Drag racing suspension is no different than any other suspension system in that it works on physics. The physics behind a drag racing suspension system vs a road racing suspension system differ in that the forces that are being managed are acting on the car in difference directions. But ultimately we’re still talking about controlling motion and making it possible to keep a tire in contact with the track so that you can apply as much power as possible to it. But the tire matters. The principles of physics don’t change, but what the tire can handle does, and so that is why there are different types of suspension systems depending on the tire being used.
In a drag racing application this is even more apparent as the way in which the tire is controlled and pushed into the track can vary dramatically. With that said, we’re talking about extremes here. Your average street strip leaf spring car might need only minor rear suspension adjustments for a slick tire vs a drag radial. At the more extreme levels however, a drag radial equipped car can have dramatically different suspension dynamics than a slick tire would.
In this video from our pal Ry from Clapd Out, he’s going to go into some of it. Watch, learn, and see what you think. We just might teach you something today.
Video Description:
Squat or separate? How do they work and when should you use them? What happens when you get it VERY wrong? We find out today as Ry uncovers the mystery surrounding the physics behind race car suspension and more!
AHA now I see why they do that.