Well I finally got my chance to take a Sawzall to an Indy Car. Yep thats right I got to cut up a 2005 Delara Indy Car chassis for Panther Racing. The car will be at all of the North American Indy Races in 2009, for the National Guard Troops to drive. We retrofited a two pedal system along with a highly modified G25 steering wheel, it now has a quick release wheel and extended padel shifter, and a 40" TV. This was a great build, we had a bunch of fun. See all of you when they turn the heat on up there. Mike Sorry about the size anyone know how to edit attachments?
Yeah I was surprised as well, the tub was almost 1" thick, the footwell had a false floor to allow for the addition of studs that hold the pedal assemblies. The tub they let me used failed a stress test last year. I was also surprised that the cockpit was large, without the bead seat installed we had a guy 6'6" in the car. Now his size 14 shoe was a bit of an issue.
1" thick of straight carbon layup, or does it have a core? I'd surprised if it was straight layers of carbon. I'm in a composites class right now btw...
Not sure but a core of some sort would make sense. It seemed really solid. I also didn't realize that they are sitting right in front of the Fuel Cell which is in itself really large.
Hmmmm. It really depends on the grade(s) of carbon they use. I'm actually surprised there isn't at least some aramid in the tub, as carbon itself is not a tough material, just really stiff for its weight.
Thanks everyone, it was a bit nerve racking during the process but John Barnes who owns Panther just kept encouraging us to do whatever we needed to get it done. Now I want one of my own, anyone has a cheep used open wheel chassis they want to get rid of?
Cool looking setup Mike! Sure beats my Momo clamped to my drafting table with a rolling office chair You boys going to come back and play in the dirt with us this summer? About the only way I'm gonna beat Derek with out a stick. Amy
Yep it sits on the trellis frame where the engine would normaly be, we also have the sub woofer there as well. The engine cover clears the PC by .25" Mike
Yeah, one 40" very close to the driver. We looked at 3 screen setups and the suck. We are looking into a projection system with a wrap around screen. The cost would be around 5k for the wrap around system. It is actually nice to see the real tires and chassi while your driving. Mike
Do this next, Mike! maybe not as violent tho... unless it comes with a HANS hook-up lol [youtube]qIe9O529MR0[/youtube]
