SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1525626
Time To Upgrade Your Shocks By Dan Sanchez Looking back into SCORE’s history, I come across many photos of old race vehicles with strange looking shocks. Some of the first used in SCORE were monotube Bilstein’s that were originally designed as RV shocks, but they worked well and racers adopted them for use in off-road racing. This was new technology back in the late 70s and what surprised me in putting together this issue, was how far shock technology has come. I had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with various shock manufacturer engineers and motorsports directors, companies that have a long history of being involved in SCORE and off-road racing. Every detail from the Schrader valves on shock bodies, to the use of heavy-duty alloys, internal piston designs, electronic controls, and more, is absolutely amazing. It was also interesting to see how each manufacturer had individual philosophies on the direction of improving their products. Regardless of how the technology is improving, the fact that shocks can handle a variety of oscillations from any given type of terrain and speed, is something to admire. Modern shocks can go from low-speed to high-speed without hesitation, and prevent from over extension or bottoming out. Racers are finding out that they can have more control of their vehicle, because the shocks and suspension react quicker and the ride feels smoother and more comfortable than ever before. A side product of this new technology is that racers can be less fatigued in long-distance races like the SCORE Baja 1000. Nevertheless, new racing technology will flow down to the aftermarket and into our daily driver/weekend off-road vehicles. Having the ability to drive on the highway and then take off-road adventures without making major adjustments, will allow enthusiasts to have more fun off-road, and with the added reliability knowing the same components in racing shocks are also in your vehicle’s suspension.