Driving upside-down in a circular track

Abstract

In this article, we point out an interesting solution for the dynamics of a racecar in a banked circular track with banking angle well over 90o. We call this track configuration an Inverted Track, at which a racecar can drive partially upside-down. We show an experimental setup where we made a toy car to circulate upside-down held only by its friction to the track. We discuss the viability to perform the abovementioned stunt with a real racecar in terms of the velocities required, dimensions of the track and safety; provided a passionate motorsport related company to commission it. For most racecars, the aerodynamic down-force is significant and it is included in our analysis.