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How do I go faster

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 1:55 am
by peter rafter
I was watching a program on the Jupiter mission of the early1970s, and I was captivated by the vision and technology involved, especially the issue of “gravity assist”. This satellite is now in interstellar space and billions of miles further from the nearest man made object. I immediately wondered whether this phenomenon could be applied to the pretty red car. How far could this phenomenon propel me in front of Keith and even Elliot?, Cue Also Sprach Zarathrustr, I acknowledge that i may have to downscale but I am thinking of Spa not the Andromeda Galaxy or indeed Alpha Centauri. Besides, ambition did not deter Edison from not inventing the telescope. Will I have to submit to the Sumner technical evaluation ( or indeed Sagan?). Is there time before next season?
I am not wont to stray into the field of philosophy but have you ever noticed that when working on ones beloved steed the most important part or even as lowly as a screw has a habit of falling into the most inaccessible region of the car or garage?
Answers on a postcard. i implore no flippancies.

Re: How do I go faster

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 2:13 am
by peter rafter
On reflection there may be some merit in the "gravity assist" solution to how do I go faster. It certainly has more merit than the previous repeated advice from all quarters of "hit both pedals harder and sooner!" This always had me confused because my car has 3 pedals.

Re: How do I go faster

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 9:22 am
by Bob Bull
Peter, as a long term follower of motor sport, I have learned much about the 'art of going faster', and while, admittedly not a practitioner myself, I would venture to add my voice to this subject.

There are several well tested routes to improving one's lap time in a racing car;

1) Fit a more powerful engine. I believe you have tried this by obtaining the 'Pretty Red Car' and it does not appear to have worked for you. :shock:

2) Take the car to a reputable preparer to ensure that it correctly set up. Knowing that RTTC attend your racer, I assume that has not worked either. #-o

3) Lose a few pounds to improve the power to weight ratio. This can be achieved by stripping out all unnecessary equipment from the car and going on a strict diet. :oops:

4) Spend money on tuition from on a competent Driver Coach (I would recommend Oliver Bryant, as he is very competent and knows Morgan racing). :)

4) And this may be the best route for yourself; Employ a younger, slimmer, faster driver (note that I am not offering my services here) [-o<


I do not have experience of applying gravity to any subject so will not comment on your more esoteric ideas on going faster.

I sincerely hope this helps, and look forward to photographing you collected multiple blue boxes in 2018. (and getting a kiss from Katy)'

Re: How do I go faster

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 5:59 pm
by peter rafter
Sr Bob I will excuse your attempt to introduce a quantum of levity in what is a serious and a fundamentally grave matter of some weight that may well be of considerable concern relatively speaking in the paddock and indeed in the wider racing community, possibly due in part to my magnetic personality. Singularity infers there is only one of me and my byself- there can be no equivalence. The “gravity assist” could well make me a strong force in the series. (with apologies to Principia, Gauss and Einstein).
Many moons ago I had the questionable pleasure of a lesson with one Calum L at Silverstone. As his intercom was not working he spent the entirety in barking instructions or advice at maximum volume—a veritable tirade of “brake now, turn here, unwind steering lock, give it gas, feather etc ““- against a chorus of expletives on my part.
Needless to say as I blasted up the A 43 I overtook two police cars who strangely, and in my view inconsiderately, showed little interest in my newly acquired skills.

Re: How do I go faster

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 7:08 pm
by Bob Bull
Peter, one matter concerning your gravitational velocity device is that it will, undoubtedly, require the introduction of yet another 'Class' into what is an already a confusing melange of performance related factors. The upside being that you will be regular Class winner, after the fashion of several other competitors in the series. The downside - well I struggle with the current system, and yet hear rumours of even more classifications being added for 2018. A gravitationally enhanced bolide category may be just too much for me to contend with while penning reports for the Beloved Mary.

Why not remain content to ramble round at the back of the field, enjoying the company of like minded stragglers? And save petrol into the bargain.

Oh! There is always the danger that you may inadvertently launch yourself into outer space, get sucked in to a black hole, ending up as anti matter in a parallel universe.

On second thoughts. Go for it.

Re: How do I go faster

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 4:22 am
by Greg Mackie
As an outsider, I am concerned that Bob may not have grasped the gravity of the situation.

Re: How do I go faster

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 9:45 am
by Bob Bull
Greg Mackie wrote:As an outsider, I am concerned that Bob may not have grasped the gravity of the situation.

Please Greg, do not consider yourself an outsider, an outbacker? Yes, but as someone who actually owns a Morgan you are sure to be considered a member of the Mog family, despite living on the underside of the world.

I know you are a very clever man so maybe you can assist Peter in his search for 'faster'! As the earth is constantly spinning, would gravitational pull depend on whether a circuit is lapped Clockwise or anti-clockwise?

Re: How do I go faster

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 9:53 am
by Greg Mackie
It's great to know we are not poles apart, Bob. Sorry about that...no I'm not!

Re: How do I go faster

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 10:02 pm
by peter rafter
If I may be so bold as to point out that it is only the phenomenon of the earths magnetism ( modesty should prevent me from disclosing that my own magnetic personality may be a significant contributory factor) and the weighty issue of gravity that prevents The Honourable Mackie (and some of my relatives in the ex penal colony) from physically falling of the bottom of the earth as it continues its spin and oscillation about its rotational axis within the predefined orbital plane. If my “gravity assist” development materially alters the mean obliquity ( ergo making BoB and Greg poles apart) it could be that instead of falling directly off the bottom of the earth and disappearing into infinity he could instead fall off sideways , alas with the same result. In any event AsSpa is now scheduled for June 2018 Im afraid its back to the lab for me...
regards
ps extracted from “Horrible Fisics” which may or not be published.

Re: How do I go faster

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 10:15 pm
by peter rafter
pps
My attention has been drawn to the rights and issues of copyright . As consequence my magnus opus which may or not be published will be retitled "Simpul Fisics"
pps
Do apples fall upwards down under?

Re: How do I go faster

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 12:00 am
by Greg Mackie
peter rafter wrote:pps

pps
Do apples fall upwards down under?
I need to check with Uncle Isaac.

Re: How do I go faster

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 8:10 pm
by TonyLees
keep da pedal to da metal.
simples

Re: How do I go faster

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 9:54 pm
by Greg Mackie
In the late '60s I raced an Elfin Formula Vee. Recently, a 'young fella' asked what was the secret in going fast in a Vee. My reply:-

"Don't take your foot off the throttle, don't touch the brake pedal, don't turn the steering wheel...unless your life is in danger. Each of these actions will slow the car, so keep them to a minimum."

Re: How do I go faster

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 8:35 am
by Bob Bull
Peter et al,
I was so entranced by the vision of a gravity assisted pretty red car that I completely forgot to ask the most basic of questions.

Why do you want to go faster?

Are you intent on usurping young Elliott and snatch the crown from his head?

Is it your intention to finish ahead of JB, MB, ML for personal satisfaction alone?

Perhaps you seek to establish a reputation as a 'Young Gun' and pursue a career in Formula 1?

Come my good man share your ambition with us mere mortals.

Naturally Peter, if it is the latter then as a journalist of international repute I will be happy to offer my services as your publicist.

Robert F Bull.

Re: How do I go faster

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 12:01 pm
by Leigh Sebba
Peter – cant help you go faster but here is how to get on pole position. These are the regs for Mallory race meeting on Dec 26. So – even if you aren’t first to get your entry in, you can still be on pole for Race 2 by finishing last in Race 1. (The Morgans did this at Knockhill some years back)

‘’Your grid position is set by the order of entries received. So that means if you end up becoming the first car to enter your respective category, you start on pole position for your first race!
The grid for the second will then be a reverse of the result from Race 1, so if you win you start at the back and so on.’’