Saturday, January 23, 2021

I wonder what traction was like on board tracks, vs on paved race tracks

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/vintage-shots-from-days-gone-by.428585/page-5965#post-12899298

6 comments:

  1. During the little over a decade of the board tracks the material presented many challenges. The wood used was untreated and the constant loss oil systems used by motorcycles made the surface tricky especially when light rain was present. The banking designs allowed for higher speeds which when combined with the oil penetrating the wood caused many deadly accidents. Board tracks only had a usable life of around 5 years before they needed replacement and sometimes sooner as fires were not uncommon. Cars worked better on board tracks than motorcycles because were heavier,slower but of course and more subject to tire problems from splinters on aging tracks. But big money was to be made by successful riders and promoters so they thrived for a little over decade until economics replaced them with with more durable surfaces for racing.

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    1. I knew, and have posted, all of that. What I asked was, board vs paved, where's the better traction. Also, how hood is traction on wood - not in the rain, not when oily, not when sun damaged, not how long were they in use, not what was the average lifespan.
      Simply, wood traction coefficient, vs ordinary paved race track traction.

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  2. What's wrong with Gary:s comment. Just asking.

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    1. I can't answer that in any way other than to repeat myself, and what I said didn't make sense to you the first time, but allright, I'll say it again:
      I have posted all of that.
      What I asked was, board vs paved, where's the better traction.
      Also, how is traction on wood - not in the rain, not when oily, not when sun damaged, not how long were they in use, not what was the average lifespan.
      Simply, wood traction coefficient, vs ordinary paved race track traction.

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  3. I have thought about this since you first posted. I can not for the life of me conceive of any significant advantage of wood other than: 1. With the track being laid out longitudinally, there would be edges presenting longitudinal grooves in the track, I suspect there would have been some tracking considerations. I don't know if that is bad or good, but would certainly take some getting used and would present a defining challenge and if mastered, possibly a strategic advantage. 2. It might provide some flex. Somebody would figure out a way to use that to advantage, something about putting a little English on it. Suspended wood floors v. concrete slab in a house.

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  4. Just found this;
    https://www.thespec.com/sports/hamilton-region/opinion/2021/02/17/almost-120-years-of-racing-around-ontario.html

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