Ground clearance. Is it that important?

[khouse]

Here is what I've been thinking about. If the track had no rails then getting your car body right next to the track would reduce any turbulence under the car. But since we have rails to contend with we can only lower our cars to about 3/8 inch. Now at that distance the car is somewhat compressing air under the car. Plus turbulence. So if your running a taller solid bottom car, would it be fair to say that the air will pass under the car easier than a lowered car? I know this is not as important as good wheels and axles. But I was just thinking.......

[srcracing]

im with ya on that thought it does seem like you would be compressing if too low,so on that thought ive tried to keep my cars as high as possible which is about 3/8 inch every time,someone chime in on this one id like to hear some input in this one myself,,,

[jmca44]

we have tested low cars are work like cutting the sides and setting them down in between the rails. the cars seem to be on the faster side but are still not blowing away cars at 3/8. i am not sure which is better lower center of gravity or the air gap since each way seems to work about the same it is most likely a trade off.

[the woodbutcher]

Exotic sports cars address this issue by installing pans to the undercarriage. Spoilers around the front and sides shave most of the air and direct it around the car. What ever goes underneath has a smoother path to the rear because of those pans.

It would be difficult to manage the hight of the spoilers unless you know exactly what the profiles of the track are. My first 3 races have all been on different tracks. Starting ramp, transition curve, and straightaways are all different. 2 of which were "best" tracks. For next year I will make cars to fit the tracks, but I would error on the side of being high enough and a smooth bottom. Best tracks have 2 rails instead of a wider one like a wood track would have. For the best track I noticed the rails are only 1/4 " high and hollow in the middle. That would allow a very low car that could not run on the wood track.