Wind Tunnel and Tract Testing an ARCA Race Car

A comprehensive race car aero program contains three phases: initial body design, wind tunnel testing, and race track verification. This report compares wind tunnel test results and track data for the Churchill LeBaron race car which is sanctioned by the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). During the wind tunnel phase of testing, several runs were conducted specifically to be repeated during track testing at the Talladega* and Atlanta* tracks. At both tracks the race team first conducted their usual engine and chassis set up runs, then dedicated a series of runs to aero testing. At Talladega, incrementally reducing drag on five consecutive runs produced a lower lap time on each run. At the Atlanta track, reducing lift on six runs produced corresponding reductions in lap time. This report presents the results.