn't Colin Chapman have a thing about "the perfect racing car is one that falls to pieces just after it crosses the finish line?
I read the book of the Thrust SSC speed record attempts. Noble said it was very nerve-wracking watching Andy Greene go out the last couple of times trying to get the record even higher. the car still SEEMED to be in one piece and running fine but they knew the frame had already had more of a hammering than it probably should have.
tony9,
Aug 18, 6:24pm
If it is exactly 90 degrees then it will slow it both ways. A little steering correction will be needed which will scrub the tires and that will waste some HP.
In practice a real high speed run will avoid any side winds as it may cause the Mary Poppins effect to come into play.
mrfxit,
Aug 18, 6:59pm
Many different reasons for a 2 pass average. Wind pressure /direction & buffering effects Ambient air temps at specific parts of the course Gravity + earths spin direction Machine overall running temperature Dramatically reduces the chance of a flute high speed run. General slope of the ground/ dips/ bumps/ softer patches etc (Eg: same as the "Judder bar" effect on roads).
Speed records are calculated by the split second, averaging between both runs as with any record that can carry the level of prestige & or rewards of the win.
the-lada-dude,
Aug 18, 9:25pm
I stopped asking questions years ago, . 'does that make me a dumb arse !'
elect70,
Oct 24, 2:18am
Perhaps so cant just build a hand grenade engine that will only do the 1 run before exploding ?
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