Laguna Seca- First Track Day in the Extreme ACR

[VENOM V]

9 VOA members converged at Laguna Seca on Black Friday for a rare 105 dB day, then went on to enjoy a feast at Tarpy's Roadhouse. Among the Vipers on track we had a good mix of Gen 2s, Gen 4s and Gen Vs, including a TA, a TA 2.0, and Darius and my Extreme ACRs. What a day!

Trailering an ACR
First challenge- just finding a safe way to trailer this bad boy was a challenge. Sunday night I discovered that I had to rush-order an over-the-tire strap system that attaches to tracks, and barely had it installed by Wednesday eve. Welding plates under the trailer were required to prevent the tracks from pulling out, but the trailer shop got it done in a nick of time. The system is fantasic. First installation of the hooks into the track was a pain, but after that you just drive over them and strapping over the tires is now easier than my previous method of strapping to the A-arms. For details, see this thread:

http://driveviper.com/forums/threads/11442-How-to-tie-down-an-Extreme-ACR-in-a-trailer?highlight=trailering

While most of you were still enjoying your turkey Thursday evening, May, the kids and I piled into the truck and hauled the ACR to Laguna Seca.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5752/22690802683_97fd44b012_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Az7i6V)IMG_0933 (https://flic.kr/p/Az7i6V) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

A Frigid Start
When we got on track, the ambient was 40 F! Last time I tracked at this temperature was at Buttonwillow on MPSCs. The Cups were utterly useless, I literally spun my GTS 3 times that day. It was the most frustrating track day I had ever had. I was expecting the same from these Kumho 720s, but that wasn't the case! I just kept sneaking up, trying to find the limits. Spinning at Laguna often ends badly, lots of tires and walls to hit.

Finding a Rythm
Second session was still in the 40s but I decided to keep pushing harder. I could not believe the grip that this ACR has! Not only grip, the confidence-inspiring balance, predictability, zero-drama. So much so in fact, I decided to go hammer down. By lap 3, I was in the 1:35s and still not pushing hard. On lap 5 I had a clean race track, no traffic. Still not at the car's limits, I turned a 1:34.2. I didn't expect to be in the 1:34s at all, certainly not in my second session in the car, at these cold temps.

Third session, I pulled onto the track and noticed I only had 5 psi in my left rear! Thank god for tire pressure sensors, I pulled off and took the tire to town and had it patched.

Best Lap of the Day
Final session of the day, probably about 50 degrees F ambient. By this time, Darius had joined us on track. Darius had a FUBARed alignment, the guys at Roger Krause left a bunch of his diffuser screws loose or completely missing. They didn't even torque the lug nuts! So he was late to the track, and neither of us really had enough time to extract the most out of our Extreme ACRs. I tried to chase Darius and learn from him (the dude is a rocket, definitely fastest car of the event!). Because of heavy traffic, I only got a couple of clean laps. On one of them, I turned a 1:34.1. Darius turned a best of 1:32.3! If anyone has driven Laguna, they know how hard it is to run at that clip. Much respect for his mad skills. And I was thrilled as well, nearly breaking into the 1:33s with a bone-stock car. Not too shabby for a normal Joe, LOL. This car will make you look good.

Impressions of the Extreme ACR
I am not exaggerating when I say that the ACR is the ultimate track beast. I've had the pleasure of tracking a number of very fast cars, but I think it is fair to say that this ACR is an absolute home run. I would put it up against any car at any price. It's not just the aero that makes this car great, I had the wing set at the relatively mild position 2 (2nd lowest downforce). I've been told the car will turn faster laps at many tracks with the wing in it's lowest-downforce position 1. It's the balance, the predictability, the absolute absence of any drama on track. The grip in the low speed corners as well as high, I have NEVER driven a streetable R-compound like this. I put 1,100 street miles on it to break it in, no sign of any wear on the tires. Then I took it to the track and just hammered on it, with those same tires. Running Hoosiers on my Mustang race car and on my GTS did not give the grip that these tires have, although I would like to try Hoosiers some day to compare. But very happy. Tire wear was also good, unlike Darius's, but his was likely due to a messed up alignment. And those brakes! CCBs FTW! I think I was hitting about 140MPH before braking at the very last minute for the turn-two hairpin. Over and over. Never a hint of fade. Less instability under hard braking than my GTS, probably thanks to all of that downforce keeping the rear end planted! Darius did experience some fade, but I'm speculating that's because he is driving the car as hard as any pro would drive it.

Then we told war stories over dinner, and enjoyed the rest of the weekend exploring Monterey, Carmel, and Pacific Coast Highway. Great weekend getaway to bring the family on.

I am now more addicted to tracking than ever, I'm hoping to make it to Buttonwillow on December 19 with Speed Ventures. If you want to join me, shoot me a PM.

Okay, enough chit chat. Here are some pics of the day...

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5809/23373737876_ee14cbfcf3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BBsvWC)Laguna - all vipers (https://flic.kr/p/BBsvWC) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5762/23031297599_fd6c654d53_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/B6cqnV)IMG_0938 (https://flic.kr/p/B6cqnV) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5796/23373136616_6d5a96b67b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BBprd5)IMG_0940 (https://flic.kr/p/BBprd5) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5677/23316726771_472264c560_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Bwqjwx)IMG_0941 (https://flic.kr/p/Bwqjwx) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/690/23316775841_a854bf1e86_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Bwqz7z)IMG_0947 (https://flic.kr/p/Bwqz7z) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5810/23031309689_3ed1ff0bf5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/B6ctYn)CH2A0108 (https://flic.kr/p/B6ctYn) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5804/23103514940_f5de3638b8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Bczy5u)CH2A0225 (https://flic.kr/p/Bczy5u) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5831/23399320995_536da996ef_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BDHCUT)CH2A0824 (https://flic.kr/p/BDHCUT) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5831/23399349065_de5f1beaba_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BDHMfR)CH2A1179 (https://flic.kr/p/BDHMfR) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5660/23373167496_d632d0c6f4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BBpAou)CH2A0770 (https://flic.kr/p/BBpAou) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/697/23399328715_e981b8e006_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BDHFcZ)IMG_0943 (https://flic.kr/p/BDHFcZ) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/625/23103612970_06fabd9e6b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BcA4dE)IMG_0969 (https://flic.kr/p/BcA4dE) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5667/23373221996_89560ea268_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BBpSA9)IMG_0956 (https://flic.kr/p/BBpSA9) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

[Torquemonster06]

WOW, great write-up. Glad to hear the car worked so awesome for you. Beautiful color btw. Thank you for sharing your fun day.

[swexlin]

Outstanding write up! As an aside, TPMS has saved me from being stranded in both my Viper and Dart this year (nails in tires). Assume you picked up a nail during street driving, and the track used exacerbated the leak? Did you continue to run on the patched tire, or change it out?

These ACRs are going to give every car a real run for the money, perhaps the finest "showroom stock" track car right now.

[w00tw00t]

Excellent write up! So cool to see these ACRs in their element!

https://woot.smugmug.com/Cars/i-Pjjq2F3/0/2180x1555/IMG_20151122_115354902_HDR-2180x1555.jpg

[VENOM V]

WOW, great write-up. Glad to hear the car worked so awesome for you. Beautiful color btw. Thank you for sharing your fun day.

Thanks man, happy holidays



Outstanding write up! As an aside, TPMS has saved me from being stranded in both my Viper and Dart this year (nails in tires). Assume you picked up a nail during street driving, and the track used exacerbated the leak? Did you continue to run on the patched tire, or change it out?

These ACRs are going to give every car a real run for the money, perhaps the finest "showroom stock" track car right now.

Yes maybe on the street or perhaps in the paddock! I don't know where I picked it up but pressure went to nothing as I was lining up. I ran on the patched tire. This tire now has two patches. My second flat in 1100 miles, LOL. Big sticky steamrollers, they will pick up anything.

[VENOM V]

Excellent write up! So cool to see these ACRs in their element!

I'm a new member and just bought Darius's old TA ... I am no where near as fast as you guys are but hopefully I'll be able to join you for a track day soon!

https://woot.smugmug.com/Cars/i-Pjjq2F3/0/2180x1555/IMG_20151122_115354902_HDR-2180x1555.jpg


Congrats! The TA is very capable, Darius laid down a bunch of 1:36 laps in that car, it is a rocket. Where do you live? Join the NorCal VOA and you will automatically get my tracking invitations.

[Crotalidae]

Sounds like a great day...thanks for sharing & the car looks fantastic!!!

[Bruce H.]

Great write-up as usual Todd! ACR just sounds amazing, and love hearing about it from members who appreciate the car for what it is, and can compare it in a meaningful way to other Viper models. Glad to hear your tire wear is okay as I was concerned when I read about Darius's cording.

Completely jealous of you guys even still having track days over there on the left side!

[w00tw00t]

Congrats! The TA is very capable, Darius laid down a bunch of 1:36 laps in that car, it is a rocket. Where do you live? Join the NorCal VOA and you will automatically get my tracking invitations.

Thanks! I'm looking forward to learning this amazing car on the track. I'm in south san jose... I'll definitely join NorCal VOA.. Can't wait to see your and Darius's ACRs in person soon!

[VENOM V]

Sounds like a great day...thanks for sharing & the car looks fantastic!!!

Thanks!


Great write-up as usual Todd! ACR just sounds amazing, and love hearing about it from members who appreciate the car for what it is, and can compare it in a meaningful way to other Viper models. Glad to hear your tire wear is okay as I was concerned when I read about Darius's cording.

Completely jealous of you guys even still having track days over there on the left side!

Bruce, a few of us here in NorCal are seriously considering having our cars shipped to NVE 2 so we can track NOLA with you. It's gonna be a blast!

Tire wear is ok so far, but I've been told that if you over-drive them, you will blister them and they won't last. Time will tell. I tend to really lean hard on my tires, but looking good at this point.

[flyingskibiker]

Awesome! More jelly...

[Bruce H.]

Bruce, a few of us here in NorCal are seriously considering having our cars shipped to NVE 2 so we can track NOLA with you. It's gonna be a blast!

Tire wear is ok so far, but I've been told that if you over-drive them, you will blister them and they won't last. Time will tell. I tend to really lean hard on my tires, but looking good at this point.

That would be great if shipping them works out, and a good way to boost Gen V ACR representation there!

Sounds like the Kumhos do the same thing I experience with the Corsas. I heard if you dial it back a bit they last a lot longer but I call BS...and I'm just not going to do it!

[Darius]

Excellent write up! So cool to see these ACRs in their element!

I'm a new member and just bought Darius's old TA ... I am no where near as fast as you guys are but hopefully I'll be able to join you for a track day soon!

https://woot.smugmug.com/Cars/i-Pjjq2F3/0/2180x1555/IMG_20151122_115354902_HDR-2180x1555.jpg

That's a great pic! Car looks amazing!

[VENOM V]

That's a great pic! Car looks amazing!

Darius, as amazing as it looks, time to change your avatar photo. My vote is your ACR on the corkscrew. Bad. Ass.

[ViperSmith]

Do you scrape on the cork screw?

[VENOM V]

Do you scrape on the cork screw?

On the GTS with carbon aero, I scraped the front. On the ACR, I scrape the front first, then the diffuser extensions in the rear, haha. Not bad in either case, the splitter and diffuser extensions are made of thick, durable track-friendly plastic.

[V10LEE]

Quick times and great pics. Good review too bro..

[CJW Racing]

great to read. really wish I would have found a way to get up there- 105db days at laguna are mythical.

I'd really like to run with some other ACRs and am considering shipping my car up to norcal in january to pick up some track time at sonoma and thunderhill- do you guys have dates lined up?

[allans]

Todd, Thanks for the write up and congrats on your performance. Great times , even better, when you consider it was your ACR's maiden event. I see you with low 32's in your next outing there. BTW, did you experiment with damper settings? any conclusions? Also, what hot tire pressures did you find best? Many thanks, Allan

[TheKosherStogie]

Congrats! Sounds like it lives up to expectations !! Excited to see how u do at button willow with that baby

[Nine Ball]

I hope you CA guys can make it to NVE2 in New Orleans. It will be a blast!

[Rapidrezults]

Awesome write-up Todd. I wish I could've made it, unfortunately 2 days was not enough to get at least 500 break-in miles on her! Not to mention no clear bra etc etc. I was trying not to think about it all day Friday. Lol. Glad you guys had fun though, I hope I never miss an unlimited sound day again! :)

[RedTanRT/10]

Great time Todd!!! Got to believe another second or two with warmer temps, Hoosiers and more time in that ACR.

[w00tw00t]

man, this shot... its incredible.. what a car!

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5810/23031309689_3ed1ff0bf5_b.jpg

[viper04]

Venom V
nice write-up! car looks killer. SRT hit a home run with the ACR after all. From some of the reviews, the ACR seem to make good driver better.

[Jdmuscle]

Awesome write and good to see that this car is as promised and a true track monster!!!

[genVer]

Love reading about the ACR is living up to all the initial praise!

[rw99]

Just plain fantastic. Great to see what these can do in the hands of you & Darius, here on the home court: really, really well-done.

[VENOM V]

Quick times and great pics. Good review too bro..

Thanks Lee, I would say that I wish that you joined us but you were roughing it in Vegas. Good times, haha.

[VENOM V]

Excellent write up! So cool to see these ACRs in their element!

I'm a new member and just bought Darius's old TA ... I am no where near as fast as you guys are but hopefully I'll be able to join you for a track day soon!



Quick times and great pics. Good review too bro..


Great time Todd!!! Got to believe another second or two with warmer temps, Hoosiers and more time in that ACR.


Awesome write-up Todd. I wish I could've made it, unfortunately 2 days was not enough to get at least 500 break-in miles on her! Not to mention no clear bra etc etc. I was trying not to think about it all day Friday. Lol. Glad you guys had fun though, I hope I never miss an unlimited sound day again! :)


Congrats! Sounds like it lives up to expectations !! Excited to see how u do at button willow with that baby


Just plain fantastic. Great to see what these can do in the hands of you & Darius, here on the home court: really, really well-done.


great to read. really wish I would have found a way to get up there- 105db days at laguna are mythical.

I'd really like to run with some other ACRs and am considering shipping my car up to norcal in january to pick up some track time at sonoma and thunderhill- do you guys have dates lined up?

Ok CA guys, let's get together on some dates.

Who's up for Buttonwillow Dec 19? Darius and I will both be there, weather permitting. Sonoma sounds good too. Thunderhill is weeeeetttt this time of year, but I love that track if we end up with good weather.

http://speedventures.com/events/eventdetail.aspx?id=543

I'm gonna start looking at all the tracks and make some plans. :dude3:

[VENOM V]

Todd, Thanks for the write up and congrats on your performance. Great times , even better, when you consider it was your ACR's maiden event. I see you with low 32's in your next outing there. BTW, did you experiment with damper settings? any conclusions? Also, what hot tire pressures did you find best? Many thanks, Allan

Allan,

Thank you! It was quite an experience, still grinning ear to ear.

I didn't have any time to experiment with the flat tire, so I just ran it per the recommendations in the ACR manual, or close to it.

25.5-26 psi cold
34-36 psi hot

Front: 6 compression, 5 rebound
Rear: 6 compression, 3 rebound

Rear wing in position 2, I may try position 1 next time.

I am thinking of trying a little more negative camber next time I align it. I'm at -3.0 degrees front now, I may increase it to -3.2 or -3.3 degrees.

[Boba Fett]

after being on the road last fri with two of them and reading write ups like this, I am just totally amped, thank for the awesome write up!!

[allans]

Todd, Thank you for the data. I am still at stock alignment, ride height and w/o front splitter installed. Still running under 5k for break-in. I'll let you know where I end up after getting some more miles on it. Cold and wet here so might be awhile. Best, Allan

[LmeaViper]

Love that color combo. Any video for us folks who have their cars parked for the Winter?

[VENOM V]

Love that color combo. Any video for us folks who have their cars parked for the Winter?

I put my SD card in my SmartyCam upside down, duh, haha. So no, no video. Darius has a vid of me getting completely sideways on turn 11 that he may want to share. I sure wanna see it!

[Darius]

I put my SD card in my SmartyCam upside down, duh, haha. So no, no video. Darius has a vid of me getting completely sideways on turn 11 that he may want to share. I sure wanna see it!

I do have it but I didn't have my go pro on spot setting so it's all blown out with the sun. I'll post a still frame, looks like you were heading back up to the corkscrew:drive:

[Darius]

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o171/dariuskhashabi/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-03%20at%209.03.40%20PM.png

[VENOM V]

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o171/dariuskhashabi/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-03%20at%209.03.40%20PM.png

Haha I bet you were thinking, "Yes! I've got you now sucka!"

[Darius]

Haha I bet you were thinking, "Yes! I've got you now sucka!"

No that was turn 2 lol.

[rw99]

Actually, it looks like you just engaged some sort of hyperdrive... the Extremes come with that, right?

[lmcgrew79]

I do have it but I didn't have my go pro on spot setting so it's all blown out with the sun. I'll post a still frame, looks like you were heading back up to the corkscrew:drive:

Is it me or is the car in the front drifting the turn? lol

[V10LEE]

Darius you forgot your sunglasses.

[laurent488]

Hi Venom V, I just got my new ACR and plan to track it next month. Have you found a suitable Harness for the car? Also, have you looked into a lift system for the front axle? Laurent

[SharpMan]

Fantastic pics and report.

Do you have pics from the scenic drive around the area? Something cheeky about touring in an ACR-E!

[CarbonDan]

Are you guys planning a Laguna day in 2021? If so, let me know, I will bring my ACR down from seattle for the event.

[RedTanRT/10]

Dan, it’s more a function of what groups are holding a high dB event. Normally Laguna is a 90 or 92 dB limit. A stock Viper can’t stay under that level, let alone headers, etc.

This year with COVID there was a ton of events. I went in June and August. This weekend has another high dB event

Keep an eye on the forums or keep checking the Laguna schedule. They post the dB limits on their calendar but the schedule does change and sometimes high dB events are set up with only 4-6 weeks in advance

[CarbonDan]

I was there this last weekend with exclusive track days, they said they had secured a nother 105 db day and would announce it soon. I will update the group when the date is known.

[RedTanRT/10]

Dan, yeah a buddy of mine went to that 103 and said only about 40 cars in total. I would have liked to go but I can’t do a 7 hour each way tow for one day only. One of the organizations is there this Saturday- Sunday with a 103-105 event. I’m out of town but I’ll bet some of the NorCal guys will be there

[02192viper]

Venom will be out there, along with a few others as Red mentioned. The unavailability of Khumos has put me out since I would probably need fronts after running Laguna one more time. Sure hope they start making them soon!

[blackbeast99]

That's awesome! I need to get out there one day!