Race Track Development of a Hydraulic Ride Height Control System

Modern, top-level racecars employ ground-effect aerodynamics that generate downforce and increase the cornering power of the car. Maximizing this downforce is an exercise in optimizing the ride height of the car. This paper reviews various ride height control systems and describes the race track development of a hydraulic ride height control system installed on the front suspension of the Team Scandia Ferrari 333SP World Sports Car. Driver impressions are presented from world class drivers and the effect of the system in roll and in bumpy conditions is discussed. Damper position data shows the effectiveness of the system.