Page 1 of 1

Possible FRC track change for equal lane length

Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 3:48 pm
by gordon
Guys,

I've been thinking about how difficult it is becoming to overtake with the cars becoming so competitive with one another. We have probably all noticed that a slightly faster car using the outer lane has an almost impossible task to overtake a slightly slower car that is using the inner lane. So how can this be addressed? Well the simplest way is to have both inner and outer lanes of equal length. The obvious way to do so means having an over/underpass. I had a hard look at the track layout and have found the following change to be the simplest and least-intrusive way to accomplish this (bottom-left of picture):

Image

As indicated, it results in equal lane lengths of 75 ft 5 in, just about the same as the current outer lane length.

It will take a bit of work, especially incorporating it into the scenery, but it may be a worthwhile change. We also have to consider the driving and marshalling aspects, both pros and cons.

What do you think?

Gordon

(15/2/18 - Corrected 2nd-to-last corner track sections to match actual track pieces, so lap length has changed slightly)

Re: Possible FRC track change for equal lane length

Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 6:19 pm
by steveaca
Interesting idea Gordon. One of my concerns would be the gradient of the downhill , leading immediately into a corner. It looks like it would need to be quite steep as it is fairly short distance from the overpass into the corner. Another concern is that cars coming out of the corner under power could de-slot under the overpass, sometimes a bit of a marshaling challenge. I do like the idea though, the equal length lanes being a positive and the change in layout, with the Corkscrew-esque top corner, presenting a new challenge.

Re: Possible FRC track change for equal lane length

Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 7:47 pm
by Luke
Gordon,

This is a very creative and exciting (driving) idea indeed and history/experience would have it.
  • The pros and cons get sorted out one way or the other ...
However and still taking into consideration what Steve said ~ I think it’s better you leave the back straightaway downhill and then into a right-handed underpass followed by the uphill overpass.

This is really interesting and so much so ...

I’m seeing room for a lane changer on the suggested (straight) underpass or even the next left-handed corner. All leading up to driving excitement getting to the overpass.

It’s known how I’m not into the racing much anymore but you have my full support (on this one) and two thumbs up :-)

I also agree it’s going to take a bit of work whichever way you go with having an over/underpass sector.

Luke

Re: Possible FRC track change for equal lane length

Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 8:52 pm
by Luke
BTW ~ someone should get the grabber because notice a F1 car off the track :D :lol:

Re: Possible FRC track change for equal lane length

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 9:10 am
by gordon
Luke wrote:BTW ~ someone should get the grabber because notice a F1 car off the track :D :lol:
That's a retirement Luke :D