Grassroots Motorsports
Issue link: http://grassrootsmotorsports.epubxp.com/i/501675
Grassroots Motorsports 109 FEATURE: BUILDING A WINNER One of the reasons we chose the Miata platform is that it's the most-tracked vehi- cle on the planet. Off-the-shelf solutions exist for most everything, and expert, appli- cation-specifc knowledge can be brought to bear. So where possible, we "buy time" in our development schedule by working with pros. That also helps beat the 80/20 rule cited above, especially when it comes down to crunch time before a big event. Step 7: Pay Attention to Detail When you do something, do it right the frst time. This does not mean to over- engineer or over-analyze it. Use quality, proven parts, tools and processes. This will save time redoing stuff later on. Step 8: Test Your Assumptions Employing the iterative process allows for a constant state of testing. We always use spreadsheet analysis to run the num- bers on performance expectations ahead of a build, but it is just as important to measure the results. Otherwise you can go way down a blind alley and waste time backing up. The data logger is your friend here, as is the dyno. While planning for the Miata, we've analyzed how the CRX generates its lap times. Now that we have rear-wheel drive and better weight distribution, we've quantifed how improved acceleration off the turns should make the Miata faster down the straights. Likewise, we've looked at saturation levels on the front tires to get an estimate of how much better that car should corner. As we start to run the Miata, we'll be looking not just at overall lap times, but the components of those times. If any of our initial assumptions are off, we can then determine whether the issue was bad theory or failed execution. Without measuring precisely, you are just left wondering. Step 9: Double Your Worst-Case Time Esti- mates, Especially Lead Times Today's world of 24/7 online retail- ers and inexpensive expedited delivery has made us accustomed to immediate gratifcation. Amazon Prime has become a way of life. But parts suppliers in the motorsports industry are notorious for late delivery, especially for semi-custom and bespoke items. Plan on it. Following the iterative process will help keep you from being too stranded, but if you know you are going to need something, do not wait until the last minute to order it. Adding to that schedule slippage are unknown issues that will constantly crop up and need attention. When building your initial schedule, double your time estimates to accommodate. Real life will also step in to suck up time, since none of us does this full time. Build- ing a car under severe time pressure simply adds stress, which leads to the vicious circle of mistakes and more stress. Step 10: Have Backup Plans What if you were wrong about your assumptions? This can happen with a single item or the whole car. If you are building for an important event, having backup plans makes the process more enjoyable and productive. The 80/20 iterative process helps a lot here: If the 99-percent-final version doesn't work out, we can always go back to the 80-percent solution for any given item. tom suddard photo