Originally Posted by
Matt49
Inerter is the correct term. J-damper was a "code" term and intentional misnomer to cover up what they were doing. If I'm not mistaken, inerters in F1 are used mostly in conjunction with what is referred to as the heave spring in front which provides a type of anti-dive without all of the unwanted suspension binding. In dirt late models, dive is a good thing these days for multiple reasons.
My understanding is that inerters work best in suspensions with very little travel, certainly something we don't have in late models...unless some type of bell crank system was deployed...but I'm rambling so...
Bottom line is that F1 suspension complexity makes a dirt late model look like a go-kart. F1 suspensions are much more rigid to keep roll, dive, etc. under tight restriction to control the aero profile of the car. And the cars are VERY aero dependent so this is of utmost importance. They are willing to sacrifice large amounts of mechanical grip to gain larger amounts of aero grip. That's a luxury we don't have as much in the late model world.