rec.autos.simulators

dear all,

i've had an rs shifter next to my wheel for a few weeks now, on the
right hand side, like most of the gpl cars.  

my question is, why was the shifter put on the right?  

my own version of logic says:
  most circuits clockwise => most turns go right
  most people (and drivers), are right handed

  so i'd think having your *** hand on the wheel
  would be best.  i.e. the shifter -should- be on the left.

but maybe you just learn equally well whatever you're given.

anyone any insight into this?

i'll try shifting (ho ho!) it to the left this weekend, see how
strange or easy it feels.

merry chrimbo,
dr martin.

Some Call Me Tim

That's exactly counter to any book I read or advice I heard on racing. Your
arms are much more effective, and in control, when you are pulling the wheel
than pushing.

Nafi Coker

And thats where your argument falls to the ground.  ;)
Much of what we use is derived from older 'standards',
(the use of AM mode in aircraft communications comes
readily to mind) so the cars were probably made that way
because thats the way its always been done.

P.S.  Lots of really old cars have a set of levers
outside the***pit on the right hand side.   Are they
the gearchange, or something else?
From a childrens picturebook:
- Panhard in 1902 Paris-Vienna race
- Renault in the last Gordon Bennett race, 1905
- Fiat in 1912 French GP
- Peugeot, Indianapolis, 1913

Nick.

However, I have spent considerable time on actual tracks and both the advise
I've gotten and verifed experience says the otherwise. In fact, Skip Barber
race school instructors emphasize this point very strongly.

Nafi Coker

If you are relying on your upper arms and shoulders to assist your steering,
than that is the wrong way to steer.

Nafi Coker

driven formula firsts with the gear lever on the left, and formula fords
with gear levers on the right. first time i got in a FF i instinctively
reached to the left of the wheel to change down! doh.

pez

I didn't say lock the elbow at all, just keep the arm like your left arm in
a golf backswing. As straight as you can allow in a relaxed position, but
not braced. No I don't use my upper arms and shoulders to steer, most wheels
are small enough and the cars they are attached to are geared quickly enough
to mean a mostly wrist action is enough for a quick correction or two at a
time. And no, my explanation has no scientific basis whatsoever that I can
prove, just things I have been told. As I said, I actually went out one day
to try using just one hand on the wheel through turns, and while I was
nowhere near as fast as using both hands together (or confident, for that
matter), I did find it easier nearer the limit pushing the wheel rather than
pulling it. My explanation for that would be that an elbow bent at around a
45deg angle will dampen vibrations more than an elbow bent at 10deg. That's
just a guess.

A far more scientific explanation for the reason the gearshift is on the
right is because it has to go somewhere, wouldn't work between the drivers'
legs ;-), and most people are right handed. The right turn thing is more of
an accidental circumstance rather than an explicit design. I mean, what
would have happened if somebody started making anti-clockwise tracks? The
shifter is a Champcar is on the right I remember, and they race ovals half
the time.

I am impressed you went to the SBRS, mate. Kinda difficult from over
here....

Nick.

I didn't say lock the elbow at all, just keep the arm like your left arm in
a golf backswing. As straight as you can allow in a relaxed position, but
not braced. No I don't use my upper arms and shoulders to steer, most wheels
are small enough and the cars they are attached to are geared quickly enough
to mean a mostly wrist action is enough for a quick correction or two at a
time. And no, my explanation has no scientific basis whatsoever that I can
prove, just things I have been told. As I said, I actually went out one day
to try using just one hand on the wheel through turns, and while I was
nowhere near as fast as using both hands together (or confident, for that
matter), I did find it easier nearer the limit pushing the wheel rather than
pulling it. My explanation for that would be that an elbow bent at around a
45deg angle will dampen vibrations more than an elbow bent at 10deg. That's
just a guess.

A far more scientific explanation for the reason the gearshift is on the
right is because it has to go somewhere, wouldn't work between the drivers'
legs ;-), and most people are right handed. The right turn thing is more of
an accidental circumstance rather than an explicit design. I mean, what
would have happened if somebody started making anti-clockwise tracks? The
shifter is a Champcar is on the right I remember, and they race ovals half
the time.

I am impressed you went to the SBRS, mate. Kinda difficult from over
here....

Nick.

I didn't say lock the elbow at all, just keep the arm like your left arm in
a golf backswing. As straight as you can allow in a relaxed position, but
not braced. No I don't use my upper arms and shoulders to steer, most wheels
are small enough and the cars they are attached to are geared quickly enough
to mean a mostly wrist action is enough for a quick correction or two at a
time. And no, my explanation has no scientific basis whatsoever that I can
prove, just things I have been told. As I said, I actually went out one day
to try using just one hand on the wheel through turns, and while I was
nowhere near as fast as using both hands together (or confident, for that
matter), I did find it easier nearer the limit pushing the wheel rather than
pulling it. My explanation for that would be that an elbow bent at around a
45deg angle will dampen vibrations more than an elbow bent at 10deg. That's
just a guess.

A far more scientific explanation for the reason the gearshift is on the
right is because it has to go somewhere, wouldn't work between the drivers'
legs ;-), and most people are right handed. The right turn thing is more of
an accidental circumstance rather than an explicit design. I mean, what
would have happened if somebody started making anti-clockwise tracks? The
shifter is a Champcar is on the right I remember, and they race ovals half
the time.

I am impressed you went to the SBRS, mate. Kinda difficult from over
here....

Nick.