How exactly is a "measured mile" measured?

[Buickguy3]

   I think they use a different system for the roadsters after the 3 mile.
   Doug 

[jimmy six]

Buick, you are correct; for me it was after the 4 mile when I got a tad bit longer course. A 32 grille shell being pushed does not like to run of of horsed power especially over 200. I moved from side to side at least twice, never lifted, and got a red hat. JD

[Buickguy3]

    We like pitting past the three mile so that we can see all sides of the roadsters comming by.
  Doug 

[F104A]

We use Topcon global navigation technology and are accurate within .020". We compared it against the SCTA clocks a few years back and we were dead nuts on.

[Seldom Seen Slim]

Not much -- but stipulate that you're traveling at a constant speed for the entire measured mile -- and your true speed is 200.031.  but since you've traveled that extra 11 3/8 or so inches -- your measured speed (using the lights set one mile from one another) would be 199.995.  Dang!  I didn't get my hat -- 'cause I wandered from one side to the other.

Realistically speaking -- making it down the track 100% dead straight ain't very likely to be possible.  But still -- the less wandering the better, right?

[Speed Limit 1000]

Just gives you more space to accelerate

[tauruck]

He He He, John.

[PorkPie]

Not much -- but stipulate that you're traveling at a constant speed for the entire measured mile -- and your true speed is 200.031.  but since you've traveled that extra 11 3/8 or so inches -- your measured speed (using the lights set one mile from one another) would be 199.995.  Dang!  I didn't get my hat -- 'cause I wandered from one side to the other.

Realistically speaking -- making it down the track 100% dead straight ain't very likely to be possible.  But still -- the less wandering the better, right?

...now I understand my 199.665 mph.....the mile was too Long......

[dw230]

The mile was the correct length. Your navigation of the mile was the long way there.

DW

[Seldom Seen Slim]

Well put, Dan.  I've never thought to put pencil to paper and figure out the extra length we drive down the mile(s), so now that I have -- I see that it's a real issue and worthy of consideration when planning a run - waiting at the line - riding the course in my mind before I leave.

And watch out for those mile markers, too!  They've been known to jump out in front of racers, I hear.

"Oak tree, you're in my way!"

[PorkPie]

The mile was the correct length. Your navigation of the mile was the long way there.

DW

Dan,

the navigation on my return run in August 2012 was actually very well....albeit that this morning the fifth mile was a little bit "wet"....through the five I had a clean straight line....what I can't say for the first 1/4 mile after I left the starting line ....on this run I also picked my A license..... ......sometimes you can press the pedal through the metal all the way down...and you are still to short......but, d..mn....this was my first record....and happy.....

[Speed Limit 1000]

PP, You did an outstanding job driving the lakester and you are maybe the only driver that did not break anything except the record

[Stan Back]

Ya know, it may be a mile on the surface between the markers, but with the earth's curvature, it's a little less in a real straight line (but hard to take that course).

[Freud]

A measured mile is available. The run is to determine how long it takes

to make that excursion. It matters not at all to the clocks what route

you use inside the measured distance. All it does is record the time.

The clocks don't care what your speed is as you break the beam. All they

record is the elapsed time. With a reliable distance between the clocks and

a repeatable time measurement the speed between the clocks is used as

the record. There's nothing else to it. Obviously going straight is the optimum

method. Have an alcoholic explain the situation. It will compare to driving on the Salt.

FREUD

[Stainless1]

.... Have an alcoholic explain the situation. It will compare to driving on the Salt.

FREUD

Freud, that's been what has been happening for the last 2 pages....