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Auto Racing/50/50 weight ratio

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Expert: - 4/30/2004


Question
Hi:

 For car Honda s2000, Mazda rx8 and BMW 5 series. From what i have read all this car are 50/50 weight ratio or something. I would like to know what is that mean?

thank you
stephen

Answer
Well Hi again !

The 50/50 ratio means that the weight of the car is evenly distributed front to rear.  So if the car weighs 2000 Lbs.  1000 Lbs. of that weight will be on the front tires, and the other 1000 Lbs. on the rear wheels.

In racing cars, we try to get all four tires evenly balanced so that 25 % of the weight is on each wheel when the car is ready to race, and the driver belted in. We even weigh them only when he's wearing his helmet and fire protective suit.  

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Dan Liddy

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Anything concerning race cars, 20 years competition experience, Senior Competition Driver Instructor , car builder, mechanic, welding, fabrication, tuning , engine modifications, set up, suspension design. Specializing in Datsun/Nissan products. Please submit questions about RACE CARS ONLY. No street cars, no video game scenarios Thank you.

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I have been racing for 20 years, I have been the Central Florida SCCA Regional Championship points for 5 years running, and won the championship in my class 2 times. During my first start in the 60's I won many solo awards and the State Championship Drags. I serve as a senior instructor for SCCA, and have taught in Mercedes AMG events at Daytona, and Dodge Viper Days at Sebring International. I have been in the thick of the competition for all of my career. At one time or another I have driven race cars at speeds nearing 195 MPH. It's quite a ride !

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