On the Aerodynamics of a Goodwood Festival of Speed Gravity Racer

Considerable engineering effort is now being applied to the design and development of Soapboxes entered in the Goodwood Festival of Speed Gravity Challenge. With average speeds of 18 ms^-1 (40 mph) from a standing start along the 0.7 mile course and maximum speeds of around 27 ms^-1 (60 mph), the aerodynamic contribution to performance is significant. This paper discusses the aerodynamic considerations given to the design of the leading Soapboxes and to the racing conditions experienced. Analysis and test techniques which may also be employed are also described.