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Expert: - 3/19/2004


Question
I would like to know how much downforce can creates touring cars such as DTM, cars in FIA GT.
The number do not need to be exact or sientific.  

Answer
Hello Rob.

I am not so sure about touring cars, but in open-wheel cars such as those in Formula One, the downforce can exceed 2500 Lbs. or 4000 Kg.  This figure is at 100 MPH, or 161 KPH.

Touring cars would be different based on their indivudual designs.   If you had a building large enough, the racing Corvette, seen at LeMans, and Sebring, could be driven on the ceiling at anything over 100 MPH.

In Formula One, and most other open-wheel series, the loss of a front or rear wing at speed, throws the car completely out of control, and usually causes a serious accident.

Hope this answers your question !

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida USA  

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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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