Originally Posted by PilotSi,Jan 18 2006, 01:44 PM

The benefits of those front strakes more then offset any weight penalty created in their existance on our cars.

By design, our cars is equal to a flying brick...that is, it's not a very aerodynamically efficent vehicle. You'll notice that while driving at high-speeds, this car will feel less comfortable then even a sedan. The reason being is that the car's short wheel base, minimum overhang, and open top design is very counter-intuitive to downforce. However, it's great at creating lift & drag.

With those front strakes on, they help divert air away from the wheel wells. If they were off, air could fill the wheel well, causing even more lift underneath the car -- giving it an even more 'floaty' feeling.

That's why a lot of S2000 track cars notice a difference even with a PepBoys rear wing on. I hate to say it, but this is a car that would actually benefit from those ricer wings (at high speeds of course).

Aerodynamics plays a very big role in car design -- in F1 racing, aerodynamics is probably as important as the chassis design itself, if not more so.

Originally Posted by RED MX5,Jan 17 2006, 10:37 PM

LOL, I use to race a Formula V, and we'd try just about anything to try to get a little edge.

There is a (potential) fly in the ointment though. You've probably tuned your suspension to get the handling you want, without the strakes. If they change the handling very much it might actually increase your lap times, and could even upset the handling a little. However, I think if it makes any difference at all, it probably means that the strakes make a meaningful difference. Anyway, fly in the ointment or not, it would be interesting to have one of the club racers do some testing. You guys have the safest place to test, and the strongest motivation.