Why do most race tracks run clockwise?

[DrDonnyBrago]

As per title, why do most race tracks run clockwise?



Anyone know why? It's not just a UK RHD thing, all over the world the majority are clockwise...

[SoND]

They run anti-clockwise in the southern hemisphere, don't know why.
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Go back to bed - You have no rights - "Streetfighters ~ Mainstream motorcycling's crackwhore sister."

[angryjonny]

Santa Pod runs North East to South West.

[Ariel Badger]

The first purpose made track in the UK (Brooklands) was counter clockwise, speedway is CC as is short circuit dirt racing in the USA as was board racing. The old GP circuit at Aintree is CC
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[andyscooter]

cos that is which way every other fucker is going


dont use the track i work on do yah
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[DrDonnyBrago]

I know there are exceptions with other forms of racing but taking the F1 tracks for instance, the vast majority run clockwise, wondered if there was a reason?

[Walloper]

Coz the gears are on the left so you could statistically find it easier to change. More RH bends than LH bends presumably.

Coz God made them clockwise??
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[Charlie]

[Shaft]

[G]

Remember cars are going to be a big factor in a lot of tracks. Not sure on the specifics - can see being on the inside having advantages for various reasons, but then more of the world sits on the other side in two seaters.

[Paulington]

Well, a lot of the first race tracks were clockwise and the trend tended to continue as far as I know.

Another reason why a lot of tracks are now built clockwise is due to the fact that even at low level racing (I.e. 125cc DD Karts and even worse superkarts) when you race a clockwise circuit you build up extra muscle on that side of your neck to cope with the G-Force experienced in the corners.

When you get to an anti-clockwise circuit, damn do you feel it. If you are in a car that can pull 2-3G or above (the karts and cars I raced could hit 4-5G) and you are used to clockwise circuits after a few races you will begin to feel the strains on your neck.

For example, if you watch F1 at Turkey, around halfway through the race and especially nearer the end you will see the drivers rest their head on the cockpit safety walls around some of the turns, especially Turn 8 as their muscles are suffering so much.

Maybe it's just an act of kindness? ! After a full weekends racing a superkart around an anti-clockwise circuit my neck ached for days. More clockwise circuits! !

Also, depending on the racing discipline, that can affect the direction of travel.

For example, NASCAR always runs anti-clockwise and one of the reasons for this is because the driver is sat in the left of the car. This means should he hit the barrier there is a lot of car to crush before the driver himself hits anything which means increased safety.

I guess it's just down to preference of the circuit designers these days.
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[D O G]

They should make all circuits figure of 8, unless they are over 5 miles long.

[G]

[D O G]

Yup, all the tracks I design* are figure of 8.

*Draw when bored at work, with racing lines and contour lines. Yes, it's not sad to do this when you're in your 30's....

[sickpup]

[Paulington]

[Lyam]

What a go kart can achive the same g force as an f1 car even thought they have no downforce???

[sickpup]

[Shaft]