Hello!

>Hi Doug,
>
>>Thanks for jumping in!!
>
>:)
>
>>Well, the Can-Am cars actually were not 'straight line accelleration' only cars, though they did indeed attempt to put as much horsepower onto a frame as possible. Usually 7-800 HP!! They were built for the turns and curves as well though and had to be able to brake quickly. I think their approach was 'typically' American in that they attempted to solve what really is a finesse issue with power and muscle.
>
>That's the big differencce I think, you assume that a good car is the more poer it has, here not.

Understood; however, I must also say that to be able to stand near the Riverside Raceway and be close as those old monsters roared by was really something!

>
>>
>>A lot of the reason for racecars is to test new technologies. Here in America the Can-Ams represented the 'big engine' way of thinking. When the gasoline shortage hit us in 1973 I think that is when the Can-Ams started to decline.
>
>But gasoline shortage were a problem for the US? Curious.

Yes, it was a problem. Basically caused by politics and very dumb.

>
>>
>>Europe has always had much higher gasoline proces and I'd think that this is why they tend to have smaller, more efficient automobiles. This naturally shows in the kinds of race cars constructed.
>
>Well can be, but I don't know if Europe has always had much higher gasoline proces, I thoughted this was for USA

No.. Back in 1973 we were worried when gasoline proces went up to US$0.50 per gallon. That's fifty cents per gallon. I seem to recall that at that time Europeans were paying around US$0.80 per litre! Typically around 2-3 times as much as we pay here.

Remember, there is a LOT of oil still here in the US, only the environmental extremists have pretty much been able to keep the oil exploration companies from looking. Also, when the proces were so low it didn't pay to explore either.

>
>>I hope you understand that I was tossing out some good-natured teasing regarding the F1 cars. I really do enjoy them as much as the Can-Ams....
>>
>>Just some friendly competition.. <g>
>
>ALso I enjoy both, :) I understand that but, saying that the F1 Cars are like Tiny Toys, were too much for me! LOL

<g>

I don't think F1 cars are like Tiny Toys. Not when they hit 10,000 RPM!! <g>

Best,

DD