Both feet in !!

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Discussion

abailey

Original Poster:

225 posts

258 months

Friday 9th May 2003
quotequote all
I am sure that most Radical owners will be aware of this but just a word of warning to any of the newer Radical pilots.

If you start to spin it is vitally important to immediately get the clutch and leave it there until you have stopped. If you are not quick enough and the car moves backwards during the spin the starter motor, which I understand is permanently engaged, is rotated at about 2 million rpm and promptly completely disintegrates all its internals. This leaves you with a car that cannot be restarted and a bill for well over £200 for a replacement starter.

I understand that the race teams generally carry replacement starters as this is quite a common occurance. I think I might now invest in a spare myself.

Any other Gotcha's that you more experienced folks might care to share with a newby?



Graham

16,368 posts

284 months

Friday 9th May 2003
quotequote all
actually thats good advice in any car...

when the car gets to the point of no return, the best thing you can do is stand on the brakes and the clutch, locking the wheels up. this will stop the car rotating and also stop you shooting backwards across the track after spinning off...


Belive me i've tested it....

abailey

Original Poster:

225 posts

258 months

Saturday 10th May 2003
quotequote all
I agree that this is what you should do in a spin situation in any car. However, if you do not do this instantly in a Radical you end up with a car that won't start and an expensive starter motor to replace!

roop

6,012 posts

284 months

Saturday 10th May 2003
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Why don't they fit some sort of sprag clutch or something to stop this from happening...? If they make enough cars and don't do it, some 3rd party will knock one up, so they might as well...