Gianni Marin, The Motor Car, London House and Maxwell 1963
The FIAT F-2 was built for the French Grand Prix, which did not restrict engine displacement, rather they chose fuel consumption as a limit. Cars had to deliver at least 9.4 miles per gallon. Fiat chose a 4 cylinder 16,277 cc (627 cu in) engine producing 110 hp at a mere 1000 rpm. The car won the race, averaging 70.5 mph.
Fuel consumption strikes one as a curious, cumbersome factor to use as a limitation on a racing car.
Were the Grand Prix's governors ahead of their time in promoting fuel efficiency, or were they just jerking people around, as governors are wont to do?
I wondered about that, keeping in mind the motorcar was only about 10 years old at that time. They hadn't the environmental concerns that came along later and how did they measure and control it? Seems like an awkward way to do it. Apparently other races in the same year used displacement as limits. It's easier to measure bore and stroke...
I think it would be fairly simple to control by fuel consumption. Just before the start of the race each contestant would have their empty tanks inspected and then filled with X amount of fuel (X =race distance ÷ 9.4mpg). The tanks would then be sealed up for the entirety of the race.
Wikipedia says 480 mile race, that would require a 50 gal tank. I guess the organizers could just issue each car with a sealed quantity of fuel to be used at pitstops. I can imagine numerous ways to cheat...
It's been nice to see a bit of discussion ensue from a post -- I wish it would happen more often.
As for the topic at hand, I still find the notion of limiting the fuel consumption of racing cars to be a bit bizarre -- like limiting the respiration rate of track athletes.
Fuel consumption strikes one as a curious, cumbersome factor to use as a limitation on a racing car.
ReplyDeleteWere the Grand Prix's governors ahead of their time in promoting fuel efficiency, or were they just jerking people around, as governors are wont to do?
I wondered about that, keeping in mind the motorcar was only about 10 years old at that time. They hadn't the environmental concerns that came along later and how did they measure and control it? Seems like an awkward way to do it.
DeleteApparently other races in the same year used displacement as limits. It's easier to measure bore and stroke...
I think it would be fairly simple to control by fuel consumption. Just before the start of the race each contestant would have their empty tanks inspected and then filled with X amount of fuel (X =race distance ÷ 9.4mpg). The tanks would then be sealed up for the entirety of the race.
DeleteWikipedia says 480 mile race, that would require a 50 gal tank. I guess the organizers could just issue each car with a sealed quantity of fuel to be used at pitstops. I can imagine numerous ways to cheat...
DeleteIt's been nice to see a bit of discussion ensue from a post -- I wish it would happen more often.
ReplyDeleteAs for the topic at hand, I still find the notion of limiting the fuel consumption of racing cars to be a bit bizarre -- like limiting the respiration rate of track athletes.
I like your idea of limiting the respiration rates of track athletes. I've long believed they should get those air hogs off of the cinders!
Delete