autoinsane

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Back in 1970 an innovative concept in automotive racing briefly saw the light of day before being deemed “unfair” and “illegal.” While the Chaparral 2J never dominated and often had mechanical issues, it opened a world of possibilities and a new way to think about aerodynamics.

The biggest problem with wings, spoilers, and other air directing instruments often used in motor sports is that the slower a car moves the less effective they become. With little air moving over the vehicle’s surface around a sharp road course how could someone overcome this simple but serious problem and achieve superior traction at any speed? Jim Hall came up with an answer- suction the car to the track. Using a skirt to trap air under the vehicle and suck it out the back, the 2J qualified seconds ahead of the next closest competitors in CamAm.

In honor of the historical 2J, a group of 13 engineers from P&G have created their own truly “sucky” car. This time it’s a Corvette. Adding a bit of irony is that this particular vette is twin turbocharged. So technically- it also blows.

Using an M1 tank blower powered by a 45-horsepower snowmobile engine, the 2J2 sucks air through a skirt under the car and out through the passenger seat. The team built the car as an entry into the Grassroots $2007 Challenge, which limited spending on the car at just $2,007. Yes, twin-turbocharged AND suctioned to the ground for just over two-grand.

How well does it work? Watch this report from wlwttv out of Cincinnati, Ohio and some videos showing the car in action and let us know what you think.

The man himself, Jim Hall drives the Cheaparrel 2J2 without suction

Now with the suction fan turned on…

Check out the Cheaperral 2J2 Website, but we warn there are videos and sounds that automatically start playing, so turn down your earphones or speakers!

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