The art of set up

In previous features focussing on suspension technology, we’ve delved into the components of a racecar suspension system and grasped a technical understanding of its objectives, both structural and dynamic.

We then built upon this knowledge through exploring the design and development process, with focus on physical R&D methods employed by race teams and component manufacturers to meet their objectives, such as seven-post rigs.

The modern research and development process uses a multitude of high technology tools to understand wheel kinematics, spring and damper rates, aerodynamic maps and powertrain controls but, with motorsport regulations almost unanimously demanding passive suspension and aero systems, there will never be a one-size-fits-all solution.

This is where we now enter the transient world of racecar set up, explaining what it involves and some of the equipment and technology used by teams in the process.

Once a racecar leaves the controlled development arena of a factory it enters the constantly evolving environment of a race weekend. This is an environment where consistently delivering lap times faster than the competition is the blinkered objective and that brings a whole host of new, external factors into the complex equation of performance.

Going deeper

Different race tracks demand different requirements from the vehicle. Most will appreciate the differing aerodynamic requirements of short, technical tracks vs long, open tracks, for example, but it goes deeper than that. Let’s explore what it really takes to shine at a race weekend, and the level of preparation and understanding that goes into being, and staying, at the top.

In the lead up to the race, as the car and equipment is packed, teams will usually have a good idea of what to expect at that particular event. Having competed at any given circuit in the past affords the benefit of experience, a solid ‘best fit’ set up of vehicle characteristics that will do a good job of arriving in the right ball park, but the job never ends there.

‘Ideally, our preparation at the workshop means the mechanics will have minimal work to do at the track. But once we arrive, they will set up the flat patch, which allows set up changes for the specifics of the event to be made as accurately as possible,’ explains Nathan McColl, chief engineer at R-Motorsport who compete in GT World Challenge Endurance