6 replies to this topic

[uechtel]

There are many possibilities to determine the length of a lap at a given race track: Along the inside or the outside of the corners or along the middle line, or even along the shortes possible line around the lap.

Can anybody here tell me what is the official definition?
And generally, how much longer is the length of the effective lap along the "ideal" driver´s line during a race?

[MPea3]

i can't speak for how all tracks are measured, but i can for one, road atlanta. RA was measured in a BMW 2002, driving as close as possible to the center of the track, measured with a Heuer Robo rally computer, calibrated to the mile markers on I-85 north going toward RA from downtown atlanta. the drive for the Robo was taken from the left front (undriven) wheel. the track measured out at 2.518 miles, and was rounded off to 2.52 miles. i believe this has been revised higher since the configuration of the track changed near the bridge.

[kober]

For example length of Masaryk Circuit in Brno, Czech Republic is measured in centerline of the track. I think most tracks are measured this way.

What is interesting to me is, whether the tracks are really measured, or is the track lenght just computed.

[4mula1]

I was reading the CART rules and the length of track is the mean average of a lap around the inside and outside, and it mentioned the FIA in the portion.

I can't seem to find it right now but that's what I remember reading some time ago (I think it came from the 2001 rule book for CART).

[ray b]

in land survey we use center lines messured with a EDM on the straits on centerline
and compute curves from point of curve begins to end of curve on long cord or use point of intersection of both straits if we can't see all the way around curve with total station/transit
then distance of center line around curve is the computed and 100 ft stations are set on centerline
at 99.97ft per 100ft on most curves, varies a little with deg of curve.

[2F-001]

We raised this point a little while back (I think it may have been amidst a thread abouy Montlhery) - can't remember if we reached a conclusion or not...

[uechtel]

I should have rather searched the archive first, as it seems that someone else has already discussed this question:

http://www.atlasf1.c...&threadid=31398

but thanks a lot for your instant replies!