Location: Location Location NW Suburb Of Chicago, USSA
Quote:
Originally Posted by UstaB-GS549
After driving Road America at DE events, it's tough to go back as a spectator.
Those straights take forever at touring speeds.
Go in October with these guys. A ton of fun, well run, and they let you take a passenger out each session - give family and friends a taste of what it's all about.
Also have a spectacular car show downtown Elkhart Lake Saturday night. All the cars from the track cruise over and park downtown for an up close and personal experience. Cars come into town at 6:30 PM and head back to the track around 9:00 It's quite a sight to see. I'll post pictures from last year if I can find them. It's just one big huge party!!
Some pictures from the race last year. Anyone remember the huge crash on the front straightaway. millions of dollars worth of damage http://www.pbase.com/atrltd/bric2005
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Go in October with these guys. A ton of fun, well run, and they let you take a passenger out each session - give family and friends a taste of what it's all about.
Great suggestion! For those of you who think you are going fast at the Autobahn, you might want to try Road America with the F-Body guys.
Great suggestion! For those of you who think you are going fast at the Autobahn, you might want to try Road America with the F-Body guys.
I have done RA about 8 weekends over the past 5 years, and Autobahn (both full and half) about 6 times. They are both a lot of fun, but RA is more intimidating and faster.
I have done RA about 8 weekends over the past 5 years, and Autobahn (both full and half) about 6 times. They are both a lot of fun, but RA is more intimidating and faster.
The F Body guys always host a well run event.
I have done Road America at least annually since the late 1980's, always in a Porsche, a 911 or Boxster. I think it is a great track, and most people will probably agree, including Mario. While I am always happy to see more tracks in our area, I must say that I am somewhat disappointed by the Autobahn. I am happy that I did not put up the $$$ to join the club.
For a 3.56 mile track it is very slow. I have been there twice with my Boxster and I don't have a timed run, so I can't boost. But, from what I read here on the Corvette Forum, a sub-3 minute lap seems to be the goal for Corvette drivers. That is an average speed of about 71 mph.
At Road America a well driven Boxster S (a much slower car than a Corvette) can do the 4 miles at RA in about 2 minutes and 43 sec, an average speed of about 88 mph. My Boxster rarely hits 125 mph on the main straight (it poops out around that mark!), while a C5 or C6 Corvette should be at 140 mph or more. Road America has two other straights (3 to 5, and 10 to 12) that are almost as fast as the front straight. So it is fair to assume that a well driven stockCorvette on street tires can probably lap Road America at about a 90+ mph average.
My point is very simple, there are fast challenging tracks like Road America, and slow tracks like the Autobahn. The Autobahn country club is probably afraid to lose members who might scare themselves to death or worse, that is why they designed a 3.56 mile track with 21 corners.
The Autobahn would be a great place if they eliminated S9 and S10 and made S6 into a faster corner. In my opinion the north course is fast and challenging but short, while the south course is designed to be slow. Anyone who drives the full 3.56 mile track and thinks he is on a real road course is fooling himself. If that person drives Road America he will immediately see what I am talking about. That is why I am suggesting that some of out Corvette drivers get out of the Autobahn rut and try a real road track at Road America with the F-Body guys. You have not lived until you do Road america.
My Boxster rarely hits 125 mph on the main straight while a C5 or C6 Corvette should be at 140 mph or more. Road America has two other straights (3 to 5, and 10 to 12) that are almost as fast as the front straight. So it is fair to assume that a well driven stock Corvette on street tires can probably lap Road America at about a 90+ mph average..
You assume very well. My totally stock (except for brakes) 01 and 04 Vette Coupes with A4 trannys both hit 145 before turn 1 and 115-120 going into 5. My 02 Z06 6 speed got 144 this April. More HP, but different gearing and I am sure I lost some speed due to my shifting.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DANNOV
That is why I am suggesting that some of out Corvette drivers try Road America with the F-Body guys. You have not lived until you do Road america.
Even running at a comfortable 70% or so you'll be cruizin and havin a ball! Elevation changes, bridges, blind corners, and close walls or guardrails all add to the thrill.
You assume very well. My totally stock (except for brakes) 01 and 04 Vette Coupes with A4 trannys both hit 145 before turn 1 and 115-120 going into 5.
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Randy
You must be doing something wrong (I'm just joking!) coming out of 3 and going down to 5. I don't have nearly the top speed you have and I am a bit over 120 mph where the track dips down to turn 5. But, this is hardly the place to glance down at your speedo or tach.
Incidently, over Memorial Day a new Porsche 997 did an early apex on turn 5 and went very wide at the track out. He must have been on the gas at 100% in a low gear to climb the hill up to 6, and as a result he jumped the rumble strip at 5 and went across 50' of gravel trap and straight into the concrete retaining wall. No one was hurt except the car, it was an ugly mess. Road America can be a humbling place where you can destroy your car at the slowest corner on the track. Nevertheless, if you want to drive a real track, this is the place.
Location: Location Location NW Suburb Of Chicago, USSA
Quote:
Originally Posted by DANNOV
while a C5 or C6 Corvette should be at 140 mph or more. Road America has two other straights (3 to 5, and 10 to 12) that are almost as fast as the front straight. So it is fair to assume that a well driven stockCorvette on street tires can probably lap Road America at about a 90+ mph average.
My C5 'vert (back when you could run a vert), with intake, MAF, exhaust, and tuning, but otherwise stock (including the tires) would hit 150-155 at the end of all three "straights". My e46 M3 with upgrade brakes, suspension, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cups was in the 140-145 range at all three (better corner exit speeds due to R-compound tires, upgraded suspension tuned by a pro, and significantly more experience on my part).
It's a hoot. I can't want to take my C6Z out there this October!
Corvette Store
Drive on Road America this weekend anyone?
Those straights take forever at touring speeds. 
Never drive faster than your Guardian Angel can fly 
