StoogeMoe

We all know that the less unsprung weight you have, the better your handling will be. The wheels and tires are probably the biggest contributors to this unsprung weight. My race class has minimum weights for the wheels, and the tire sizes are specified, so I can't really do much there. But, what about if instead of filling the tires with nitrogen, you fill them with helium? Helium is a noble gas so won't interact with the tire rubber. The helium will make the tires considerably lighter. The only thing I'm worried about is when I take them off. Will they float away? I might have to keep them in the trailer.

I'm also thinking about installing tanks of helium in the car. That way I can run a lighter car. Then after the race, I open a valve and let all the helium out, so I can make my minimum weight at the scales.

mark kibort

Maybe use those helium tanks with vents rear-ward for propulsion down the final straight of a race! that way, you get lighter, and accelerate faster before the finish!

dan212

You may want to revisit your high school physics classes.

Veloce Raptor

Tomorrow would be a good day for that...

jscott82

Nice try😀

StoogeMoe

This was inspired from Colin Chapman's design philosophy of add lightness.

gbuff

As in remove parts from the car until it breaks, then put the last one back

Gary

Gary R.

It IS April Fools Day after all...

BillNye

I was worried this was turning into the 997 sub-forum for a minute.

aryork

You are assuming the "air" in the tires rotates? I use PTAS or Porsche Tire Air Stabilizer. This rarely purchased option keeps the air in the tires from rotating with the wheel/tires thereby reducing rotating mass. This is good for at least a few seconds on your PB at your favorite track.

stownsen914

I heard hydrogen is better than helium

mistermct

i calculate less than 100g per wheel savings (in fact 77g for a 295/30/18 wheel)

Veloce Raptor

Especially in New Jersey

StoogeMoe

Oh the humanity...

Veloce Raptor

Or, as they say in Florida, oh the huge manatee