A new study from the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program of the School of Science at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis explores the illicit treatment of racing tires with volatile chemicals to improve function and presents a new and effective method to determine if tires have been doctored.
Using a technique they developed specially for this purpose, the IUPUI researchers, led by principal investigator John Goodpaster, Forensic and Investigative Sciences director and associate professor of chemistry and chemical biology, analyzed tires from the vehicles of first-, second- and third-place finishers of midget car races across the United States. Approximately 15 percent tested positive for illicit chemical treatment.
Concerns about cheating in auto racing are increasing with the introduction of commercial products claiming to have the ability to boost performance while remaining “undetectable.” Tire treatments, in particular, have become a major concern for the administrative bodies that regulate motorsports.
