Maximize yaw/roll rotational inertia of body?

[jones]

My son's race just finished and his car took 2nd. Pretty much all the standard optimization schemes were followed, so I'm looking for tweaks.

To reduce "wobble" and the tendency for the car to want to turn, it would stand to reason you would want to maximize the rotational inertia about the "yaw" axis (the axis about which the car turns left/right). The would require placing the weight as far away from center as possible (left/right balanced of course) while still maintaining a CG ~1" in front of rear wheels.

Secondarily it would maximize rotational inertia about the "roll" axis, also a possible plus.

Any opinions or data on this?

J.

[Sappington R]

Jones,
Welcome to the Message Board and congrats on your cars 2nd place finish. I'm not the expert here but there are plenty of others who are. However, if you are seeing wobble it could be coming from other things like: 1. wheels not true or balanced, 2. axle diameter to small or hub bore to large. 3. your weight may be to aggressive- that is to far back, depending upon your body style-

I was always under the impression that you want the weight placed equal left/right regardless of forward/back, but would like to here from the experts on this one.

Lastly, as far as steer goes: It is good if you can control it, especially If you are "rail riding" which is generally accepted as common knowledge among st the fastest builders. Follow this link for more info & discussion about it: www.derbytalk.com/viewtopic.php?t=2460

Just my opinion- hope it helps.

Sappingtonr