IBINTHERBEFOR New Reader
3/26/22 11:35 a.m.Aero drag is usually considered as consisting of three elements; lift, shape and surface with frontal area a big deal multiplier. The spoiler destroys lift drag at the expense of a minor increase to shape drag. Peter's original concept of a ring spoiler would have done the same thing BUT the shape drag would not have been increase as much, and the device was tunable for different tracks. Because the device was movable it could be used to radically increase shape drag to aid braking and then repositioned for

straight speed. The use of down force devices actuall increases shape drag to the point that top speed is reduced but cornering capability is radically increased, thereby reducing lap times. Look at or read the history of the Chaparrel. A couple of more things, the Daytona had a small forntal area, Look at pics of it along side the Cobra roadster. Lastly there's the whole subject of internal aiflow and the flow of air under the car.

There's a good SAE paper on how Ford used under car airflow on the 2005 GT. Another interesting place to look is at Gordom Murry's T50 "fan" aided aero car for the street.