Ask An Expert: Weight Dynamics

Q: “How does one ‘weight’ a car for Fat Track or drag? I have a couple cars done already for 2021 ADRC, but I’m always looking to improve my game.” –HSL Motorsports Die Cast Racing

A: Weight Dynamics for Fat Track racing are by nature different than other types of racing. Now, one is never going to get a car to run a Fat Track like a single lane gravity drag, but there are some things that can be done to help get down the Fat Track as straight as possible.

The majority of your weight should sit dead center on your chassis and be kept as low as possible (a.k.a. a low center of gravity).

Also, you want to put at least 7g in the front of the car somehow, so think of that when choosing a casting to build for Fat Track racing.

The weight in the front of the build helps to stabilize the car faster when it enters the curves and helps to pull the front through and down the curve. Hopefully, setting up the car’s entering the straight again.

Also, you don't want your Fat Track car to be the fastest of your Modified fleet – quick, but not your fastest.

Now, if we're talking a gravity drag, put your weight more towards the back of the car and the majority right in front of the back axle and you can move some all the way to the back, but not too much. Too much junk in the trunk can lead to, and cause, the speed killing “Speed Wobbles".

However, no matter your race or track, it always starts with Wheel Farming. Make sure you've got some good spinning wheels underneath your build. – David Currin, League of Speed

David Currin races under the name of League of Speed. He is the Event Coordinator of Redline Derby Racing. He is the reigning 8 Modders Champion. His SPEED SHOP videos #4 and #5 are on the topic of Weight Dynamics. (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0IYQJoF7y9jYn39_XjDZH7ZaOvoe4HMU)

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