Why no videos from a dig?

[Chicagox]

I have been enjoying the video from the excellent event Gustav organized, as have many others (as evidenced by the post count!)

My only question is this:

Why no videos from a dig?

After seeing enough crappy US-spec LC launches, I was hungry to see what a true Euro LC launch would look like.

While the Porsche (and possibly others) would have benefitted from this slightly, I believe this to be more of a true test of accelleration that the "roll-on"

The roll-on races (with no camera at the finish to see finish order) are prone to as much (or more) driver error than a launch from a stopped position, and a half-second jump at the start (and sometimes more) is difficult to see from the in-car perspective.

Would it be that difficult to re-do a botched launch? Nah.

Will we ever see a comparo not from a roll?

Comments?

[Congaman]

Gustav should answer your question but while we wait for him I'll give you my view.

The purpose of the event was to test the M5 and M6 against other cars in a safe and fun way. There was no claims that the tests would give the truth neither to point out any car to better than another.

As I understand Gustav the rolling start was choosen because the purpose was to test the cars not the drivers. I think we could agree that it is easier to start from a roll than from a dig? I would also claim that the rolling start was choosen due to safety reasons. Just look at all the accidents you can see on internet when drivers are starting from a dig. A start from a dig is also tougher on the cars so I'd guess it would be harder to get all these cars together if the races would start from a stand still. Also most street races in real life starts from a roll.

If you are not content with the way the shootout was performed.....then just do the same as Gustav.....spend hours and days without any pay to get some great cars together....rent a track or airfield for your own money....then you could get all the starts from a dig as you want.

Just be sure to post the videos here!!

[scoopz]

There is a video of a euro launch control, you need to go about 1min20 in to see the launch. It's an m5board video too: Euro M5 Launch Control Video

I've only ever used LC twice (UK spec car) but have played around changing pre-launch revs up and down using the cruise control lever, etc.

Next time I am in the car and have my Canon Ixus with me and friend is alongside in his M3 SMG cabrio I'll do a little video for you

[Chicagox]

Originally Posted by Congaman

If you are not content with the way the shootout was performed.....then just do the same as Gustav.....spend hours and days without any pay to get some great cars together....rent a track or airfield for your own money....then you could get all the starts from a dig as you want.

Just be sure to post the videos here!!

While the defensive posture was unwarranted, I plan on doing exactly that.

I would disagree that "most street races in real life starts from a roll," at least on my side of the pond. All the magazine testers are interested in exactly that, a timed run from a stopped position.

Thanks for your input.

[Chicagox]

Scoopz: thanks for the link.

[Stevie]

Originally Posted by Chicagox

Why no videos from a dig?

Because most cars there are privately supplied cars and repeated launches from standstill give a much higher mechanical strain on the driveline then roll-on starts.

[6speed]

Originally Posted by Chicagox

While the defensive posture was unwarranted, I plan on doing exactly that.

I would disagree that "most street races in real life starts from a roll," at least on my side of the pond. All the magazine testers are interested in exactly that, a timed run from a stopped position.

Thanks for your input.

I have to disagree with you there (as far as where I live anyway). In years of having a moderately fast car I can say I have never had the opportunity to "race" somebody from a dig. The odds of me rolling up to a stop light next to a worthy opponent that wants to race with room to do so is just not very good. Because of the volume of cars I see on the e-way, there is a much better chance of "meeting" someone that wants to have a little fun thus doing it from a rolling start. If somebody wants to "race" me from a dig and the opportunity presents itself, I am all for it....but it just doesn't happen to me.



Cheers ///

[IloveM5s]

Originally Posted by Chicagox

The roll-on races (with no camera at the finish to see finish order) are prone to as much (or more) driver error than a launch from a stopped position, and a half-second jump at the start (and sometimes more) is difficult to see from the in-car perspective.

I disagree completely. If you want to see the better driver, going from a dig is indeed a better way to determine that. But going from a stop absolutely introduces more variables such as the driver's ability to launch the car. Now, as I understand it, the purpose of this get together (besides just to have fun) was to determine the faster CAR, not driver. I don't need to tell you that your average driver is simply not capable of reaching any given car's capability at the strip, whereas if he or she can shift competently --which is a much easier skill to master than launching- you achieve a level of consistency that's not possible otherwise.

[IloveM5s]

Originally Posted by Chicagox

While the defensive posture was unwarranted, I plan on doing exactly that.

I would disagree that "most street races in real life starts from a roll," at least on my side of the pond. All the magazine testers are interested in exactly that, a timed run from a stopped position.

Thanks for your input.

That's honestly your finding? Are you close to the city? I guess I could understand it if that's the case (lack of open roads, etc), but my experience has been decidedly different. I'd say 95% of my encounters have been on the highway..

[Wolverine]

Originally Posted by IloveM5s

That's honestly your finding? Are you close to the city? I guess I could understand it if that's the case (lack of open roads, etc), but my experience has been decidedly different. I'd say 95% of my encounters have been on the highway..

I have to agree. The chance of my lining up with a comparable car next to me at a stoplight with a clear road ahead are very slim. So far, in 30,000 miles it has not happened.

On the other hand, I've had over a dozen encounters on the highway with Vipers, Vettes, Posches, an RS6, an E55, and some highly modded cars.

[CEC]

Originally Posted by Wolverine

I have to agree. The chance of my lining up with a comparable car next to me at a stoplight with a clear road ahead are very slim. So far, in 30,000 miles it has not happened.

On the other hand, I've had over a dozen encounters on the highway with Vipers, Vettes, Posches, an RS6, an E55, and some highly modded cars.

Pretty much same thing for me. I also agree that a launch from a stop requires MORE driver skill than rolling starts.