Chaplain's Corner!

Let me ask you a question. What is the most aerodynamic (aero) efficient shape? In this article you will find the answer. Seek and you will find.

In my last article I stated that I wanted to check out this aero thing, so let me educate you, maybe. Aero is the study of moving objects' interaction with the atmosphere. For racing, aero became an issue in the 1970s. The upside down function of an airplane wing was used to create down force and would allow an Indy car to run upside down on a lifted track at full speed. For Karting, particularly road course racing, let me make some applications as the C.D. or coefficient of drag is important. This is the force of air in opposite direction, produced by friction. A Kart traveling 120 mph has to fight 4 times the drag of a Kart at 60 mph. We often think only about the frontal area in regard to this, but of concern is any turbulence created by sides and that of air leaving the rear of the Kart. Turbulence (fluid streamlines broken into eddies and complex changing patterns) can be created when it is forced around obstructions such as helmets, roll bars, wheel wells, open rims, sharp corners, gauges, etc. Remember, turbulence creates drag and that results in loss of top speed. Some solutions can be wheel covers, full floor pans, rear aero clips, steering wheel fairing and anything else that is legal, so keep your head and helmet.

You may be thinking, "what's the spiritual application here?" Please check out Psalm 1. God's word tells about some turbulence we need to deal with. We are told to "not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers." That pretty much covers all of our waking positions. It also implies the possibility of what any of us humans can produce without God, and I should say "been there, done that." We have a drag problem. To become the perfect water drop we need to cut down on the turbulence. To know God's blessedness is "to meditate on God's law day and night and to delight in it."

I recently met a Christian brother at the V.A. hospital. Taking a bullet in the back in Vietnam left him disabled for life. He stood in the way of sinners for years, taking drugs almost to the point of death. Then he called out to God who graciously saved him. He then spent years reading through the Bible every 28 days. The washing of the Word made him like "a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in season, and whatever he does prospers." He has helped many other Vets find Jesus.

I know, I push this point continually, and some would call me a Bible thumper. All I am is one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. Did you find the perfect aero shape?

Chaplain Ken