Page 3 - Combined_73_OCR

As racing speeds have increased at stock car tracks throughout the

country, aerodynamics has become an increasingly important parameter in
t
vehic performance, safety and handling. In addition to the develop-

ment of uper-speedways, increased engine horsepower, reduced aero­
dynami ■ drag and improved handling have been important factors in the

190 MPH to 200 MPH lap speeds now attained. The race version of the
Charge Daytona incorporates some of the latest ideas in race track

aerodynamics and is in keeping with Chrysler Corporation’s practice of
providing the various racing teams with the best possible equipment

available.

The vital importance of aerodynamics on the race track can best be

realized if one considers that, at 200 MPH speeds, over 50% of the

engine horsepower required is normally used to overcome aerodynamic drag.

Increased engine hors power is the most direct way of increasing top
-
peed but significant costs and development time are associated with

such an approach. If, instead, aerodynamic drag can be reduced and aero­

dynamic directional stability improved, a much more economical and

hort term solution is available.

In developing the Charger Daytona for competition, fforts were
focused on drag reduction and improved handling through aerodynamics.

A lap speed increase of 5 MPH was established as a minimum goal for the

Daytona Beach and Talledega type super-speedways. To attain this type

of lap speed increase through engine development would require approxi­

mately 85 additional horsepower. Using aerodynamics, a 15% drag

reduction results in the same speed increase.

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