The Tiger's performance formula is pretty simple. High power/Low weight
= Go Fast. Start with a small British 2-seater, add an V-8 engine with
350-400 bhp potential, and stand back. Two of the strongest impressions
the Tiger leaves on neophytes are how damn close the driver seems to the
passenger, and how strange that V-8 sounds coming from such a little
car.
Perhaps not THE class dominator, the Tiger WAS competitive and, in the
right hands, was even successful against some of the most legendary cars
ever produced. Cobra. Corvette. Shelby Mustang. Nice company, even from
2 or 3 places behind. Other than those three, there weren't many cars
between the Tiger and 1st.
At that level of competition, the details beyond the simple power/weight
formula really matter. The Tiger issues mentioned - - short wheelbase,
the alien-knuckle steering set-up, small dia wheels, reverse Ackerman
angle, etc., can make a difference, once you're in the class where every
car already has a lightweight chassis, good power, and talent behind
the wheel. The absence of factory backing made the technical problems
more difficult to overcome, and forced drivers to serve as their own
representatives in class politics. Still, the Tiger hardly stunk up the
B-Production class - in fact, it came close to winning the National
title.
Diving into the Tiger's racing history has been great. If others are of
like mind and have info to share, I'd enjoy collaborating on some
research and writing on the subject. Contact off-line with info and/or
interest.
The links below are from the Virginia International Raceway history
pages - good stuff. BTW, does Don Sesslar qualify as another Tiger
great?
http://dega.cs.unc.edu/~nick/new/vir/66-apr/66-apr-21.gif
http://dega.cs.unc.edu/~nick/new/vir/65-apr/neg26-59.jpg
Cheers,
Graham H.
B382001466
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