Why do dragsters have so small front wheels ?

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BNR34

To reduce friction I believe? Because they are not needed necessarily unless the driver loses control and has to regain it. Therefore they only need to be small to balance the car

03/18/2015 - 08:13 |
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Anonymous

In reply to by BNR34

How can the pilot regain control with that much of surface of contact on the front and so much power on the back wheels ?

Dragsters are a big enigma to me.

03/18/2015 - 08:16 |
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Anonymous

In reply to by BNR34

probably it has aerodynamic advantages as well

03/18/2015 - 11:16 |
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Alex Helmsgård

weight reduction bro!

03/18/2015 - 08:33 |
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Anonymous
03/18/2015 - 09:51 |
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Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Dang, beat to it

03/18/2015 - 15:09 |
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Luke 2

Size of the contact patch really only affects wear. As long as the same amount of weight is on the tyres, and the surfaces are the same (same coefficient of friction), then theoretically speaking the maximum frictional force is the same. In reality it will be slightly lower for reasons I don’t quite understand. The wheels are also smaller so that there is less rotational inertia and less rolling resistance.

03/18/2015 - 10:34 |
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Well the size of the contact patch definitely affects grip. More contact = more friction = more grip. Not just tire wear. Also on a dragster the vast majority of the weight is on the back wheels, due to the enormous acceleration.

03/18/2015 - 12:24 |
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Anonymous

Simple, the center of gravity is lowered while still providing. they kind of don’t need traction because: 1. RWD and 2. You are going in a straingt line.

03/18/2015 - 15:27 |
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LiamMcGarrigle

More friction(on non driven wheels) =less speed
smaller tires =less friction

03/18/2015 - 16:19 |
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