WHY ENGINEERING IS VITAL TO YOUR RACING TEAM

Over the last fifty years auto racing has evolved from individuals with general mechanical skills to a highly technical industry.

Today, the competitive edge is more a result of the depth and breadth of a team’s combined skills from many different fields.

Small teams benefit immensely when Engineering is implemented, and large teams strengthen their positions with Engineering.

  John Block  Racing Engineer                                                                                                                                                                           

  RACING EXPERIENCE:

   Team Engineer, Guthrie Racing, IRL Indy Pro Series 2007

   Team Engineer, CLR Racing, ARCA & NASCAR Cup & Trucks 1999-2005

                               Pole position at Talladega 2000, Pole at Daytona 2001

   Team Engineer, Galles Racing, CART Indy Cars; Pole at Indianapolis 500, 1985.

   Mentor/Instructor, LSU, UTEP, UIdaho, UNM Formula SAE teams, 1996-2006.

   Engineering Consultant, Mazda Factory Race Team, Group C Road Racing, 1987-88.

   Engineering Consultant, Group C Team using Mercedes Benz 190, 1986.

   Raced first stock car at age 16 in 1970; built and raced dirt track modifieds from ’71 to ‘74.

   Owned shop, doing set-up for dirt sprint cars, pavement late models and autocross 5 years.

   Worked in fabricating shop; built chassis for dirt track modifieds and late models 1 year.

   Worked his way through college working as a machinist.

 

    Engineer/Developer of                                           Featured and/or Interviewed in           Author:

    Racing Computer Software:                                   the following Magazines:                    Data Acquisition articles,Circle Track

    Honda Engine Builder © 2004.                               Stock Car Racing, Open Wheel,            Magazine, 12-04, 1-05, 3-06.

    Mustang 5.0 Engine Builder © 2002.                      Circle Track, Super Stock,                   Cyber Racing monthly column, Circle Track

    Rear End Suspension Geometry © 1997.               Hot Rod, Car Craft, Turbo,                      Magazine, 1995-1997.

    Computerized Chassis Weights © 1996.                 Sports Car, On Track,                           The Racers Guide to Fabricating Shop Equip.

    Front Suspension Geometry Pro © 1995.               Bracket Racing USA,                              Steve Smith Autosports, 1985

    McPherson Suspension Geometry © 1995.            Chrysler Power, 4 Wheeler,                 Education:

    Engine Shop © 1993.                                             Mustang Illustrated,                              UNM, BA 1977; SDSU, post grad studies Eng 1979

    Tire Temps © 1991.                                                And many more.                                   Registered E.I., New Mexico, 1989

    Super Performance Software © 1990.                                                                                Academic Appointment:  Univ. of NM 2005

 

    Suspension Development                    

 

  • Geometric

      simulations

  • Suspension

      analysis

  • Geometric

      development

 

  Besides developing many commercially

  marketed software packages, John has

  extensive knowledge and experience in

  suspension theory.  Very typically, John’s

  suspensions handle better and have better

  tire wear in a race than any other car at the

  race track.

   Chassis Development                             

 

  • Tortional rigidity

      testing

  • Station sensitivity

      testing

  • Element sensitivity

      review

 

  John also designs and develops test fixtures

  for performing chassis tests.  The benefit of

  this experience was demonstrated by one

  chassis’s stiffness being increased by 50%

  with only 9 pounds of tubing.

    Solid Modeling                                         

 

  • Component

       creation, etc.

   • Finite Element

       Modeling

  • Component

       optimazation

 

  With a formal education in Architecture (BA)

  and Engineering (EI), creativity and the

  design process come quickly and easily.

 Interfacing this with Chassis Development,

  Suspension Modeling and Data Acquisition

  creates a synergism matched by few!

    Data Acquisition                                      

  • Data system

       operator

  • Data

       interpretation

  • Parametric

       analysis

 

  John’s experience in creating channels has

  proven beneficial to driver development

  and vehicle development.  Creating

  “Engineered Math Channels” has also

  resulted in monitoring parameters without

  physical hardware, saving money and

   weight.

      Track Testing                                        

  • Directing &

       recording tests

  • Post test

      Analysis

  • Design of

       Experiments

 

 

 

  In addition to standard track testing, John

  designs and develops test fixtures for

  performing (at speed) aerodynamic tests

  on the track.  Also, his experience with

  simultaneous experiments/tests brings

  added value to track testing.

      Wind Tunnel                                             

  • Test Directing

 

  • Data Analysis

 

  • Body development

 

  Drivers, Crew, and retired racers all have

  opinions and explanations about

  aerodynamics.  John’s wind tunnel

  experience shows there is a huge gap

  between popular garage opinion and

  measured scientific fact.

For more information on Engineering services please call (800) 647-2392 ext 201, or send email to autoware@aol.com .  Mailing address: 7915 Cliff RD NW Albuquerque NM 87120