Safety issue at Spring Mountain
07-02-2015, 09:24 PM
#1
Safety issue at Spring Mountain
I was at Spring Mountain on 6/24 & 6/25 doing the Z06 school. While doing the ride along with the instructor he had to radio in to get another Z06 ready because he was losing the power steering.
On my second to last run I lost power steering and showed the instructor the message on the dash. He told me to leave it run and it would cool off.
On my last run I had the same issue. I think it is crazy they are willing to take our money and send us "rookies " out on a track with a car that can lose it's power steering with out warning. Someone is going to end up getting hurt or killed.
On my second to last run I lost power steering and showed the instructor the message on the dash. He told me to leave it run and it would cool off.
On my last run I had the same issue. I think it is crazy they are willing to take our money and send us "rookies " out on a track with a car that can lose it's power steering with out warning. Someone is going to end up getting hurt or killed.
07-02-2015, 09:36 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
Wow, what is up with this car. Of course I'm sure you will be asked for a PDR and avvidavit as proof.
07-02-2015, 09:38 PM
#5
07-02-2015, 09:44 PM
#6
Race Director
That sucks for you but I feel sorry for them too. They're trying to run a business and teach folks some driving skills but they're facing limitations they haven't had to deal with before. I have no doubt they've been in touch with GM about it but I don't think GM has any remedies at this point. If enough folks complain to SM I could see them having to shut down the Z06 drives and go only with Z51s. I sure hope not.
07-02-2015, 09:50 PM
#7
07-02-2015, 10:01 PM
#8
Pro
Would be nice to think a 53 Corvette could turn a 1:43 in the underpowered V6. But I get the comparison with no power steering. My friends 66 Mustang had manual steering oh what fun that was drive at low speeds. 3 point turns was like curling 35 pound dumbbells.
07-02-2015, 10:03 PM
#10
Melting Slicks
v6 ?????
07-02-2015, 10:08 PM
#11
Yelp it becomes scary when it happens without warning.
This will push the program to pack up and move to bowling green. The cars cant handle the NV heat. GM has been looking for a reason to move it there so now they have it.
This will push the program to pack up and move to bowling green. The cars cant handle the NV heat. GM has been looking for a reason to move it there so now they have it.
07-02-2015, 10:10 PM
#12
That sucks for you but I feel sorry for them too. They're trying to run a business and teach folks some driving skills but they're facing limitations they haven't had to deal with before. I have no doubt they've been in touch with GM about it but I don't think GM has any remedies at this point. If enough folks complain to SM I could see them having to shut down the Z06 drives and go only with Z51s. I sure hope not.
07-02-2015, 10:25 PM
#13
Safety Car
Member Since: Sep 2014
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it was wors3 on the 26th and 27th because they kept us down to about a 2 minute lap. I was disappointed as well. The steering didn't stop but it took a lot more effort to turn the wheel.
07-02-2015, 10:53 PM
#15
Instructor
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I sent inquiry by email to SM 3-4 months back asking if they would be able to assess any over heating issues with their fleet of Z's. Most of us here on CF having interest in tracking the Z expected there would be problems, especially during the hottest months. There have been other indications from those who have taken SM's Zo6 course recently that they (SM) have been taking measures to deal with the power loss from xs heat, and now reports are coming in of PS failure. So I'm not surprised that our concerns over the Z in high ambients are proving to be well-founded. However, I am a bit surprised that SM would continue use of the fleet with a serious safety issue. That's a bit reckless (so far) on their part, and if they continue gambling with students and their fleet of cars during the summer, it could end up very bad for everybody concerned, especially GM. And I agree that either they're going to have to move the course to a milder location or at the very least discontinue the course until more favorable ambient conditions arrive. I just hope no one gets hurt in the meantime. Regards. DN
07-02-2015, 11:15 PM
#17
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Apr 2013
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You would think they would quietly fix it in maybe the next model year (2017), with a year to investigate and fix, no? Is it really that difficult to provide a better cooling solution?
07-02-2015, 11:22 PM
#18
Race Director
There are some real track rats here at the forum and for them having a day cut short by overheating may not be such a big deal because they'll have plenty of other opportunities to get back out there. In my case a track day would be a special occasion (approx. 3 hours each way to any track) that is more precious to me and I don't want to spend the $$$ for the car only to have to park it and watch other guys run. Therefore I wait....and yes, I know GM doesn't really GAS about my one little purchase.
07-02-2015, 11:22 PM
#19
07-02-2015, 11:39 PM
#20
Burning Brakes
no worry, you have to sign a waver at SM, as well as post a CC in case you damage the car. if the PS fails and you hit something, 10k can be charged to your CC.
this all has to be agreed upon before you are signed up. i realize that the bond or limits are not specifically intended for mechanical failures like the pump issue, but the contract does not specify any cause exclusions.
this all has to be agreed upon before you are signed up. i realize that the bond or limits are not specifically intended for mechanical failures like the pump issue, but the contract does not specify any cause exclusions.