CONTENTS FORMULA 1 RACE CAR
6 52
FORMULA 1 POWERTRAIN
8
FORMULA 1 STEERING WHEELY
9
FORMULA 1 RACE CARS: FROM THE BEGINNINGS TO THE PRESENT
10
NASCAR RACE CAR
12 53
RACEKART
14 54
WRC RALLY CAR
16 55
DAKAR CROSS COUNTRY RACE CAR
18
WTCC TOURING CAR
20
DTM RACE CAR
22 56
LE MANS PROTOTYPE RACE CAR
24 57
TOP FUEL DRAGSTER RACE CAR
26 58
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MONSTER TRUCK
28 59
RACE TRUCK
30 60
MOTOGP MOTORCYCLE
32
OFF-ROAD MOTORCYCLE
34
COMPETITION QUAD
36 61
HISTORIC RACE CARS
38
BLOODHOUND SSC
40 62
RACE SNOWMOBILE
42
ENGINE POWERED AEROBATIC PLANE
44 63
F1 POWERBOAT
46 64
RACING YACHT
48
3D ALBUM
50
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N FORMULA 1 » NASCAR » KART » WRC » DAKAR » WTCC » DTM » LE MANS » DRAGSTER » MONSTER » TRUCK » MOTORCYCLE Although the size of the engine in today’s Formula 1 car is no different from that of an average passenger car (1.6litres), it is much stronger and faster. Peak performance is rated above 800 bhp (average family car: 80–140 bhp); 0–100 km/h acceleration is under 2 seconds (average family car: 10–12 s) and the top speed exceeds 350 km/h (average family car: 160–180 km/h). Just by looking at these data, it is all too clear that F1 cars are one of the strongest and most modern technical and technological marvels in the world. Let’s see what they are all about!
FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Motor racing is as old as the automobile. The Formula 1 world championship started in 1950 and has represented the top genre of motor racing ever since; it is all about innovation, spectacular speeds, the rush and performance. The rules of the game have evolved in parallel with these technical achievements and innovations. These rules are primarily designed to make the most expensive and technical sport, with the largest number of viewers, as safe as possible.
THE FORMULA 1 RACE CAR PERFECT PROTECTION – CLOTHING Fire-resistant mask
Helmet Even though it is made of 17 layers of exceptionally strong carbon fibre materials, the helmet only weighs 1.25 kg. Attached to the outside of the visor are tear-off plastic strips
Fire-resistant overall Offers a window of safety for approximately 10 seconds even in flames of 800°C.
Front wing Like its rear counterpart, the front wing is also adjustable. It generates approximately one-quarter of the total downforce.
Fire-resistant gloves Light and thin, they offer excellent grip on the steering wheel.
Fire-resistant underwear Nosecone The front impact zone of the race car. It also houses all the electronic equipment.
Fire-resistant boots Their thin soles are designed to offer excellent pedal handling.
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Tyres A mixture of over 220 components. Unlike regular tyres, F1 tyres are inflated with nitrogen. They offer good grip only at operating temperatures (80–100 °C). Hard compound tyres last longer while soft compound tyres offer better grip levels. Racing drivers generally use slick (no tread) tyres. However, in rainy conditions they can opt for transitional or wet tyres with treads to drive the water out from under the tyre.
Brakes Made of carbon fibre, brake discs weigh only 1.5 kg and may heat up to 700–900 °C. Interestingly enough, the rear brakes release energy upon breaking, which is fed to the energy store.
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This is the downward aerodynamic force applied to the race car to enhance stability and manoeuvrability. The large rear wing generates approximately 25 percent of the total downforce. Adjusting the rear wing can decrease or increase downforce.
The lower the wing is tilted, the smaller the drag and downforce. This reduces cornering speed but increases top speed. Steering wheel Removable to enable the driver to enter and exit the vehicle faster.
The higher the wing is tilted, the greater the drag and downforce. This increases cornering speed but reduces top speed.
Engine In addition to powering (accelerating) the race car, it is also a load-bearing component to which some of the vehicle’s parts are attached.
Differential and gearbox The 8-speed gearbox and the differential form a single unit to save space in the rear section of the car.
TECHNICAL DETAILS Model: Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid Engine: 6-cylinder, turbocharged Engine size: 1598 cc Power: 650 bhp + 161 bhp (electric motor) Min. weight: 702 kg Number of gears: 8 Acceleration (0–100 km/h): 1.7 s Acceleration (0–200 km/h): 3.8 s Acceleration (0–300 km/h): 8.0 s Top speed: 370–380 km/h
Adjustable rear wing
Exhaust pipe Made of a very strong and light metal alloy to withstand excessive heat.
Airbox This is the engine air intake where the cold, fresh outside air enters the vehicle.
Fuel tank The 120-litre tank is positioned in the centre of the car to ensure that weight distribution does not change with the fuel being consumed.
Rim Made of a light and strong alloy, it is held in place by a single central wheel bolt to speed up the wheel changing procedure.
Seat Fully shaped to the body of the driver, who assumes an almost lying position.
Energy store and air cooler Supplies the electric motor with energy.
Undertray and diffuser The bottom cover of the race car whose special shape sucks the car to the asphalt. This is where 50 percent of the downforce is generated.
See page 52 for a 3D illustration of a Formula 1 race car.
SUSPENSION
The wheels are connected to the chassis with massive, carbon fibre wishbones. Their travel is regulated by dampers and springs.
B
A
A Harder suspension allows for more precise steering and more stability in the corners. B Softer suspension allows the wheels to compensate for any unevenness on the road surface; however, the driver will have more difficulty in controlling the imbalances of the car when braking (“pitch”) and cornering (“roll”).
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» FORMULA 1 N NASCAR » KART » WRC » DAKAR » WTCC » DTM » LE MANS » DRAGSTER » MONSTER » TRUCK » MOTORCYCLE NASCAR is one of the most popular motorsport series in the United States. Initially, some six decades ago, the cars on the grid were regular (stock) cars you could buy in dealerships. Later, several modifications were made (roll cage, radio transceiver, slick tyres, race engines), and nowadays not a single part is identical with regular, stock cars. It is only the body that resembles the original production model.
The series has always served the interest of spectators; consequently, the races are not only spectacular but also exciting. The excitement is mainly due to the very similar technical parameters of the cars on the grid yielding roughly the same top speed. It means that NASCAR is more about driver abilities and tactics.
NASCAR RACE CAR TECHNICAL DETAILS Model: Ford Fusion Engine: V8 Engine size: 5860 cc Power: 865 bhp Weight: 1497 kg Top speed: 330 km/h Acceleration (0–100 km/h): 3.9 s
Lexan windshield Made of an extremely durable yet flexible material also used in the canopy of modern fighter aircraft.
Radiator Occasionally, race drivers cover up the radiator grill before the qualifying session to allow the engine to reach its operating temperature faster.
THE TRACK
Most NASCAR tracks are oval in shape and feature a banking, with the cars driving counter-clockwise on the track (turning always left). Track length varies, some tracks are short (max. 1 mile long), some are medium-long (min. 1 but max. 2 miles) and there are a few “superspeedways” (over 2 miles in length). Tracks also have different bankings. The smaller and slower tracks have turns with 12-degree banking (A) while the banking on others is as steep as 33 degrees (B). Some of the tracks have curved turns where the surface of the turn is not flat (C). It means, for instance, that while the banking on the inside line of the turn is only 24 degrees, it could be as high as 33 degrees on the outside, next to the wall. Brakes The car is slowed down by traditional, steel brake discs.
A Flat surface, 12-degree banking (Martinsville)
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B Flat surface, 33-degree banking (Talladega)
C Curved surface, 24–30-degree banking (Bristol)
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Traditionally, NASCAR race cars travel in packs on the track only a few inches apart. This is to reduce drag, i.e. to lower fuel consumption and gain speed; this helps the car behind to overtake at the right moment as tactics dictate. A single car generates more drag and reaches a much lower top speed.
Calm air Turbulent air
Camera A 360-degree camera is mounted on the roof.
Transparent plastic spoiler
Safety fuel cell Capable of withstanding extreme collision impacts.
Window net Protects against flying debris. The doors do not open so the driver gets in and out of the car through the window.
Crumple zone By deforming upon impact, this zone reduces the kinetic energy released in the event of an accident.
Chassis The steel frame is reinforced with a roll cage. Interestingly enough, the chassis is built specifically for NASCAR tracks (banking, oval).
Driver’s seat Instead of its regular place right next to the door, the driver’s seat is positioned a bit closer to the car’s centre line to improve safety in side impact accidents.
See page 53 for a 3D illustration of a NASCAR race car.
Steering wheel Removable to facilitate entry and exit.
Tyres Smooth tread (slick) race tyres. Instead of air, the tyres are inflated with nitrogen, which is more “stable” at high operating temperatures.
Unfortunately, the combination of high average speed, minimum safety gap and the large number of race cars on the track often results in “fender benders” and accidents.
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» FORMULA 1 » NASCAR » KART » WRC » DAKAR » WTCC » DTM » LE MANS » DRAGSTER » MONSTER » TRUCK N MOTORCYCLE The top and the most renowned class of motorcycle racing is the motorcycle road racing world championship, also known as MotoGP. In comparison to car racing, MotoGP is like Formula 1 because the teams use cutting-edge technology just like the F1 Flying Circus. The history of the MotoGP battles fought on closed, asphalt tracks goes all the way back to 1949. Initially, actually until 2002, bikes had two-stroke, 500 cc engines. Nowadays, powerful, four-stroke, 1000 cc engines are used. The two lower classes of motorcycle road racing are Moto2 and Moto3 with smaller race engines. The most talented and best riders of these two lower categories usually find their way to the top class.
Windshield In the straights of the track, the riders bend down behind the windshield to reduce drag and increase speed.
Clutch lever Mounted on the left of the handlebars, the rider uses the clutch lever only when starting off (changing from neutral to first gear).
MOTOGP MOTORCYCLE Air intake This is where the air needed for the engine to burn the fuel enters.
A SPECTACULAR MOVE – CORNERING
Front fork Two forks keep the wheel on the road. Here is the fork’s damping. If it is set hardf, it allows for precision handling. If damping is softer, the wheel compensates better for any unevenness on the road surface, which increases grip.
A perfectly executed turn in a corner may shave off important tenths of a second per lap. The rider leans the motorcycle at a steep angle so that his knee and elbow almost touch the ground while his hip is on the side of the bike.
MOTORCYCLE ROAD RACING CATEGORIES
MotoGP
The top class in motorcycle road racing with incredible performance parameters. The engine produces around 250 bhp, which is at least twice the power available in an average family car, yet their weight is only about one-fifth of a car. This excellent power-to-weight ratio allows these motorcycles to be only a few tenths of a second behind the 800 bhp Formula 1 race cars in terms of 0–100 km/h acceleration.
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Moto2
This category features 4-cylinder, 600 cc engines producing around 140 bhp. The teams design and produce the aluminium frame and suspension of the motorcycles themselves.
Moto3
This is the lowest category in motorcycle road racing. The single-cylinder, 250 cc engines produce 40 bhp. Riders in this class may be as young as 14 years old.
» OFF-ROAD BIKE » QUAD » HISTORY » BLOODHOUND » SNOWMOBILE » AEROBATIC PLANE » POWERBOAT » SAILBOAT » 3D ALBUM ONE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS TRACKS OF MOTOGP: MUGELLO Located in a green area, this track has been on the MotoGP calendar since 1992. Six left-hand corners and nine right-handers (a total of 15), all fast and dynamic, make Mugello one of the most exciting tracks of MotoGP. The most famous section of the track is the start/finish straight where motorcycles reach one of the highest top speeds of the season. It is Dani Pedrosa who holds the record in the 1141 m straight, after turn 15, with a speed of 349.2 km/h.
Saddle (seat) Quite uncomfortable. Its primary function is to contribute to manoeuvrability. Fuel tank Most of the 21 litre tank is positioned under the rider’s stomach. The rest of the tank is “invisible” as some frame components also double as fuel tank cells.
Gear shift lever The rider changes gears by moving the lever, positioned near the foot-peg, up or down.
Rear swingarm This is the component that connects the rear wheel to the motorcycle frame.
Frame Made of aluminium, some of its cavities double as fuel tank cells.
Front brake Two huge carbon fibre brake discs slow down the front wheel. They are almost ineffective when cold but they exert incredible force at operating temperatures. Wheel rim Made of magnesium alloy, resulting in a very low weight. Tyre The slick (smooth-surface) tyre offers excellent grip. Interestingly enough, the mid-section and the sides of the tyre are made of materials of different hardness to ensure even wear during the race.
Did you know?
The most successful rider in the history of motor cycle road racing is Italian Giacomo Agostini, who has won 8 world championship titles in the 500 cc class (the predecessor of MotoGP) and 7 world championship titles in the 350 cc class!
Fairings The carbon fibre components covering the motorcycle frame offer not only wind protection and lower drag but, due to their special design, are instrumental in cooling the engine.
TECHNICAL DETAILS Model: Honda RCV213V Engine: 4-cylinder, 16-valve, water cooled, 4-stroke Size: 1000 cc Power: 250 bhp Fuel consumption: 20 l/100 km Weight: 160 kg (without rider) Top speed: 350 km/h Acceleration (0–100 km/h): 1.9 s Acceleration (0–200 km/h): 4.8 s
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» FORMULA 1 » NASCAR » KART » WRC » DAKAR » WTCC » DTM » LE MANS » DRAGSTER » MONSTER » TRUCK » MOTORCYCLE Restarted in 2014, the Red Bull Air Race series represents the top of skyrobatics. The races require pilots to complete the slalom track marked by air gates (pylons) as fast as possible. But it’s not all about speed: the track must be completed as precisely and with as few mistakes as possible. Only the elite of stunt pilots and the light airplanes designed specifically for this series are up to the job. As with race cars, engineers focus on three key design aspects: aerodynamic efficiency (drag), manoeuvrability (easy and accurate control), and power-to-weight ratio. These specially designed aerobatic planes are not only light and exceptionally strong, but are also robust and offer better manoeuvrability than modern fighters.
ENGINE POWERED AEROBATIC PLANE Fuselage The carbon fibre plastic casing is attached to a light but robust chrome-molybdenum frame.
INCREDIBLE FORCES!
The force generated when accelerating or decelerating is called the g-force. There are few other sports that would test the racer’s physical limits like this. Pilots must withstand g-forces up to 10–12 gs during acrobatic flying. This is 10–12 times body weight, which can be endured only by special muscle techniques and breathing exercises. Without proper training and the right technique, high g-forces may disrupt the pilot’s vision and may even result in fainting.
Propeller Made of carbon fibre plastic.
Did you know?
Engine housing Its design may change depending on the track and the location. When less cooling is needed, a more aerodynamic housing can be used.
Hungarian pilot Péter Bessenyei is one of the founders of the Red Bull Air Race series. He even won the championship title in 2003 (the first season of the series).
TECHNICAL DETAILS Model: Corvus Racer 540 Weight (empty): 540 kg Maximum take-off weight: 700 kg Engine size: 8874 cc Power: 345 bhp Top speed: 450 km/h Manoeuvring speed: 330 km/h Cruising speed: 310 km/h Climb rate: 18 m/s
Engine
2
Air intake This is where the air needed for the engine to burn the fuel enters.
4
1 3
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1 At the bottom of the fuselage of most airplanes, there is a small window to allow better orientation for the pilot. 2 Track layout with flight path 3 Pedal 4 Instruments
Landing gear Covered with aerodynamic panels, the landing gear uses disc brakes. These slow down the aircraft when taxiing on the ground.
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The pylons marked in red require tighter manoeuvres. They are only 10 meters apart and pilots must cross these air gates with their wings in a vertical position.
The pylons, marked in blue, are positioned approximately 14 meters apart. The pilots fly through these air gates with their wings in a horizontal position.
Racers must not only avoid hitting the pylons but they also have to fly through the air gates at a specific height.
PYLONS OR AIR GATES
Pilots manoeuvre around the various track obstacles, called pylons, at speeds in excess of 300 km/h. These pylons are positioned 10–14 m apart. Pylons are made of light canvas that rupture or deflate immediately upon contact with the wing or the propeller of the aircraft. Even though these impacts do not inflict any damage on the airplanes, they do result in heavy penalty points (converted into seconds).
Vertical stabilizer
Rear landing gear The pilot steers the rear wheel to manoeuvre the aircraft while on the ground.
Horizontal stabilizer
SPECIAL OUTFIT
Pilots are required to wear a fire-resistant overall, gloves, shoes, a helmet and a parachute. The special G-suit helps the pilot endure the strain when pulling high gs. About 4 litres of liquid flows in the pipe system of the g-suit. When performing stunts, the liquid flows to the lower body and applies pressure to the leg to help maintain blood circulation in the upper body and the head.
Angle gauge Looking to the side, the pilot can use this simple device to estimate the angle of elevation in comparison to the horizon.
Fuel tank The fuel system incorporated in the wings and the fuselage is designed to ensure fuel supply at all times, no matter what stunt the pilot happens to perform.
Smoke generator The aircraft are equipped not only with digital cameras but also with a smoke generator. This device emits a white smoke to allow for easier tracking of aircraft manoeuvres.
Wow!
During the qualifying session and the race, these special aircraft can reach top speeds of 400 km/h!
Aileron Enables the aircraft to roll around its longitudinal axis.
Airframe It is a collective term to include the structural frame of the aircraft with the fuselage, wings, stabilisers and the landing gear.
See page 63 for a 3D illustration of an aerobatic plane.
AEROBATIC PLANE N 45
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3D APPENDIX TO THE ILLUSTRATED ATLAS OF RACING VEHICLES SPECIAL 3D GLASSES ARE REQUIRED TO USE THESE PAGES
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