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Aero testing kart with roof rack?
Posted: 09 Feb 2026, 16:28
by Alan Dove
OK, so it sounds a bit mad but I can't get this idea out of my head.
I have always thought about developing a Superkart, and naturally given the expense of testing, of which there is pretty much just one dedicated test day now per year, I had to engage my puny brain. So... is there any efficacy in basically putting a kart on a roof and collecting data somehow? Naturally you can't go above 70mph (in the UK) but it did get me thinking.
Re: Aero testing kart with roof rack?
Posted: 09 Feb 2026, 23:15
by Greg Locock
yes, that's how did the early tests on our 1:5 model of the solar car. We measured the pressure distribution down the centerline using water manometers. you need a baseboard as well. I have no idea how useful it was but the aero guy was happy, I guess anything is better than nothing.
Re: Aero testing kart with roof rack?
Posted: 10 Feb 2026, 08:45
by Stu
Alan Dove wrote: ↑09 Feb 2026, 16:28
OK, so it sounds a bit mad but I can't get this idea out of my head.
I have always thought about developing a Superkart, and naturally given the expense of testing, of which there is pretty much just one dedicated test day now per year, I had to engage my puny brain. So... is there any efficacy in basically putting a kart on a roof and collecting data somehow? Naturally you can't go above 70mph (in the UK) but it did get me thinking.
I guess that the biggest issue with doing this with a super last is that you need the driver to be in the Kart!
Re: Aero testing kart with roof rack?
Posted: 10 Feb 2026, 09:41
by CMSMJ1
Whatever you do, Alan, let's film it
I'm thinking this is mainly an underbody test rather than overall efficiency and so a willing lunatic to sit on the roof may not be needed.
If timing works for me I'll be coming to have a look at these karts at Donington.
Re: Aero testing kart with roof rack?
Posted: 10 Feb 2026, 10:17
by Alan Dove
Stu wrote: ↑10 Feb 2026, 08:45
I guess that the biggest issue with doing this with a super last is that you need the driver to be in the Kart!
Possibly but the driver isn't all that much exposed in a superkart. So you can fashion from kind of 'helmet'.
Re: Aero testing kart with roof rack?
Posted: 10 Feb 2026, 12:39
by Hoffman900
The kart better be positioned well above the roof line…
Positioning it on the roof, the whole flow field is entirely dictated by the car’s aero.
