Windshields or no windshields

[JaysinDesignz]

Always wondered why no one ran windshields in American desert racing but, Dakar everyone does.
Now Robby ran the Dakar Hummer with the windshield in the 500.
#1 can it helps cut wind drag?
#2 can it help with sitting in someones dust
#3 what else could be the advantage or disadvantage?

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[renagade]

Well over here (new zealand) we don't run a windscreen because ,

-they get covered in Mud

-they get smashed by rocks.

not realy worth it.

[Samco Fab]

I just raced an older 7 truck that had a front windshield, and window nets and no rear window. It sucked in dirt, was hot and miserable and not good. We broke it out after a lap and it was a BIG improvement.

Windshields are ok if the cabin is pressurized a bit and it keeps the dirt out.

[jsallenbach]

We had one built and only used it when it rained, but in our 10/9 car with a VW motor it restricted air flow and the motor would run hot, pretty trick setup had its own windshield wiper.

[Expianista]

#3 what else could be the advantage or disadvantage?

I may be "oldstyle" but I think off-road racing is a lot being part of the elements you race in.
A windshield does separate from that. By doing so you may lose a little of the "bite" to stay
alert and compete a bit harder

I seen ones a joke about riding HD motorcycles that said: "If I like to sit on a couch I stay at home"

well,

If i like/need to have a windshield (A/C, seat heating, port-a-potty, massage chair... who knows what would be next) I race on-road or drive soccer-moms mini-van.....

[trailready]

[QUOTE=JaysinDesignz;1422467]Always wondered why no one ran windshields in American desert racing but, Dakar everyone does.
Now Robby ran the Dakar Hummer with the windshield in the 500.
#1 can it helps cut wind drag?
#2 can it help with sitting in someones dust
#3 what else could be the advantage or disadvantage?
QUOTE]

I think AC is the primary reason for Dakar

[Blackmutt]

I run a windshield in my 1450 truck and will keep it. You also have to run a rear window or the rear tires will fill the cab with dust. We've never had any issues with rocks or fogging up. I'm even going to an open face helmet for the next race.

[DesertGuy1]

Without other modifications done, just running a front windshield when the remainder is open, will create a low pressure effect right behind the windshield. You will have dust/dirt running like a freight train between driver/codriver. Also, from experience, if running a windshield, make sure you have a way to wipe it down after it gets muddy. Would be nice to be fully enclosed with a small amount of positive pressure though...

[Flat Out Off Road Racing Team]

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I race a Toyota Hilux in Production class in Australia. Run a windscreen and perspex side windows which we leave up. Have heater and AC in the car and roof vents. Basic idea is the more comfortable the driver is the better they can drive and for longer at that speed. Seems to have worked for us so far, the minimal hp loss when AC is on is offset by better concentration and not making mistakes. I believe that not being exposed to the elements gives you a distinct advantage as a driver, whilst the disadvantages of slightly more weight and slight hp loss are minimal. All depends on the car/buggy and if you are in short course or long course. For short races I would say lose the windscreen but for enduro or long events definitely have it

[harleys dad]

I always run the glass in all my Vw cars, the buggies I dont