ITB - what a bunch of crap

[JoshS]

So, effectively, make it a percentage of classified weight instead of a fixed number? That would address it better, though I think you'd want a "weighted formula" to also take into account power.

Alternatively, if you choose to base it on one factor, do it as a percentage of power instead of weight. Power has more of an effect on FWD front tire longevity and corner exit speed than weight alone. Ain't sayin' weight DOESN'T, just not as much as power.

The real limiting factor for lap times in FWD is "can you put that power down through the course of the race?"

Man, you guys like to get complicated.

Let me remind you that all cars in a given class have roughly equivalent power-to-weight ratios. So an adder based on power vs. an adder based on weight is likely to result in basically the same answer for all cars in the same class.

So can't we just use a fixed number and make life simpler? Oh wait ... we already do!

[Greg Amy]

So an adder based on power vs. an adder based on weight is likely to result in basically the same answer for all cars in the same class.

Good point. So, since weight is based on power, ignore weight and adjust the subtractor on power. Same ole.

So can't we just use a fixed number and make life simpler? Oh wait ... we already do!

No, that doesn't follow your point above. If we were to base it on either weight or power, than the numerical subtractor must vary based on that.

A fixed number only works if there's a fixed amount of power or weight for all cars in the class. What you're actually suggesting in this last case is to base the subtractor on the chosen power-to-weight ratio, which is class-specific, not vehicle-specific and thus would not change. Circular logic...

What would be interesting is to know the "baseline" ITB car and its power level, then vary the current-50# subtractor as a function of its power...

[JoshS]

No, that doesn't follow your point above. If we were to base it on either weight or power, than the numerical subtractor must vary based on that.

Good point (back at'cha). But how much do we expect the current 50lbs (or 100lbs) to vary? Because it seems like it would be well within our normal margin of error based on the assumptions in the process ... in which case I still conclude, simplicity is good.

[Greg Amy]

...it seems like it would be well within our normal margin of error based on the assumptions in the process ... in which case I still conclude, simplicity is good.

Could very well be! It would be an interesting arithmetical exercise for someone with all the data...maybe someone that also owns an ITA Miata...hmm....wonder who that could be....

[Andy Bettencourt]

Could very well be! It would be an interesting arithmetical exercise for someone with all the data...maybe someone that also owns an ITA Miata...hmm....wonder who that could be....

Naw...that dude is ghey.

[Ed Funk]

Naw...that dude is ghey.

:eek:...yeah, and???