Headwind and racing at the track....

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03-05-2001, 08:02 AM

Dave B

Not DAVEB the parts guy

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Join Date: Aug 2000

Posts: 8,555

Does anyone have an idea to how much a consistent 15mph headwind (20-25mph gusts) would slow down a car running the 1/4 mile? I'd think after 70mph the wind may become a factor.

Thanks,

Dave

03-05-2001, 02:03 PM

brubenstein

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Join Date: Oct 2000

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Probably several tenths. Air resistance changes at the square of the change in speed. This is why it takes something around 10 HP to go 50 MPH, and 100 HP to go 100 MPH. The Cd of the Max is better than this, which is why it can go around 140MPH with around 170 (at the wheel) HP. (Using those numbers, it takes another 27HP to go from 100MPH to 115MPH).

03-05-2001, 02:17 PM

Jon91SE

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Join Date: Dec 2000

Posts: 2,001

yea ive read 2 articles on this the first talked about police cars and how there light bar creates drag etc... but im trying my hardest to find one i just read that talks about wind drag and HP and let me just tell you wow, its amazing how much HP u waste going fast due to wind!! but to your original question that wind did make a big difference, ill get back to you when i can find that article.