In the 80's cars were driving 240 mph will we ever see that again? If not why?

Question

Would anyone build a bigger track to allow 250-275 mph speeds? Or would too many drivers die in crashes?

Answer 1

I doubt it.  There was a technological race to get to certain speed thresholds but the violent crashes and even deaths that it took to get there weren't worth it. IMHO, 240+ mph speeds -- at least in IndyCar racing -- saw the beginning of the end when Greg Moore died. Speeds started coming down a year or two later.

Answer 2

We'll probably see it again.

The problem was that accidents at 200+ mph at the technology level of that period was almost a certain death sentence. So the race circuits tried to impose safety measures to reduce that problem.

But... technology hasn't "devolved" ever in man's history, and I'm sure it won't start now. So sooner or later someone will build a car that looks similar to other racing cars, but puts out a lot more horsepower.

[If you don't believe that, consider this: Oldsmobile ruled the circuits in the mid-80s - running a 4 cylinder engine providing over 600 HP to the wheels.]

Answer 3

Didn't Arie Luyendyke hit 250 on the straightaway during qualifying at Indy in 1996?  I can't remember, but if the turboes come back in 2010, I think they might have a chance on the straightaway, again,  but they will have to lift the throttle in the corners like the old days.  I beleive average speeds of 230-235 will be a real possibility again, too.  But concerns over safety won't let them past those speeds.

Answer 4

Just because cars are going faster, it doesn't necessarily mean that there is better racing on the track. It's all about safety these days. NASCAR has the restrictor plates, which keep the cars at the Superspeedways from going 230+ (no joke) to a manageable 190-200. NHRA shortened their dragstrips to 1,000 feet instead of the traditional quarter mile after the loss of Scott Kalitta. If the IndyCar Series wants 240 (and I would call them morons for doing so), go to Talladega Superspeedway or Daytona. It really isn't about speed anymore. That was then. This is now.

Answer 5

it's not only an issue with the track sizes and power of the cars but do you realize the physical demands of going that fast for 2-3 hours... Indy cars pull upwards of 5+G's on some tracks. THat means the drivr "feels" 5 times their weight while controling a 220mph car. Scott Dixon was described as a "world class athelete" when evaluated at the Michael Johnson Training center in Texas.

How much better shape could a human being get?.

We'd need geneticlly altered monsters to withstand the strain those speeds would create.

Answer 6

Don't see if happening without Turbo's...I don't see it as being necessary, heck no one wants bad crashes and drivers killed, atleast I don't but theres people out there that like that sort of thing..

Go Helio

Answer 7

if they get turbo charged engines back probably, but i don't see many tracks allowing those speeds. we might see those speeds again soon in F1 as well if they ever go back to racing slicks. also F1 used to use V12 and even V10 engines, if they ever go back to them we will see those speeds.

Answer 8

It's not just about protecting the drivers, it's about protecting the spectators when those cars get airborne.

Answer 9

theres no way. IMS made the cars cut back on speed years ago because too many people were getting hurt and some killed. And the IRL owner owns indianapolis. Indianapolis is the fastest track and you wont see lap times anywhere higher than 230-235 ever again there

Answer 10

What difference does it make? I've owned cars and had them at big tracks running over 100 on dirt and dirt at 50 the honest truth racing is racing. We did well at big tracks because we always had an elephant gun for an engine. You can't really see the difference in NASCAR. I personally wish there was a 305 engine rule for Talladega and Daytona and do away with restrictor plates.

Answer 11

No-safety is more important these days, and NASCAR proved that you don't have to have high speeds to get the fans out.