Abstract: A tire force modeling rig and method of obtaining data for use in optimizing cornering performance in a four-wheeled racing vehicle includes first measuring unsprung weight at each wheel. The vehicle is then positioned on the tire force modeling rig. The rig includes a first set of floating scales for recording the weight at each tire on a first side of the racing vehicle, a second set of fixed position scales for recording the weight at each tire on an opposing second side of the racing vehicle, and a mechanism to effect a horizontal force onto the racing vehicle. Scale readings at each wheel are recorded, after which a first horizontal force is applied to the vehicle. With the horizontal force applied, updated scale readings at each wheel are recorded. Collected data can then be used to ascertain optimal car setup.