Driver training & track tests

Pre race: Friday 23 October

Spent most of the day in the Kormilda garage today, working on the car. We now have Solar Max tyres on the car, at 90 PSI. Checked tyre presures first thing, then tested rolling resistance, what a difference! From 45N without driver or canopy down to 16N today! The first 10N improvement came from adjusting the rear brake caliper so it did not rub, and from removing the brushes from the tyres. The next 19n came from changing tyres from a 41 PSI rated chunky Michilen M45 16"x3.25" moped tyre and tube, to the Dunlop Solarmax 16" x 2.15" grooved solar racing tyres at 90 PSI. This has been a great demo of rolling resistance especially when we were not able to get full torque on the motor. Before the changes we struggled to make 20 kph, after we can do over 40 kph on the same low torque.

We're going to boost the torque tomorrow now we know why it is so low. Then we'll get over 70 kph and see some real power numbers.

The radio also caused trouble today. After rewiring the whole mic interface, we eventually had to replace the radio.

Eventually we go the drivers out on the track to get some driving practice in. After an initial over enthusiastic brush with the tyre wall, driving improved, and they drivers got to know the car and track, and gained some real confidence and experience. More training tomorrow, and hopefully I'll have a ride too. Felino will be doing the qualifying, as a race veteran from NTU solar car team.