Sprite09

I was wondering how cold weather cold make traction better, because i have noticed cars getting low numbers(Stock) in cold weather like for example stock 2002 Z28 13.3 and if better maybe a flat 13!!!
Thxs in advance.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

It's not about the traction. It's about the colder (more dense) air. The cars are making more power thanks to the cooler, more dense air charge. That's why they tend run better times with the same (or even slightly less) traction on a 45 degree day with 30% humidity, rather than what you'd see on a 90 degree day with 95% humidity.

PowerShift408

iTrader: (44)

ditto... Cold air=More power

tacklebox

iTrader: (10)

Yea what RPM WS6 said.
cold weather is horrible for traction.

dailydriver

That's the dichotomy of cold weather/great D.A.s. Although you are making max power out of your stock NA motor, your street tires CANNOT hook for $h!t!! Now, well heated Mickey Thompson drag radials (or better) will cure that, but NOTHING is going to help much < 30 degrees F.

JohnnyC

This thread is only partially true - extreme cold may suck for traction, but so does extreme heat. A really hot track can get greasy and make it hard to hook up. A more correct statement is that there is an ideal temperature range for good traction.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Actually, in my group we've always seen our best 60-foots on the hottest of days.

I guess if it's super humid/damp out, the moisture might effect the ground and hurt traction, but heat alone has never been a problem for grip, in my experiance.

JohnnyC

It depends on the track surface - I have seen some tracks that get oily from the sun baking the asphalt. I agree with you that most times hot weather results in better traction, but extreme heat at some tracks can make things slick for certain car / tire setups.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

I can see how that would definitely be a problem..... Oily track = VERY bad.

dailydriver

This is probably more the case for NASCAR/oval racing/road racing then it is for drag racing, but, in an extreme instance it is possible. I guess this is why you always hear the Nextel Cup crew cheifs talk of how the "grip came back when the sun went down".