04/09/2008
WHAT IS PARITY
Parity, it is the hottest word being thrown around in V8 circles at the moment, especially from the Holden camp. So this week I decided to find out exactly what it means and how it works in the world of V8 Supercars.
In the dictionary the description of parity reads: the state or condition of being equal, esp. regarding status or pay. In V8 Supercars parity is focused on the aero testing between two models and the amount of downforce generated by a V8 Supercar under certain conditions.
The aero testing is conducted at the Woomera Airfield in South Australia with a Holden and Ford going side by side along the 2.372km runway. Each car is fitted with a set of dampers supplied by V8 Supercars Australia and a brand new set of control Dunlop tyres.
Basically, what happens is that the suspension is set up with potentiometers – the bits that measure the suspension travel – and the engineers work out mathematical calculations based on what amount of suspension travel is used during a test. Engineers from V8 Supercars Australia then use this figure to calculate the amount of downforce that is generated by the car’s aerodynamics.
Generally there is a Holden driver in the Commodore and a Ford driver in the Falcon but both drivers must adhere to a strict set of V8SA-mandated rev-limited guidelines to ensure overall parity.
This procedure has been the same for the last six aero tests.
The aero test for the current models being used in the championship was held in 2006 when Holden introduced the VE Commodore to line up alongside the Ford BF Falcon. At the completion of this testing it is believed there was less than a one percent difference aerodynamically between the two makes.
It is my understanding that nothing has changed since these tests and in the first eight rounds of 2007 Holden won six rounds and Ford two, the year the figures are the exact opposite. This is a trend that continues throughout the number of race wins and podium finishes. However, there hasn’t been any change in the aerodynamics of either car.
Many people on the blue side of the fence believe it is just because the leading Ford teams have worked harder at improving their overall package, however, those on Holden’s side of the garage don’t believe this is the case. So, the request has been made by HRT to V8 Supercars Australia’s Board of Directors to review the parity. It is understood that the board will meet tomorrow to review this request and decide if there will be any change in either car's aero package to ensure parity is achieved.
If the Board of Directors decide that it is necessary to make a change to the Falcon’s aerodynamics when they meet in Melbourne, it could come in this could come in the form of trimming the undertray, or altering the rear wing slightly.
Whatever the decision, I will be sure to inform you of the outcome.
In other news………
CHECK YOUR TEAM IN THE ORRCON TIPPING COMPETITION
As next weekend’s round at Phillip Island is the first endurance race of 2008 it is important that all entrants in the Orrcon Tipping Competition check their five car team as the points are based on the car numbers.
Therefore, those entrants who currently have Mark Winterbottom in their team now have Dean Canto and Luke Youlden as they will drive the #5 Orrcon FPR Falcon at Phillip Island.
Please drop by www.orrconracing.com.au and visit the Tipping Competition section to make the appropriate selections for your line up ahead of the L&H 500 at Phillip Island.
NO JOHNSON IN #17 OR MURPH IN #51
For the first time in 31 years it is expected that there won’t be a Johnson behind the wheel of a #17 car at the Bathurst 1000. The number made famous by Dick Johnson is the regular number of his son Steve Johnson but Junior will pair with Will Davison in the #18 Falcon this year.
Kiwi Greg Murphy will also be in an unfamiliar number as he lines up alongside Jason Richards in the #3 Commodore. The last time Murphy raced in a car other than #51 was in 2004, that year he won the Great Race in the #15 car alongside Rick Kelly.
NEXT ROUND
September 12 - 14
Round 9 – L&H 500
Phillip Island, Victoria
Is there a question you’ve always wanted to ask about V8 Supercars or something you’ve wanted to know? Drop me an email at insider@orrconracing.com.au
Til next time - Safety first, last and always!
