Racing News

Team Principal Mike Jankowski talks about the development, design and CFD work the team are doing post-Le Mans, and what that work will bring in terms of a competitive platform going into 2010...

Since Le Mans, we have been working intensively with the aero of the car—principally using CFD . At Le Mans, we were not where we ought to have been in terms of pace. Part of that was attributed to some set-up issues, but the bulk was due to the simple fact that the package needed improving. Being on Michelins we were able to make comparisons more easily. Work was needed—so we started virtually immediately after the flag went down.

The CFD process is very similar to some of the analytical processes I have used in my own business life. It is diagnostic and focussed. CFD has given me confidence that, subject to the manufacturer/privateer chasm in financial resources, we have a chance to be competitive.

The initial CFD results have been positive. We have found considerable gains in aero efficiency and we believe there is much more to come. Originally, the focus was on an area of the car which we always knew to be poor aerodynamically; however, the project has broadened to encompass the entire car. Given the results of the first three weeks of work, it became evident that to rush the process would be foolish. Compromises that would be made to get the car ready for the ALMS races in the USA this year would probably have to be redone before 2010—wasting effort and resources. I made the decision to work on the development until we were satisfied with the result before new components were made. I expect; however, that we will be testing before the end of the year with a 2010 spec car.

All Creation chassis continue to be in the UK until the workshop in Winston-Salem North Carolina is completed. At present we are working with many companies in the region to help us with our 2010 programme and beyond. The next few weeks will be very intensive. I am looking forward to next stage in Creation’s development.

Mike Jankowski

This story is also available in French language on www.endurance-info.com

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