BULLETPROOF
T
he quest to reach
the finish line has
put a lot of demand
on car builders and
suppliers who are
trying to find the
elusive "sweet spot" between
engine horsepower gains and
drivetrain durability. While
racing engines can easily make
more horsepower than ever
before, getting that power to
the wheels is where the game
is really played. Shaving weight,
driving smart, and having a
big bank of cash certainly
helps, but the truth is that the
drivetrain, associated gears,
and components must last
if you want a real chance at
victory. Achieving that perfect
combination is a daunting task
for any competitor and builder,
and the problem is universal.
How do racers combine today's
advances in engine horsepower
and then get that power to
the drivetrain and into the
wheels, without putting undo
stress on the mechanicals
to a point of failure?
The industry says, there is no
single answer. Components
that make up the drivetrain are
often the weak links in desert
racing and can grenade at the
worst possible time. Typically,
components to let loose under
stress are the differential, the
planetary gears, and the drive
axles. Other related components
such as CV joint and axle
shafts can be problematic as
well. It all seems like a time
bomb waiting to explode.
In short, to win like the
champions, you need to do the
research, learn what the finishers
are using, and apply that same
technology to your own effort.
According to many engine and
transmission builders, races are
one and lost by having the right
combinations, and those willing
BY STEPHEN ROMERO
PHOTOS AND DRAWING COURTESY OF JEFF PROCTOR,
MYBAJAPHOTO.COM, WEDDLE INDUSTRIES,
RANCHO DRIVETRAIN ENGINEERING
046
SCORE JOURNAL
