The Parting Shot

Author:  Jack Champaigne
Source:  The Shot Peener magazine, Vol 20 / Issue 3, Summer 2006
Doc ID:  2006028
Year of Publication:  2006
Abstract:  
Performance Engineering In auto racing, a split second can be the difference between the winner's circle or being towed back to the garage wondering what improvements can be made to make the difference in the next race. This year's Indianapolis 500 Auto Race had the second closest margin of victory in the race's prestigious history. Sam Hornish Jr. won the race in 3.10.58.7590 hours, just 0.0635 seconds in front of second place finisher, Marco Andretti. With a track temperature of 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) and average speed of 157.085 MPH (252.8 km) the race cars were pushed to endurance limits. The competition keeps teams feverishly looking for the technology to improve their edge on the track under extreme conditions. Auto racing teams and car owners are often pioneers to innovations in making autos "faster, stronger, and lighter". Often, the result is these improvements find their way into the automobiles we drive everyday in the streets around the world.