2006-09-27 17:40:56 · 7 answers · asked by cheers 2 in Sports ➔ Auto Racing
My pick-up is an automatic. When I drive, I (the driver) have nothing to do with the clutch. Only when I stop. Stopped, I have my option to change from R,N,D,1,2 and 3. When Formula One cars are under way, the driver pushes a button with his finger to change gears. Similar to my automatic, the driver is really not having anything to do with the clutch. I suspect the lemans cars are about the same. That would mean the clutch is only controlled by the driver when he stops and manually changes anything.
2006-09-27 22:49:47 · answer #1 · answered by waltersuphap 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Things have changed a lot in racing. I think many of the sports cars now have electronic clutch and shift so the answer is pretty close to zero.
Even on a Renault Clio I raced with my son we used the clutch off the line but then did not use it for up shifts and only occasionally for difficult downshifts. It was a sequential racing crash box with a ramp lock differential and no electronics on the clutch apart from an ignition cut that left the engine on full rich during upshift.
2006-09-28 11:16:34 · answer #2 · answered by andyoptic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Around 25-30 times a race, just for the start and for the pit-stops. Because prototype cars that run at Le Mans usually have semi-automatic gearboxes, operated by paddle shifters and automatic clutches. The clutch is only engaged by the driver for a standing start.
2006-09-28 08:30:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The clutch is only used for starts and stops. While the car is moving (racing) all the good drivers leave the clutch alone, regardless of elctronic aids or not. Road course racers learn early how to shift without the clutch.
2006-09-28 19:49:43 · answer #4 · answered by Nc Jay 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only during the start and each pit stop. The rest of the time they use a clutchless sequential gearbox similar to a motorcycle (yes, you can upshift a motorcycle without a clutch, but downshifts aren't as simple).
2006-09-28 09:13:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the amount of pit stops they make, they only engage the clutch when starting off from being stationary - it's controlled by the car for gear changes.
2006-09-28 05:59:23 · answer #6 · answered by Leo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's like 63 shifts per lap for a six speed car and the record is 380 laps so it's around 24,000 shifts/clutch uses...under race conditions which means driving the car as hard as it will go.
2006-09-28 00:48:25 · answer #7 · answered by Perry L 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋