Nitrogen vs. "regular" air in tires

[bdomenz]

Had a flat fixed on my car today. Saw huge Nitrogen tank in the shop (first time I'd seen one). Said it maintains constant tire pressure regardless of heat/cold, no moisture, etc. etc.

Outside of cost, why isn't this used for racing?

[HAWK]

The laws of physics apply to nitrogen the same as any other gas. The pressure in a tire will increase with temperature whether the tire is filled with nitrogen or air or any other gas. When using compressed air there is the uncontrolled  variable of moisture. You don't know how much moisture you have in the compressed air and it's density decreases with temperature, the effect on pressure will be nearly unmeasureable though.

[oldguy]

 Because the trick setup is to use helium in your tires. It makes the bike about 4 pounds lighter and is like adding one extra horsepower. Don't tell anyone.

[PJ]

http://www.racemotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/board/YaBB.pl?board=tips;action=display;num=1121893479

Hi Bob!

See this thread...

[BRG]

this is used all the time. 8)

[tshort]

Hey Bob - Getting desperate??? :D

The kart guys use it a lot, at least at the higher levels (shifters), because with less moisture in it, it expands less than air, so is more "predictable". (as others have pointed out).  

As far as contaminating the inside of the tire with air - I don't think anyone's that worried about that, given the lifespan of a tire (someone mentioned this on the link PJ listed).

[Mongo]

Dunlop has been using it all year at the AMA races afaik, expecially Daytona to help comatin temps.  They also used it at the GNF for at least some tires.

[Beaner]

The Canadian series will be using it this year as well...more info on the benefits here: http://www.orionmotorsports.ca/nitrogen.htm

[Steviebee]

seearch baby..   search


not gonna make you faster unless your beating Danny Eslick !!  <---  insert any other awsome club/ama racer that gets no TV time cause AMA/NASCAR TV can promote this sport.