Originally Posted by SlowerOne
One thing that makes our cars what they are is the rule about a solid rear axle. Many years ago, the Japanese sold fully-independent suspension 12th cars, and they would run rings round the current design today.
I'm not sure about the T-bar / pivot debate, but wherever they run together the T-bar car is always faster on carpet. Maybe those who do make the pivot car go well (eg, Cleveland and Snowbirds) have some secret that they don't share with us, but for the average Joe, a T-bar car is easier to set-up, and faster.
I'd believe that an independent rear might be a benefit on a rough track, but on a smooth carpet track I've got to wonder if the simplicity/weight benefits of the current design would even out the benefits.
I know of a few "average Joe's" around here that get around pretty damn well with the link cars. If they went any faster with a T-bar car they would be running laps as fast as the the best drivers nationwide. I don't think that would be the case.