I have contended at least once that the idea of aerodynamic lift being produced is unlikely at best. The lift experienced by cars at the transition from curve to flat, IMO, is more likely due to the inertia/momentum of the cars. Not aerodynamics. Therefore, IMO, extra lift shown on super tracks is due to a more abrupt radius change in the transition. This is the same phenomenon that so many complained about on older Best Tracks with the tight transition bend.SuperDave wrote:As far as I can tell (all other things being equal) there's essentially no difference between edge guiding and center guiding or at least the differences are 10th order effects. EXCEPT, there's one big difference. The solid center guide typical of wood tracks acts as an air spoiler under the car. This prevents the car from generating 'lift' and allows the COG to be placed further back in the car. SuperTrack, our plastic track, which uses edge guiding obviously does not have this spoiler. But not commonly recognized, neither to most aluminum tracks since they do not use a solid center guide but rather two narrow center rails with a large valley in between. (An argument could be made that the narrow rails enhance the lift by keeping the high pressure air from leaking out the side.)
So can anyone test the theory? Time to put the wind tunnel to use.