Does the use of ABS or Stability Control in racing distort competition?

[Bobpantax]

A recent poster commented that in a road race it was not possible to maintain the same level of braking consistency allowed by ABS without ABS. Assuming for argument's sake that this is true, doesn't the use of ABS, and any other computer device that allows a less skilled driver to compensate for less driving skill, distort competition? If you believe that the current level of computer intervention allowed is appropriate, at what point will it not be appropriate? For instance, in the future, it will probably be possible to get in your car, say:"race mode" to the vehicle computer and sit back and enjoy the ride. Is this still racing? I believe the original Viper philosophy recognized the above concern and made a purist statement. What do you think?

 

[Eric H]

I couldnt agree more! with that said I have also flotspotted 3 sets of race tires, which gets expensive after awhile!! lol

 

[Early93Viper]

Does the use of ABS or Stability Control in racing distort competition? YES!!!!!!!!!!!!

Although most of the time a good driver is faster without these computer aids.

 

[LETHAL GTS]

I have seen pro's and con's to ABS and traction control on the road coarse.
For example, I have raced my ol man AMG Benz on our local road coarse. Simply point and shoot. Mash the gas and go as fast as you can till you get close to the corner, then mash the brake pedal. The computer takes care of almost everything. Fun? Not really. But it keeps you out of trouble.
Then I have had guys on the same track try and catch me in my '00 Viper with their Porche's with no success. Then all they do is ***** in the paddock area that they cannot turn their traction control off, that's why they couldn't catch me.
Personally, flat spotting tires is not fun and I have squared off a few, but driving by the seat of your pants is well worth it. It makes a much better driver out of you.

 

[AviP]

The Oreca GTS-R drivers at LeMans 1998 actually surprised us by saying that their GTS-Rs had ABS. They said that they would actually be faster in the short run without ABS but the consistency it provided over 24 hours was unbeatable.