Probably even more important: s = 1/2at^2 and Power = F x V.Originally posted by oz_olly:
The most simple way to look at it is if F=ma then a=F/m. So to increase a you can either increase F or decrease m. There is a huge number of different functional ways to modify F and m.
Assume a traction limit and weight on the driven wheels to give F for the first (traction limited) phase of the run. When V has increased to the point where F x V = your engine Power, you are no longer "Traction Limited". The rest of the run is "Power Limited". Make a spreadsheet with columns for F, a, v, s and t. When the s column gets to 75 yards, the t column shows the elapsed time. Now you can play with different levels of power, mass, traction etc. The results will surprise you and you will quickly discover what is important. Hint, one of the variables is VERY important and the others decrease in importance very rapidly.