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A mean, green, clean machine.

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Submitted: July 2, 2011
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Saltpan Racersby ~jflaxman

Digital Art / Mixed Media / Sci-Fi

Racing may seem frivolous in a world where fuel is scarce, but it remains popular among the Wasteland clans of the deep desert. These wind-powered racers are only efficient on hard flat surfaces like dry lake beds, but in the right conditions they can reach impressive speeds. Contests between famous drivers invariably draw large crowds and the winners enjoy a great deal of prestige. The drivers’ motivations vary; some follow a strict code of honour while others race for profit alone.

Design Features

- Racers are designed to be as light and fast as possible. The hulls are made from sheets of fabric stretched over a lightweight frame. The drivers have reclining seats, and the narrow wheels and tyres reduce frontal area. Controls consist of a steering rod, a rotor clutch and brake pedal. Suspension is minimal or absent and drivers rely primarily on clothing such as helmets and goggles for protection.

- While some racers employ sails, rotors are more versatile. Strong winds make the rotor spin at high speeds and power the rear drive wheels via a transmission shaft. The rotor head can swivel a full 360 degrees and the vane keeps it facing the wind at all times. While all wind-powered vehicles need to tack to some extent, racers with rotors need less space to turn and are less affected by crosswinds than racers that rely on sails.

- The racers’ light construction makes them prone to flip while cornering, so the wheels are mounted on outriggers to increase stability. The aerofoils on the front and rear of the hull help keep all four wheels grounded at high speeds. Racers may be fitted with drogue chutes for emergency braking, but many drivers consider the excess weight superfluous.

- Rollbars offer some protection if a racer flips or breaks up. While these vehicles carry no flammable fuel, the rotors can be deadly, which makes races all the more thrilling from a spectator’s point of view. Good drivers gain an instinctive awareness of where the blades are at all times.

~keppz Jul 10, 2011 Student Digital Artist

awesome racecars. mine would have a sail on the front, just for some extra speed! haha.

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