The Vehicle
Vehicle: Lotus Exige Sprint Car
Championship: Tunbridge Wells Motor Club (TWMC) All Circuit Championship
Project Type: Competition Suspension Setup
Services Provided:
- Corner weighting
- Suspension setup
- Steering geometry
- Chassis optimisation
- Track-focused suspension refinement
Customer Requirements
Although the Lotus was already a competitive sprint car, the owners felt there was still room for improvement.
On track, the car displayed a slight tendency towards understeer while also feeling nervous at the rear during certain phases of cornering. The objective was to improve the balance of the chassis and provide both drivers with a more predictable and confidence-inspiring car.
Assessing the Chassis
Every suspension setup begins with accurate measurements.
We carried out a full assessment of the Lotus, including corner weight distribution and steering geometry.
Our inspection showed that the weight distribution was slightly out of balance and that the front toe settings were not ideally suited to the way the car was being used.
Although the differences were relatively small, even minor variations can have a noticeable impact on a lightweight, highly responsive car such as the Lotus Exige.
Developing the Suspension Setup
Rather than making wholesale changes, we adopted the same approach used throughout motorsport: measure, adjust, test and refine.
Following the initial assessment, we carried out a series of carefully considered suspension adjustments, gradually refining the chassis through several iterations.
This process included:
- Optimising corner weight distribution.
- Refining the front toe settings.
- Balancing the chassis to improve stability.
- Reducing the rear-end nervousness.
- Improving front-end response.
By making measured adjustments rather than dramatic changes, we were able to develop a setup that suited both the characteristics of the car and the demands of sprint competition.
Why It Matters
Competition cars operate within a very narrow performance window.
Small changes to corner weights or suspension geometry can influence:
- Corner entry behaviour.
- Mid-corner balance.
- Rear axle stability.
- Front-end grip.
- Steering precision.
- Driver confidence.
Professional suspension setup is about finding the optimum compromise for the vehicle, the circuit and the driver, allowing the car to perform consistently at the limit.
This project highlights how incremental improvements, backed by accurate measurement and motorsport experience, can produce significant gains in overall vehicle performance.
The Result
Following the suspension refinements, the Lotus Exige displayed a much better-balanced chassis.
The previous tendency towards understeer was reduced, the rear of the car became more predictable and both drivers reported a noticeable improvement in confidence and overall handling.
Their feedback reflected exactly what we aim to achieve with every chassis setup:
“All is going well and handling nicely.”
For a sprint car where confidence and precision are essential, that’s the best indication that the suspension is working in harmony with both the driver and the vehicle.
Related Services
Kent Motorsport provides professional suspension setup and chassis optimisation for:
- Sprint and hill climb cars
- Circuit race cars
- Track day vehicles
- Performance road cars
- Historic competition cars
Our services include:
- Suspension Setup
- Steering Geometry
- Corner Weighting
- Chassis Development
- Race Car Preparation
- Season Support
Whether you’re chasing championship points, preparing for your next sprint event or simply looking to get the very best from your chassis, we can develop a suspension setup tailored to your vehicle and your driving style.
Looking to unlock your car’s full handling potential? Contact Kent Motorsport to discuss your suspension setup and discover how careful chassis development can make a real difference on track.
