Braking Bias
Motorsports Tech Focused Podcast covering everything from Formula 1 to NASCAR to everything in-between. The show where our only motorsports bias is we love tech!
Braking Bias
Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller's Ben Bode: From the Tunnel to Track – Inside Sports Car Aero and Secrets to Speed.
In this episode of the Breaking Bias podcast, hosts Dr. Obbs and Molly sit down with Ben Bode, team manager for the iconic Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller, to explore his journey in motorsports and the future of Corvette Racing in 2025.
Ben provides a deep dive into the world of endurance racing, discussing key engineering challenges and the balance between performance, aero, and aesthetics in car design. Highlights include:
- The tech transfer from racing innovations to road cars.
- The critical role of aerodynamic maps, including insights on splitters, diffusers, and vortices.
- Navigating their entry into LMP2 racing, Pratt Millers return to prototype racing. How they're managing diverse teams, and optimizing car design for multiple drivers.
Ben shares advice on breaking into the industry and addressing the iterative process of developing and validating cutting-edge racing technologies.
Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast, aspiring engineer, or Corvette Racing fan, this episode is packed with insights into the complex world of endurance racing and car aerodynamics.
Find Pratt Miller
- Instagram: @prattmillerms
- Facebook: Pratt Miller Motorsports
- X (formerly Twitter): @prattmillerms
- Bluesky: @prattmillerms.bsky.social
- Youtube: Pratt Miller Motorsports
00:00
Introduction
03:01
Ben Bode's Journey into Motorsports
05:53
The Future of Corvette Racing: 2025 and Beyond
09:00
Engineering Challenges in Endurance Racing
12:06
Balancing Performance and Aesthetics in Design
15:05
Tech Transfer: From Track to Road
17:54
Aerodynamics: The Importance of Splitters and Diffusers
21:14
Understanding Aerodynamic Maps and Performance
24:10
The Complexity of Racing Against Diverse Competitors
26:57
The Role of Diffusers in GT Racing
29:58
Vortices and Their Impact on Aerodynamics
33:34
Aerodynamic Development and Future Steps
36:09
Challenges of Regulation and Design
38:48
The Interconnectedness of Aerodynamics
40:54
Creating and Validating Aero Maps
46:17
Driver Preferences and Team Dynamics
51:40
Balancing Aerodynamics and Dynamic Control
55:55
Transitioning to LMP2 and Customer Racing
01:01:20
Advice for Aspiring Motorsport Professionals