5 replies to this topic

[GeorgeTheCar]

Stumbling through a NASCAR pre-race broadcast I found a discussion about why the current cars are so hot.

One was less air flow around the car which I found curious as I thought that it would be roughly the same. Perhaps it is code for something I have yet to understand or it means that they have to tape the car up more to get downforce.

The item that really had me wondering was the statement that unleaded gas generates higher exhaust gas temps and this adds to cockpit heat as well.

I hope someone can explain

Thanks

[McGuire]

I'm not sure the CoT is demonstrably hotter than the previous car. Some say yes; some say no. What seems to be clear is that it is not cooler than the previous car, which was the hope due to the taller greenhouse and larger side windows.

These are 850+ hp cars with front engines and unit transmissions. They are going to put a lot of heat into the cabin in any case.

[OfficeLinebacker]

Well the oil tank is behind the driver's seat, the drivers have always worn these little silver heat shields on their heels, and it's just freaking hot in there.

The only diff I can think of is the new shape allows less flow into the NACA ducts in the side window that are designed for driver comfort.

I know they're not REAL NACA ducts!

[zac510]

Do they use those cool suits?

[REN_AF1]

I think the reason is that they, to meet demands of the Kyoto protocol, can no longer drive with the lid popped off the beer cooler.

Hey, second post.. this is going in the right direction.

R

[McGuire]

I think the main problem is the CoT works the driver a lot harder.