Fender/air deflection going straight back instead of the "figure 8"?

[1reason]

On most of the builds here I'm seeing front and back fenders instead of simply going straight back.

For the first time, we tried using the straight back approach. There's other issues, for example, how close the fenders are to the wheels and if they're actually providing much help, but I'm focused on the back fenders (figure 8) vs. the air simply passing over and not hitting another deflection with the back wheels.

 

[Rocket car]

The fenders look ok for a scout race. I'm more concerned about what happened to those wheels!

 

[1reason]

The fenders look ok for a scout race. I'm more concerned about what happened to those wheels!

It seems like the fenders should be closer, The wheels have graphite on them (it's a seven year old's car) from the graphite on the axles (applied "wet")

 

[ZZRacing]

The problem with fenders shaped this way you are giving to much side area for a good car with good shaped fenders to push you off the rail and cause you to wiggle.

 

[HurriCrane Racing]

I like your thought process on your fenders. I have tested similar designs but didn't find an advantage over the current X3 design.

 

[Rocket car]

You will find more speed in making sure the prep of the wheels is right, than redoing the fenders.

 

[3171scott]

There is also the argument that the strait fenders have more surface drag. And a thumbs up to Rocket on refine prep process first, and body shape second. Good advice there.