Beam

In motorsport, a beam refers to either a light detection system used in drag racing timing, a solid axle connecting wheels in suspension systems, or the width measurement of racing boats.

The most common use of "beam" in drag racing involves the electric eye system at the starting line. This invisible light beam detects when your car enters the staging area and triggers the famous Christmas tree lights that countdown to the start of the race. When you "break the beam" with your front tires, it tells the timing system exactly where your car is positioned.

In suspension design, a beam axle is a solid bar that connects the left and right wheels together. Unlike independent suspension where each wheel moves separately, a beam axle forces both wheels to work as a unit. This creates a very strong, simple setup that can handle rough conditions and heavy loads.

You'll find beam axles on many different types of racing vehicles. Some off-road trucks use solid front beam axles because they provide maximum strength for jumping and rough terrain. The wheels stay at a fixed angle to each other, which helps maintain stability during extreme driving conditions.

A special type called a torsion beam axle uses a steel tube that can twist slightly. This design gives you some of the benefits of independent suspension while keeping the simplicity of a beam setup. The thickness and shape of the beam can be adjusted to change how the car handles in corners.

In boat racing, which overlaps with motorsport in many competitions, beam refers to the widest point of the boat. A wider beam generally means more stability but can also create more drag through the water. This measurement affects everything from how fast the boat can go to what size dock slip it needs.

Understanding these different meanings of beam helps you follow technical discussions about racing setups and timing systems across different types of motorsport.