| like does it hurt the server?... no, can it contain virus'? no. so why? That is all. I don't know why everyone seems to gang up on me, first it was what I said in my sig, I changed it, then people still complained, then I changed it to what I believe in, simple, honest of what I enjoy... makes sense because our sig is personal. Now people are complaining again. Can I have a logical reason why can't people scroll down and why it so awefully long?
 "With being a serious motorsport enthusiast for nearly 15 years it's so nice to be able to leave my living room after finishing watching an incredible motorsport race like SCCA, F1, Le-mans or Rally (anything on Speed channel) and get into my Z and go for a drive. Not only is the race driving visual like on TV but it is an experience in a 91' 300ZX! Some of the same driving techniques in motorsports can be applied to driving. You can learn where the 'Apex' of a corner is and where the best driving line is" "The best motor sport that has the ultimate challenge, most stressful and most difficult sport, the best athlete for drivers isn't NASCAR, it isn't Indy Racing, its being a Formula One driver. You may differ than I but look... did you know there are more Astronauts then there are F-1 drivers? Face the facts!" Read on... Another Detailed look at what happens to a Formula One Driver... The following article was taken from Team Arrows Physiotherapist Dominique Sappia at: ITV-F1.com:
(posted: 04/06/1999) "Sunday, 12.15pm and Joe Soap takes a seat on his comfy sofa, drink in one hand, remote control in the other. The pressure is on – he knows the track by heart, but he is after his sixth Formula One World Championship title – no mean feat, even though this is on a computer game! Lateral Forces:
In the process of taking a high-speed corner, drivers sustain lateral forces in excess of 3.5G (i.e. three and a half times the weight of the head). The neck muscles have to cope with an effect similar to that of lying sideways with a twenty-five kilo weight suspended from the head! The “Eau Rouge” corner at the Belgian circuit, Spa-Francorchamps, is a good example. This corner not only subjects the driver to incredible G-forces but also inflicts the added pressure of spinal compression – because the corner coincides with a hollow in the track which, combined with downforce and tyre grip, keeps the car on the road. In comparison, a typical road car cannot support more than 1G of lateral force before it loses grip and skids! Acceleration and Deceleration:
Furthermore, a driver’s neck muscles sustain constant pressure from accelerating and braking. It’s worth noting that a Formula One car can accelerate to 100mph (160km/h) and stop again in six seconds. The deceleration forces from braking thrust the head forward, and can reach 4G on high-speed circuits like Monza. Vision:
Peripheral vision deteriorates as bloodflow to the eyes is directed away by G-force, particularly under braking and in high G-force corners. This means that the driver’s perspective becomes distorted. The problem is exacerbated by bumpy tracks like Interlagos (Brazilian Grand Prix), where driving is virtually blind in some corners! Lower body and legs:
The driver is clamped to his seat by a 6-point harness. The hips are exposed to lateral G-force pressures equivalent to as much as 100kg. Ankles and knees also suffer high stress loads and painful knocks within the survival cell’s cramped confines – so many drivers use additional padding to protect these areas. Legs are the source of many drivers’ problems. Some drivers use the right foot both to accelerate and brake. Consequently, the left foot and leg are used only to stabilise the body, causing a progressive stiffening in the muscles which can cause some pelvic and lumbar problems. Other drivers use the left foot for braking and the right to accelerate (as in a go-kart). This does not solve the imbalance problem, however, it brings new ones – as the driver has to literally drive by the seat of his pants to stabilise his body! Arms and hands:
Down force, at 150mph (240 km/h) can increase the car weight by up to 1.25 tonnes. Even with power-assisted steering to reduce cornering effort, this generates continual stress in the hands and forearms. Heart rate:
At rest, a normal heart beats between 60 and 80 times per minute (bpm). During qualifying sessions, or whilst overtaking in a race, the physical strain and nervous pressure can cause rates to soar as high as 210 bpm! Throughout a normal race, the heart beats at around 170 or 180 bpm for one and a half hours continuously. Temperature and Dehydration:
Through most races, the weather tends to be hot. Atmospheric temperatures often reach 35°C (95°F), which corresponds to around 40°C (104°F) on the track. Temperatures in a Formula One car’s cockpit are generally 10 to 15°C (50 to 59°F) higher than the ambient temperature, sometimes reaching 50 or 55°C (122 to 131°F)! With a driver compelled to wear fireproof overalls throughout the one and a half hour drive, temperature is yet another strain to be withstood. All drivers take a pre-race drink, specially prepared to combat dehydration, and carry another half litre on board. A typical driver will still lose over a litre of body fluid during a race, from being unable to perspire freely in his fireproof overalls. This dehydration and the associated mineral loss produces exhaustion and loss of mental focus. Noise:
A final comparison… At take-off, a Boeing 747 produces 140dB (decibels) of noise. A Formula 1 car starting on a grid produces 120dB! This is muffled by the crash helmet and radio ear-plugs, but the driver is still bombarded with around 90dB – as loud as a pneumatic drill at five paces! Let’s return to Joe – who has just completed the last Grand Prix of the season at Suzuka. After a spectacular fight, utilizing a brilliant strategy, Joe is Formula 1 World Champion! For the sixth time! Juan Manuel Fangio’s record is broken – with just some thumb cramps to show for it! But then, it’s just a game and, as good as simulation games are, the real physical exertion of a Formula One driver simply cannot be simulated. " |
10:08:44 02/01/05
