Stored energy, released during a run

[tallguy]

We all know that there are various ways of storing energy that can later be used to propel a vehicle.

Some examples of energy storage items are batteries, capacitors, flywheels, compressed air tanks, mechanical springs,
nuclear devices, earth's gravitational field, and biological organs such as muscles.

In the context of land speed racing, is it likely that the performance of a vehicle could benefit by storing energy this way while accelerating, and release the energy later in the run, thereby achieving a higher measured speed?

It's not clearly obvious to me that this would be the case.  On a relatively long track -- such as a Bonneville -- , a lot of energy is required to push a vehicle through the air at high speed over a long distance.   Over a relatively short distance, a well-designed vehicle could/would use most of its available (engine) power output to build speed.  But a vehicle whose engine power (and, therefore, top speed) are quite limited may hardly benefit from a very long track, compared to a shorter one.  I don't immediately imagine that 4 miles of distance prior to the timed mile is much of an advantage, compared to 2 miles of distance prior to the timed mile -- for a 100cc motorcycle.  But if that bike were able (and allowed) to store energy on the way to the first timing trap, perhaps that energy could help during the timed part of the run, without violating any of the rules.

[fissionspeed]

I like the idea, you have a 50 cc engine charging up a giant clockspring for a couple miles, then when you're a mile away from the traps, you let it go

[kiwi belly tank]

My streamliner is just about ready for the test & tune but I need some biological organs. I have a buyer for one of my kidneys so I can afford to run my junk so if anybody is coming up from California can you swing by the beach for me?
  Sid.

[mtkawboy]

Sounds like Wiley Coyote stuff

[tortoise]

. . . if that bike were able (and allowed) to store energy on the way to the first timing trap, perhaps that energy could help during the timed part of the run, without violating any of the rules.

That would be cheating. The power source for various classes is clearly stated. The fact that the (legal) motor provided all the energy for the run does not mean that it provided the power.  If you do want to cheat, bicycle racers have successfully (for a while) hidden electric motors in the frame.

[stay`tee]

if its a motorcycle ya running, maybe a bowl of Baked Beans just before venturing out onto the course 

[floydjer]

Tough crowd.

[kiwi belly tank]

if its a motorcycle ya running, maybe a bowl of Baked Beans just before venturing out onto the course 

Nah mate, it's got 4 wheels & a really big built in farter!  aktion086 
  Sid.

[29Sleeper]

Sounds like Wiley Coyote stuff

I've dubbed our 29 Coupe Wile because I know it will never be as fast as the Road Runner I had. Maybe if I tie it to a boulder that I push over a cliff......

[29Sleeper]

. . . if that bike were able (and allowed) to store energy on the way to the first timing trap, perhaps that energy could help during the timed part of the run, without violating any of the rules.

That would be cheating. The power source for various classes is clearly stated. The fact that the (legal) motor provided all the energy for the run does not mean that it provided the power.  If you do want to cheat, bicycle racers have successfully (for a while) hidden electric motors in the frame.

It's all in how the rules are interpreted the engine did provide the power to wind the spring - the spring at rest has no energy. It has potential that has been activated by the engine during the run. I'm certain that Smokey Yunick would agree.......

https://www.carthrottle.com/news/7-hilariously-mad-racing-cheats-were-all-work-smokey-yunick

[floydjer]

Use the wind up device to power the prop??