Circular of the Americas

Texas’s Austin

The Circuit of the Americas track, which has 20 turns and is 3.4 miles long, is less than five years old and offers some of the top lap times in the US. It’s a real place because it’s the only racetrack in the United States where an annual F1 race is currently conducted. If you’re not a 17-year-old European F1 racer dressed in a turtleneck, the best way to gain track experience is to attend an Edge Addicts Speed Event Management track day where, with the right skills, you can drive quickly and pass others at will.

Oroville Raceway

CA Sonoma

It’s daring and intricate! Furthermore, we’re not referring to the local Cabernet Sauvignon. We’re talking about the 12-turn, 2.53-mile Sonoma Raceway (formerly known as Sears Point), which has a lot of elevation variation and a couple blind corners that will make your chest hair stand up. Here are annual races for both NASCAR and Indy. By enrolling in a course offered by the on-site Simraceway Performance Driving Center, you can do the same. The drag strip is open to everyone (for a nominal price) on Wednesday nights from March through November if you just feel like flooring it and seeing what your automobile can do when pushed to the limit in a straight line.

Park at Lime Rock

CT Lakeville

Gentlemen of Connecticut, be on the lookout for ruffled polo collars! Lime Rock is a true American classic because it has been holding services for this church of internal combustion since 1957. The track, which is short and hidden among the trees in Northwest Connecticut, has just seven turns (1.5mi). Even if it’s simple to get around, it can take years to figure out how to move quickly in this place. To get started, pay $1,450 to join the Lime Rock Drivers Club as a “member for a day” and receive four hours of expert coaching on the course.

International Raceway of Virginia

VA, Alton

Do you have engine oil circulating throughout your body? Lost lug nuts in your beard? Ricky Bobby with a tramp print on his body? Test your gearhead mettle at this challenging, vintage circuit, which debuted in 1957. (it was closed from the mid-seventies through 2000). You (and everyone in the paddock) will know how fantastic your gear is after 3.27 miles and 17 twists. Your best option for scheduling track time is to either become a member of the VIR Club, which can cost thousands of dollars, or research which clubs are scheduled to use the track in the near future and purchase access from them (access can cost as little as $500 per day).

Lake Seca

CA Monterey

Even though you’ve raced on this 2.24-mile, 11-turn circuit in Gran Turismo or Forza, nothing compares to actually driving Laguna Seca. The “corkscrew,” a five-and-a-half storey drop with a left-to-right combination turn that tends to eat up and spit out overconfident drivers, is the track’s main attraction. Join a vehicle club that has rented the circuit for the day to test your mettle and gain access to the track; check the track calendar at Mazda Raceway to see who has booked track days. The nicest part about going here is that it’s close to Big Sur, so you can persuade your significant other to travel there while “neglecting” to let them know you’ll be spending a day at the racetrack.

Atlanta Freeway

GA Braselton

This famed 2.54-mile, 12-turn track, which is less than an hour from the center of Atlanta, is a lightning-fast test of your vehicle’s skills and your reflexes. Before coming out here with your pricey metal, practice memorizing its curves on a video game. The easiest method to gain some time on this track is to sign up for an auto club’s rental of it; for ideas, visit the event page at Road Atlanta.

Glen

NY’s Watkins Glen

Even though “The Glen” has been operating since 1948, the 3.37-mile, 11-turn layout remains one of the most difficult American sports car tracks there is (not to mention, one of the scenes of some of the most debauched sports partying of the 1970s — start growing your mustache now, in homage.) Additionally, it still hosts the Sprint Cup Series of NASCAR and has been the scene of some of the greatest vintage Formula 1 clashes ever. You have two options for entering the track: either you join a sports car club that is using it, or you sign up for the “Drive the Glen” program, which gives you two circuits of the track (behind a pace car) for just $25. Check the website for updates since the track is being repaved in the beginning of 2016.

Sports Car Course in Mid-Ohio

Kentucky, Ohio

There may not be much enthusiasm when you think of “mid-Ohio”: undulating hills? Livestock? competitions for butter-churning? Not too exciting. (Well, maybe that last one.) Unexpectedly, the area is home to one of the best and quickest circuits in the United States—a 2.4-mile, 15-turn circuit that serves as the venue for both the IndyCar and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The “Mid-Ohio School,” which Mid-Ohio hosts in contrast to the majority of the tracks on our list, offers a range of levels of instruction, from open lapping to three-day race courses.

Palmer Motor Speedway

MA Ware

Many thanks, Massholes! (No, really, I’m grateful.) The newest track on our list is a narrow, 2.3-mile circuit that winds around Whisky Hill and the nearby woodlands (launched in May 2015). The fact that a lap around Palmer is sometimes referred to as a roller coaster ride is understandable given the lack of runoff, several blind curves, and significant up-and-down. How do I gain tarmac time the best? Visit the racetrack’s website to find out which car clubs will be using the facility in the near future; you can join one for a single day to acquire entry.

American Road

WI Elkhart Lake

Wisconsin is known for more than just cheese curds, tubed meats, and Packers football; locals also take motor racing very seriously. While filming Winning at Road America in this location in the 1960s, Paul Newman discovered that when he went into racing. By enrolling in a lesson at the Skip Barber Racing School or joining one of the numerous private car clubs that use the circuit for events, you can get the racing bug too. There is a lot of elevation change on this lengthy and brisk route. Just be careful around turn 11, or “the kink,” which is a famously bad place to skid off the pavement.

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At the risk of clouding the already murky distinctions between sports cars and other high-performance vehicles, it should be said that while supercars and hypercars are usually easy to define and characterize, the differences between modern sports cars and most everyday drivers are not always so easy to define. It is difficult because many, if not most, sports cars can be (and often are) used as daily drivers.

Therefore, if we want to answer the question “what makes a car sporty?” with any degree of objectivity, we have to remove modern considerations from the question and take a short detour to a time when there was no doubt about how sports cars differed from ordinary cars.

The British experience
The British can perhaps be given credit as the originators of the idea that with some design changes, cars could be made more fun to drive than the usual offerings of the day. Thus, starting in the 1920s, several manufacturers such as Austin, Morris, Alvis, MG and others such as Triumph Motor Company began to produce cars that accommodated two people as a particular design imperative. Typically, these cars were also soft-top or convertible and had improved handling and performance characteristics over more conventional offerings from the same manufacturers.

The list of technical innovations and improvements aimed at increasing performance and improving handling of sports cars produced in the 1920s is too long to reproduce in this article. However, some items deserve special mention because modern interpretations of these ideas still form much of the basis of modern automotive design philosophy. Here is what the manufacturers of the time changed, developed or adjusted:

They lowered the center of gravity of their products to increase stability during cornering.
They began experimenting with special shock absorber designs and settings when hydraulic shock absorbers became widely used after 1927.
They reconsidered the relationship between track width and the distance between the front and rear axles to improve straight-line stability at high speeds.
They improved weight distribution by moving engines and transmissions closer to the middle of the car
They increased the rigidity of the then common ladder chassis designs.
They increased the diameter of the brake drum to improve braking efficiency.
They reduced their overall weight by replacing steel body panels with aluminum panels (often made by hand).
They improved the performance of standard engines by adding carburetors to the usual single carburetor on standard engines, redesigning intake manifolds to improve airflow, increasing engine valve diameters, or reducing crankshaft stroke to increase engine speed. Other innovations included reducing the weight of flywheels and increasing the bore diameter of the cylinder to compensate for the reduced crankshaft stroke.
While collectively these and other design innovations/adjustments created cars that demonstrated measurable performance improvements, even the best sports cars of the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s and 1950s and 1960s were still extremely primitive by today’s standards. Nevertheless, despite all the shortcomings, British sports cars succeeded and generally outperformed their European-made competitors in almost every motorsport discipline practiced at the time.

The most notable of these was the hill climb competition, in which competitors raced up unpaved hills, the aim of the competition being to see who could overcome off-road terrain in the shortest time. Various Triumph Motor Company models were incredibly successful hill climbers, as were several MG models. However, Triumph Motor Company’s success in building race-winning sports cars came to an abrupt halt in the 1960s when British Leyland acquired the company.

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The top speed of sports cars can exceed 300 km/h, which is rarely possible on public roads. Fast sports cars in the hands of inexperienced drivers pose a serious danger to others, and in many countries it is legally required to have a special driver’s license to drive cars at speeds in excess of 160 km/h. In many countries the maximum speed on freeways is severely restricted and the owner of a sports car can only show its full potential on a winding auxiliary road. Nevertheless, this type of vehicle exists and this fact cannot be ignored.

The model for the development of sports cars is racing cars, and very often the manufacturers of racing cars are at the same time suppliers of sports cars. The design of these cars is designed to provide high top speeds and the most optimal driving qualities. The low drag surface is achieved primarily by reducing the height of the car, which rarely exceeds 1 m, and even then only slightly. That is why the driver sits in such car almost horizontally, i.e. half-lying position.

In order to be able to drive the car through corners at high speed, the moment of inertia of the car relative to the vertical axis must be minimal, which requires the main masses to be concentrated closer to the car’s center of gravity. For this purpose, the engine is often located in front of the rear axle. Since sports cars usually have two, maximum – four seats (2+2) (two adults plus two part-time seats for children – note), there is almost no risk of the engine entering the space between the front and rear axle during an accident. For the best traction characteristics of the car, the rear-wheel drive scheme is used.

Some sports cars successfully use units and components of serial passenger cars with front-wheel drive, but with the engine located at the back. Very often, sports cars are fitted with mass-produced boosted engines. This is more cost effective, especially for small companies. The factories that specialize in the production of sports cars, it gives a tangible profit. In addition, this practice is followed by the automotive service in the world.

In recent times, Ford engines are very often used for sports and racing cars. The best recommendation for these power units are the numerous victories of the cars on which they are installed, in a variety of sports competitions. Engines designed for sports cars undergo quite a bit of modification. An example is the engine with two camshafts and four valves in each cylinder by designer Keith Duckworth.

The powertrain was designed by designer Keith Duckworth,
with a four-valve timing system and two
camshafts in the cylinder head;
1.6 liter displacement, 6,000 rpm, 122 hp.

The cylinder block of the Cortina automobile was taken as the basis, and a new head was installed to simplify the drive of both camshafts in the head by means of a timing belt. The engine has a displacement of 1.61 liters; it develops 90 kW (122 hp) (SAE) at 6,000 rpm.

The result of cooperation between Porsche and Volkswagen plants is a jointly developed sports car. It has all the features of a sports car.

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A type of hybrid of open-wheel purism and touring car racing habits, this style is often associated with the annual Le Mans. 24 Hour Endurance Race. Le Mans, first held in 1923, is one of the oldest auto races. Other classic but now-defunct sports car races, including the Italian classics Targa Florio (1906-1977) and Mille Miglia (1927-1957), and the Mexican Carrera Panamericana. (1950-1954). Most top-class sports car races emphasize endurance (usually 2.5 to 24 hours), reliability, and strategy rather than pure speed. Longer races usually involve a complex pit stop strategy and regular driver changes. As a result, sports car racing is seen more as a team sport than an individual sport, with team managers such as John Wyer, Tom Walkinshaw, driver turned constructor Henri Pescarolo, Peter Sauber and Reinhold Jost becoming almost as famous as some of their drivers.

The prestige of legendary brands such as Porsche, Audi, Corvette, Ferrari, Jaguar, Bentley, Aston Martin, Lotus, Maserati, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Mercedes-Benz and BMW is partly based on success in sports car racing and the World Sports Car Championship. The best road cars of these manufacturers were often very similar in design and style to race cars. This close connection to the “exotic” nature of the useful distinctive racing sports cars from the touring cars.

The 12 Hours of Sebring, the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans were once considered a triumph of sports car racing. Driver Ken Miles would have been the only one to win all three in the same year had it not been for a Ford GT40 error in the team orders at Le Mans. in 1966, it cost him his victory despite finishing first.

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Today it is difficult to imagine racing the first cars of the early 19th century. To us they look ridiculous and cumbersome. The record high speed in those days was considered a figure of 130 km/h, which for us also looks ridiculous.

However, already in 1903 there was an event in the automobile world – the race Gordon Bennett Trophy. Their most successful participant was a car created by the Daimler and Benz concern, the famous “Mercedes 60”.

The car was powered by a 9236cc engine with four cylinders and exhaust overhead and side valves. The engine was virtually silent and even the speeds were smooth. For a long time, Mercedes was a major manufacturer of sports cars. At the time, there was no clear distinction between ordinary and sports cars, cars could participate in races, and at the same time, used for the most ordinary purposes. However, in 1908 the Mercedes companies created a sports car with a 135 hp engine. It came first at the French Grand Prix races in France.

A significant achievement was the creation of the Mersedes 37/90 in 1911. It had an imposing appearance and an engine of 9,570 cc. The main gear and elaborate valve system allowed the car to reach speed easily.

Already at the first races, the jury set the following requirements for the cars – to show “the best combination of safety, economy and ease of operation.” This combination became the motto of the sports car industry. Firms conducted tests that often resulted in the deaths of sports car pilots. Safety, perfect handling and development of high speed were the main priorities when creating cars for participation in competitions.Later, the leaders of the automobile industry began to consider another factor – the appearance of sports cars. Unusual appearance and the presence of imposing details became the characteristic feature of a real sports car.

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For example, in 1912, Peugeot put the L76 model into competition. The figures in the name reflected the working volume of the engine – 7.6 liters. The power in this case was 175 hp, i.e. there was 23 hp per each liter. By the way, the Peugeot L76 has remained in history for quite a different reason: it was the first car in the world that had two overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Absolutely right – that very scheme of distribution of distribution of gas, which is widespread now and is known as DOHC (Double OverHead Camshaft).

Italians from FIAT have gone even further, having offered a 200 hp engine with a working volume of 14.1 liters (!), that is with a specific capacity of only 14.2 liters per liter. The transoceanic engineers followed the way of increasing of displacement volume.

But the standardization processes are inevitable – both in automotive industry, and in sport. Started the creation of racing series with common rules and general technical requirements. Curiously enough, one of the first European series appeared in 1900 at the initiative of an American, publisher of newspapers New York Herald and Herald Tribune Gordon Bennett, who without false modesty gave it the name Gordon Bennett Cup. The series was conceived as an international one (not limited to European participants) and up to three cars could represent one country. In the USA a similar “named trophy” was established in 1904 – the Vanderbilt Cup, named after millionaire William Kissam Vanderbilt II.

Since 1906 began the history of Grand Prix racing, which in many, many years to become a modern Formula 1. Was to be born and uniform rules, but so far they were simple: the crew consisted of a pilot and a mechanic, and all the maintenance and repairs of the car they could only perform themselves. The first Grand Prix was held in France, on a circuit near the city of Le Mans, and the race subsequently found its own line of development: now the competition on the Circuit de la Sarthe is considered the most prestigious endurance race in the world – the famous Le Mans 24 Hours.

Europe and America have chosen slightly different approaches to automotive competitions. The pragmatic inhabitants of the New World staked on maximum convenience for spectators: races on closed compact ovals, where all the action took place in front of the audience – even if it was a long 500-mile race. In Europe, linear races were quite popular, car rallies between cities (essentially a prototype of the rally). However, all the cards for Europeans mixed up the First World War, a few years reoriented still young car industry for the needs of the armies.

During this time, the American motorsport engineering was able to get ahead, and when the racing life began to recover, the representatives of the New World for a while proved to be stronger and faster. In 1921, another Le Mans Grand Prix was taken without much trouble by the American Jimmy Murphy: his luxury Duesenberg Model A was both more powerful and lighter than its rivals. The engine was boosted almost twice as much as the production one – it was already a real sport preparation.

While Americans kept faithfulness to the multiliter engines with a huge reserve on loads (and hence reliability), in European motorsport the era of boosted engines was born. However, it is necessary to stipulate one important moment at once. The rules of racing series have already been formulated more clearly, and the basic principle was the competition of equals: in one form or another regulations did not allow some to enjoy any clear technical superiority over others.

But the development of the Grand Prix rules followed a different path. In 1922, the series was introduced a limit of 2 liters working volume (with a minimum weight of 650 kg). And immediately, FIAT brought to the racetrack a car “805.405”, which had an eight-cylinder engine, but with a capacity of only 2 liters. A mechanical (compressor) supercharger was used to boost the engine. Alfa Romeo went the same way with its 155 horsepower two-liter engine, and… Bugatti.

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Subsequently, HONDA regularly participated in famous Formula 1 races, often winning the title of leader. Sports became a stimulating factor for the creation of the latest high-speed engines. So experts of the corporation have created and developed an engine with forced air cooling, a capacity of 430 hp However, there were failures: the start of the new Honda-RA-302/1 at the French Grand Prix in 1968 ended sadly. Already on the first lap of the racer failed to cope with the control, the car skidded, and she ignited. It was then, after a tragic accident, that HONDA made the decision not to participate in further Formula 1 races.

In the eighties, HONDA again for the second time cooperates with Formula 1, but now it only supplies it with engines. At the end of the nineties, cars equipped with motors manufactured by HONDA, were leaders in all races of the championship. This result was a record for the entire history of Formula 1, and raised the importance of HONDA one more golden step in the sport.

In the beginning of 2000, HONDA decided to take part in Formula-1 race again, and today together with BAR (British American Racing) team HONDA already successfully competes in races. The corporation actively develops new sports engines and creates chassis for racing cars. In addition, since the beginning of the 2001 season, the company has been regularly supplying engines to the Jordan Grand Prix Ltd. team.

HONDA constantly encourages young specialists under the guidance of the most experienced engineers to win Formula 1.
Taking part in races is always prestigious, and for HONDA it is also a test of the engines and the car’s durability in practice. Races on such a scale as Formula 1 are also an excellent advertisement for a corporation that does not seem to need any more promotion.
In other auto races – the CART series – HONDA engines also took the prize. Chip Ganassi’s team with HONDA engines won CART championships for three consecutive seasons in the late nineties.

HONDA production cars, thanks to their powerful and reliable engines, have enormous sporting potential. The factory team of HONDA on Accord cars since 1995, successfully participated in the BTCC (British Touring Car Championship), the unofficial world championship of bodywork cars.

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