Race No. 12
US 500
Presented by Toyota
Michigan Speedway — Brooklyn, Michigan
July 24-26, 1998
Punching Holes into the Air This weekend, the FedEx Championship Series will race at Michigan Speedway, the potentially fastest trackon the CART circuit. To slow the cars down from reaching hazardous speeds (a relative thing, but in CART 230+ seems to beconsidered too dangerous), cars will have to run a new rear wing that is designed to slow them down. the so-calledHandford device is basically a large vertical flap at the bottom edge of the rear wing, creating a large amount of drag, while reducing downforce slightly. Earlier tests have shown that the win should dropthe lap speeds at Michigan from a 233mph pole last year to possibly a 226mph pole this year. What will be most interesting is not qualifying, but the race. The drag wing will bring back a draft behindthe previously highly streamlined cars that allows for fast passing using the increased two, or forfuel saving draft runs. Drivers with experience in oval racing where drafting plays a major role willhave a strategic advantage. What we don't know is what the wing will do to th stability of the cars in the turns and how it will affectthe racing lines available in the turns. One thing is for sure - this year's US 500 will be a very differentrace than the previous edition. Speeds will be down, but not enough to matter to the audience. The changed physics the teams have to deal with could make it almost anyone's race. In the last two year, Ganassi drivers had the pleasure to win this event. Will they be able to continue the tradition, and possibly win a fifth race in a row for Alex Zanardi? The failure rates of cars at 500 mileevents are rather high, and the perfect technical breakdown record for Ganassi may end. IF not, who canbeat them? Andretti has experience with higher drag Champ Cars from earlier seasons, and his Swift has beentesting well with these wings. Fuel milage? Honda may have the edge, but smart drafting may make up the differencefor any engine on Sunday. The race is live on ABC sunday 1pm Easter. |
