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Originally Posted by racer_d
Yes and no. The use of ABS on a race car is dictated by the sanctioning body, not the race car maker. Many series don't allow it for 1) "man vs machine" arguments as to who is doing the actual driving - driver or car; 2) Cost ; 3) Potential for using the ABS to do other things (like a traction control or Stability management program which would give the car an unfair advantage)
Porsche (with the help of Bosh) has developed some very advanced and capable ABS brake systems. Their systems actually allow a certian percentage of "lock" that is dialed out of a street cars ABS system.
ABS doesn't always improve or hurt a cars stopping distance (there are way to many variables to discuss here, like the one above about driving on snow and clear pavement at the same time) but it DOES make a car safer, since it allows one to maintain STEERING capabilities to aviod accidents.
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Hi,
You're quite right about the sanctioning bodies, but of course, these change their rules and tech requirements often from the cumulative pressure of sponsors and competitors.
ABS will almost always hinder a car's stopping abilities, it's inherent in how it works though I concede there are many variables to consider.
No arguement about ABS's ability to preserve the steerability of the car, but that arguement requires that the Driver actually use this capability to steer away from the trouble and as I stated, as a rule, Drivers are not taught to do this or how. Consequently, there is no statistical data showing significant accident reduction due to the advent and adoption of ABS...
Happy Motoring!... Jim'99
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