Racing drivers compete in all kinds of conditions. There’s a theory that wet weather racing relies more on the skill of the driver, and less on the strengths of a specific race car, for race results. Racing in the rain is called ‘the great equalizer’ because all the mechanical advantages of a superior race car are washed down the drain. It’s all about the driver.
The first word in ‘motorsports’ is motor, so it’s common that top teams’ race cars make more horsepower. Yet in low-grip and rainy conditions, all that power just cannot be put to the pavement because the tires will just spin up due to lack of traction. The advantage is negated.
In big-wing series like IndyCar and F1, some teams simply have better aerodynamics. Greater downforce means that cars can go through the corners faster without sliding off the track. In the rain, speeds are slower since there’s no grip, and the areo-advantage disappears.
When the track is dry, often the car with the most power or most grip (mechanical or aerodynamic) will be at the front of the field. When it’s pouring down rain, it all comes down to driver skill, and for many racers, this level-playing field makes rain their favourite type of weather.
I never considered that races are held in the rain! But it makes sense that driver skill would be utmost in that situation.
Yup. When you dont have the faster engine, or fresh tires, other other advantages, you usually end up at the back of the pack.
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But when it rains, all bets are off.