EV-X11 : Track Tests at Infineon Raceway

KLEENSPEED® Technologies race team took the updated EV-X11 to Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA  for two test sessions in late May.  Considerable improvements have been made to the EV-X11 since it's win at ReFuel 2011 as the team looks to set new records in 2012.  The KleenSpeed battery management system and telemetry have been updated and the motor controller has been set to 100% power, far more than the 65% setting used for 2011.  To handle the significant power and torque increase a heavy duty chain drive has replaced the Gates belt used last year.  The chassis set up and the Ohlins dampers have been revised as well.  Plans for this years ReFuel run include putting pro racer Kevin Mitz behind the wheel in place of KleenSpeed president Timothy Collins.  Tim is now fully engaged in the growing business side of KleenSpeed, and Kevin is both familiar with the chassis of the EV-X11, having raced extensively in gas-powered versions, and a very quick driver.  With all the new technology and revisions to the EV-X11 and a new driver, these first race track sessions were vital to assess the performance of the 2012 EV-X11 and track test the new systems. 

The EV-X11 is a primary R&D tool for the KleenSpeed engineering team and the data we gather in the demanding environment of  the race track transfers directly to the development of our technologies - BMS, ESS and Telemetrics for our commercial products.



The first sessions, May 7, went off without a hitch, Tim Collins pushing the EV-X11 through 5 laps without incident.  The 2012 EV-X11 was clearly significantly faster than last year's set up, but the chassis showed a need for  further tuning to take full advantage of the extra power.   Our latest telemetrics package provided a full slate of new data relevant to the 100% power settings, which had never been used previously on track.



KLEENSPEED's tech crew analyzed the data and set about adjusting the suspension and dampers.  The team returned to Infineon on Monday, May 14 for another test session.  This time, professional racer Kevin Mitz of Rennworks Motorsports was behind the wheel.  He gained a feel for the car while dicing with some very fast gas racers who were also testing that day.

The results were excellent. Top speed on the short Infineon straight was estimated at over 125 mph.  Kevin felt the car has the potential to run laps in the low 1:30's at Infineon, which would be a highly competitive time against the gasoline powered versions of the West WX-10 chassis used for the basis of the EV-X11.  Kevin Mitz feels confident that the car will be significantly faster than the prior version and is a truly impressive race car.

"The EV-X11 is really a revelation to drive and I'm impressed with the sophistication of the KleenSpeed powertrain.  The unique EV torque curve gives me extra pull off he corners and the elimination of the constant shifting a gasser requires keeps the EV-X11 in a steady state that makes for smoother, faster laps.  No question, KleenSpeed's EV technology offers significant advantages in a race car."


KLEENSPEED President, Tim Collins offered the following insights after the sessions.

Wow ... we really have made progress in the past year.  All the data we acquired and the move to 100% power have made a huge difference in the feel the car.  It is so strong now that I have to be very careful in putting the power down, as it is very easy to spin.  I think the chassis tuning has helped corner speed significantly and I feel that putting a full time racer behind the wheel is really necessary now."

" In addition to the added power and torque, the car is clearly more capable.  I'm really impressed with the 2012  updates to the EV-X11.   All credit goes to Dante Zeviar, our CTO and chief designer, and the KleenSpeed mechanical and electrical engineers and crew members, with the input of pro racer, Kevin Mitz on chassis set up. 

 KleenSpeed wants to retain our lap record at Laguna Seca during the upcoming ReFuel TT and keep the EV-X11 as the fastest electric race car in the world.  I'm very excited and looking forward to ReFuel on July 1st with confidence."

dean seven ::: 

KLEENSPEED director of public relations