Tracking with the exotics at Sonoma Raceway

[VENOM V]

This was a particularly over the top track day for a couple of reasons. First, nearly the entire field of cars in the advanced group were exotics- Mclarens, Ferraris, even a Mclaren P1 was out there on the track with us although he was taking it easy. This was an event called "Mclaren and Friends," hosted by HOD and Mclaren, open to experienced drivers of all makes...

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2950/15319182619_67625ac7aa_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pkGPhg)IMG_6192 (https://flic.kr/p/pkGPhg) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3940/15319358220_b0f3b0e099_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pkHHtS)IMG_6173 (https://flic.kr/p/pkHHtS) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

I parked in the garage with a sea of gorgeous machines. I was sandwiched between some Mclarens and a Ferrari 458 Challenge...

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5600/15502938831_cc75d2b2a7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pBWBAP)IMG_6200 (https://flic.kr/p/pBWBAP) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr


New Shoes
Second, I used Hoosier R6s on the Viper for the first time and could not believe the grip level compared to everything else I've used. Toddy of Bad Boyzz Garage set me up with these Forgelines and Hoosiers. I went wider in front than stock with 18 x 11s running 315/30-18s, and 19 x 13 with 345/30-19s out back. The offsets bring both the front and rears outboard for a wider track. It looks just bad ass, they fill the wheel wells. I didn't want to put the stock wheels on after the track day.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3929/15501918392_411c46d873_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pBRog3)Viper Sonoma Garage 1 (https://flic.kr/p/pBRog3) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3942/15315560417_9e4c0c3eb6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pkofwv)Sonoma Raceway 3 (https://flic.kr/p/pkofwv) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5605/15315484978_ccb701ba43_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pknS6Q)Sonoma Raceway 2 (https://flic.kr/p/pknS6Q) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2950/15501775152_fa2424ea04_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pBQDFo)Sonoma Raceway 1 (https://flic.kr/p/pBQDFo) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

Out on the Track
I began to work up slowly as I've only driven Sonoma once before. It is known to be one of the more technical tracks, lots of blind off-camber cresting corners and plenty of walls to hit if you're just a little off. However, I could not believe the level of grip these Hoosiers had. I had previously tracked with Corsas, MPSCs and Continental slicks which I was told were grippier than Hoosier R6s. Not even close. Part of the problem with the Continentals is that they're 0.6" taller front and rear than stock, and are narrower at 285 front and 325 rear. My wide Hoosiers are 1.2" wider in the front and 0.8" wider in the rear, and are about the same height as stock. All I know is that with these tires, it hooks up like I've never experienced in the Viper before. Very balanced and understeer even at the limit is nearly non-existent. The tail stepped out a couple of times, once at about 115 MPH in turn 1 and it was very easy to bring it back under control. I don't think I'll track with anything else from here on out. That is, until they come out with Viper sizing in the Hoosier R7.

I had one particularly fun session with an orange Mclaren, also on slicks. This guy was a good driver, I could see following him that I need some more time to find the line and the limits of the Viper. In the end, I turned a best of 1:49.1 to his 1:48.0. Funny thing is that I had to work through some traffic on my fastest lap, it could have been faster had I had a clean lap. But I think I got the tires too hot after that to get any faster. Here's that lap, having a blast mixing it up with the Mclaren along with a 2014 Porsche GT3 and a Ferrari 458:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvLSs0kInUM

I would say that Sonoma Raceway is more popular among my veteran track rat friends than any other track, now I see why. I've just scratched the surface of learning how to drive it, but cannot wait to return. Here are some shots of the on-track action:

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2946/15478199586_aba16eb681_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pzKPu7)Front 3/4 Apex (https://flic.kr/p/pzKPu7) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15498190161_780a983d86_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pBwgZc)Sonoma Corner (https://flic.kr/p/pBwgZc) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3935/15314681188_588fcd2576_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pkiKao)Hard in the Esses (https://flic.kr/p/pkiKao) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5613/15500979862_6e8deafd83_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pBLzgu)Wheelie (https://flic.kr/p/pBLzgu) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3927/15498193091_af1a6a1e40_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pBwhRH)Turn 11 Side Rear (https://flic.kr/p/pBwhRH) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5600/15314684608_a92266604f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pkiLbm)Sonoma Rear (https://flic.kr/p/pkiLbm) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

[VENOM V]

I've got to say that the Mclaren P1 is breathtaking in person, perhaps the most beautiful car I've ever seen. Maybe not as sinister looking as our snakes, but damn gorgeous...

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2946/15319183459_0bd2117928_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pkGPwK)IMG_6196 (https://flic.kr/p/pkGPwK) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2950/15482942026_b827dbe334_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pAb8fj)IMG_6193 (https://flic.kr/p/pAb8fj) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3951/15319515037_2dd4ede06d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pkJw6B)IMG_6198 (https://flic.kr/p/pkJw6B) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5599/15319363650_e2c57ea503_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pkHK6u)IMG_6199 (https://flic.kr/p/pkHK6u) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

[Policy Limits]

Now that is living the dream man!!

Well done!!

[swexlin]

Great video! I was on the edge of my seat just looking at it. You're a damn good driver. More ballsy than me, that's for sure!

[FLATOUT]

The P1 is my favorite car ever. Your car also looks like a million bucks! Wonderful work you are doing with that car.

[VENOM V]

Now that is living the dream man!!

Well done!!

You know you can't resist the track, Rick. It's gonna suck you in. Go do the SRT Viper Track Experience (or whatever the hell they call it), you may just get addicted like me.

- - - Updated - - -


Great video! I was on the edge of my seat just looking at it. You're a damn good driver. More ballsy than me, that's for sure!

Thanks man :drive:

[VENOM V]

The P1 is my favorite car ever. Your car also looks like a million bucks! Wonderful work you are doing with that car.

Andy, I almost asked you what your offset was on your new shoes because that's the best looking set up I've seen on a Viper. Turns out that Forgeline must use about the same as you did because these tires just barely tuck, both front and rear. I think the wider track is contributing to the super glue grip on the track. I was concerned they might rub during hard cornering but no problem!

I kid you not, I'm tempted to sell my stockers and get another set of these. I'm also tempted to lower my machine to finish the job. Biggest concern is the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca, I rub the splitters hard even at stock height. Let me know how it goes when you get that bad boy on the track.

[Bruce H.]

Very nicely done, Todd...and that does look like a great track! It's very cool being out there sharing a track with the such exotic stuff. I just know you're going to just wear me down until I try those Hoosiers:) Halle is looking good! Thanks for sharing.

Bruce

[Simms]

Your car looks awesome! What style Forgelines are those?

So cool to see someone really enjoying the Gen V the way it should be!

[VENOM V]

Your car looks awesome! What style Forgelines are those?

So cool to see someone really enjoying the Gen V the way it should be!

Thanks man. Forgeline GA3R-6, part of their competition series and made specifically for the Viper. Forgeline had a Gen V in-house for fitment, they fit like a glove. Just order them up and they'll get the offsets just right. If they are for the track, I highly recommend the wide 18 x 11 fronts so you can fit 315s.

http://www.forgeline.com/products/competition-series/ga3r-6.html#q3

[VENOM V]

Very nicely done, Todd...and that does look like a great track! It's very cool being out there sharing a track with the such exotic stuff. I just know you're going to just wear me down until I try those Hoosiers:) Halle is looking good! Thanks for sharing.

Bruce

Just beware Bruce, once you taste this drug, you won't want anything else. Someone told me that R6s are also known as purple crack, LOL.

[05Commemorative]

Once you go with the hoosiers, you will never go back. the same with racing brake pads. problem is, then you need to get a trailer and each step to go faster makes the car less streetable. So much fun though as your speeds will be so much faster, breaking points different, etc.

Personally, would not drive with hoosiers on the street. They pick up everything and are thinner so easy to puncture and wear very fast.


Very nicely done, Todd...and that does look like a great track! It's very cool being out there sharing a track with the such exotic stuff. I just know you're going to just wear me down until I try those Hoosiers:) Halle is looking good! Thanks for sharing.

Bruce

[V10LEE]

Very nice bro love the new stance! Car look's sick with the new wheels . Again good to hear about the R6s nice review,and video. Look's like the Smarty Cam HD is working too lol..
Yeah with all the track traveling you do. It's time for a trailor, especially with slicks. Not to mention keeping the mileage low on the snake.. I can't wait to try the R6s though. I'm going to run my Viper one more time with the more camber on Cups. I just want to see the difference from before and after..

[TrackAire]

Todd,

Glad you had a great time and the new shoes worked well for you. Your Stryker red looks better than the red on the P1!! I've never seen a car glow like that, the pictures make the color pop like nothing else I've ever seen. Kudos to Pre Fix for a job well done.

Look at the 15th picture you posted of your car coming out of turn 11 and onto the main straightaway. You're on the power so hard that the hood panel gap right above the Viper emblem is actually lifting. Apparently the R6's are giving you plenty of gripe on that track, lol!!

Dare I say, maybe it's time for slightly higher spring rates for your snake?? Stiffer springs would allow you to take advantage of your new found grip.

Cheers,
George

[allans]

I've got to say that the McClaren P1 is breathtaking in person, perhaps the most beautiful car I've ever seen. Maybe not as sinister looking as our snakes, but damn gorgeous...

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2946/15319183459_0bd2117928_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pkGPwK)IMG_6196 (https://flic.kr/p/pkGPwK) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2950/15482942026_b827dbe334_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pAb8fj)IMG_6193 (https://flic.kr/p/pAb8fj) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3951/15319515037_2dd4ede06d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pkJw6B)IMG_6198 (https://flic.kr/p/pkJw6B) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5599/15319363650_e2c57ea503_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pkHK6u)IMG_6199 (https://flic.kr/p/pkHK6u) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/people/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

This Car should be under arrest for Indecent Exposure. A long jail sentence is needed to protect us children. Allan

[Shooter]

Great lines and pretty good driving too. And I agree with the poster that said your Stryker red looks better then the Mclaren red.

[rw99]

Awesome, Todd... sorry I missed this one. The paddock sounds exactly like what I'd hoped.

[BAD BOYZZ GARAGE]

The new rubber looks great Todd, solid lap times too..!!

Bad Boyzz
Toddy

[72hemi]

Looks like another awesome track event!

[Nine Ball]

Andy, I almost asked you what your offset was on your new shoes because that's the best looking set up I've seen on a Viper. Turns out that Forgeline must use about the same as you did because these tires just barely tuck, both front and rear.


Thanks man. Forgeline GA3R-6, part of their competition series and made specifically for the Viper. Forgeline had a Gen V in-house for fitment, they fit like a glove. Just order them up and they'll get the offsets just right.

Thanks (indirectly). I was the one that helped develop Forgeline's fitment specs. The vehicle measured was my car. I did the calculations. :)

http://i466.photobucket.com/albums/rr29/ynotdv8/2013%20Viper/Delivery/24.jpg (http://s466.photobucket.com/user/ynotdv8/media/2013%20Viper/Delivery/24.jpg.html)

Tony

[VENOM V]

This Car should be under arrest for Indecent Exposure. A long jail sentence is needed to protect us children. Allan

No doubt, one seductively dangerous beast.

[VENOM V]

Great lines and pretty good driving too. And I agree with the poster that said your Stryker red looks better then the Mclaren red.

Thanks Robert, Sonoma's a fun track. Challenging as hell and risks are large as there are walls that will bite, unlike most of the tracks that I run that have lots of runoff. Last time I was there a Mustang slipped in his own fluid right in front of me in the Esses and hit a wall full speed - probably 70+ MPH. Guy was ok because he had a cage and a HANS. Another friend of mine crashed hard there because the car in front of him put oil down, $39K in damages luckily covered by insurance. But the track is so fun it's hard to resist. I plan to head back there soon.

[VENOM V]

Awesome, Todd... sorry I missed this one. The paddock sounds exactly like what I'd hoped.


The new rubber looks great Todd, solid lap times too..!!

Bad Boyzz
Toddy


Looks like another awesome track event!

Guys, we've got to do a NorCal event there on a weekend next year. Now I see why Rich loves this track.

[VENOM V]

Thanks (indirectly). I was the one that helped develop Forgeline's fitment specs. The vehicle measured was my car. I did the calculations. :)

[/COLOR]http://i466.photobucket.com/albums/rr29/ynotdv8/2013%20Viper/Delivery/24.jpg (http://s466.photobucket.com/user/ynotdv8/media/2013%20Viper/Delivery/24.jpg.html)

Tony

Haha, Tony you are everywhere. I'm not surprised you had a hand in this. Offsets are PERFECT both aesthetically and for track performance. It makes the stock wheels look wimpy in comparison to the beefy look of these Forgelines.

[VENOM V]

Very nice bro love the new stance! Car look's sick with the new wheels . Again good to hear about the R6s nice review,and video. Look's like the Smarty Cam HD is working too lol..
Yeah with all the track traveling you do. It's time for a trailor, especially with slicks. Not to mention keeping the mileage low on the snake.. I can't wait to try the R6s though. I'm going to run my Viper one more time with the more camber on Cups. I just want to see the difference from before and after..

Lee, you've gotta come up to Sonoma with me next event. This track is a blast. Definitely a Hoosier track, I ran Corsas last time and wasn't having nearly as much fun. I know it, trailer is possibly in my future. I'm trying to avoid it, my crossover doesn't have enough tow capacity so this would be a huge investment. Maybe in 2 years when my Flex's lease is up.

[FLATOUT]

And the Forgeline offsets are a few mm's more agressive than my 360 offsets. Nineball lives close and I wasn't convinced that the Forgeline offsets on his car wouldn't rub under heavy tracking. I'm glad to see there were no issues at with them. They look incredible on the car, and Forgeline makes an awesome wheel!

[FLATOUT]

Tony and I also spoke to Ralph Gilles about the front offsets on the fatory wheels at COTA and he told us that the engineers tucked the fronts inside the body work as much as they did to improve the top speed of the car. So you'll probably top out now at 202 instead of 207 mph haha.

[VENOM V]

Todd,

Glad you had a great time and the new shoes worked well for you. Your Stryker red looks better than the red on the P1!! I've never seen a car glow like that, the pictures make the color pop like nothing else I've ever seen. Kudos to Pre Fix for a job well done.

Look at the 15th picture you posted of your car coming out of turn 11 and onto the main straightaway. You're on the power so hard that the hood panel gap right above the Viper emblem is actually lifting. Apparently the R6's are giving you plenty of gripe on that track, lol!!

Dare I say, maybe it's time for slightly higher spring rates for your snake?? Stiffer springs would allow you to take advantage of your new found grip.

Cheers,
George

The hood panel gap is my fault. When I removed the nose to install the splitters a couple spacer washers fell out. I just need to pop them back in to even up the gap.

As gorgeous as the P1 is, even if I could afford it I think I would still choose the Viper. There was only one McClaren on the track that could could run faster than my stock Viper, the orange MP4-12C on slicks in my vid. Vipers are among the best at the track, no question. And I think the Viper wins for most intimidating, people tend to get out of the way quickly when they see a snake's nostrils coming at them in the mirror.

Tempting to do the 35% stiffer TA anti roll bars. Springs feel stiff enough, they're only 10% softer than the TA's.

[Crotalidae]

Your car is beautiful!!! Color really pops in the sun!!!

[VENOM V]

Tony and I also spoke to Ralph Gilles about the front offsets on the fatory wheels at COTA and he told us that the engineers tucked the fronts inside the body work as much as they did to improve the top speed of the car. So you'll probably top out now at 202 instead of 207 mph haha.

If I run a 1-miler, sounds like I should put skinnies up front :-P

- - - Updated - - -


Your car is beautiful!!! Color really pops in the sun!!!


Thanks man!

[V10LEE]

Lee, you've gotta come up to Sonoma with me next event. This track is a blast. Definitely a Hoosier track, I ran Corsas last time and wasn't having nearly as much fun. I know it, trailer is possibly in my future. I'm trying to avoid it, my crossover doesn't have enough tow capacity so this would be a huge investment. Maybe in 2 years when my Flex's lease is up.

Yeah foresure bro. Shoot me a text next time you're planning to run there again. Since I don't have a trailer or a Chaperone. I will have to run on Cups. I'm going to be sliding around chasing you around the track. Ha ha!

[bayviper]

I agree, the setup looks nice (!) but I had a friend that had a Hoosier blowout on the freeway and it took out his fender. Be safe!

[Bruce H.]

Hey Todd,

I took some more time to review your video again. That's a very nice video set-up that you have, with useful info displayed. I watched the G's display and you were certainly regularly extracting lots of grip from those Hoosiers, particularly considering not having much seat time there. Little harder to follow the throttle and brake action, but I'll have a go at that again once the eye strain subsides! It would be cool if you could get the camera back far enough to show the cockpit action. I was able to adhere a camera bracket onto the bulkhead behind and between the seats that catches the action behind the car in the rear view mirror. Amazing how quickly stuff disappears in the rear view considering the "size" warning printed on it...hahaha. Does this setup allow for a second camera and split-screen by chance, and is there any way the system can be expanded to data-log each lap with sector info that can be analyzed and compared to other laps on a lap top?

What' are your favorite cars to track with? You ran with 3 of mine in that video clip. If you couldn't track the Viper, what would be your top pick and why?

Great photography also...really well done! Thanks for sharing!

Bruce

[Bill Pemberton]

Best part , for me, are all the still shots of you lifting a tire a bit under cornering --- wicked!!!

[VENOM V]

I agree, the setup looks nice (!) but I had a friend that had a Hoosier blowout on the freeway and it took out his fender. Be safe!

Thanks Andy. I found a solution at least for Buttonwillow - A race shop at Buttonwillow is storing my Hoosiers there so I don't have to haul them. :drive:


Best part , for me, are all the still shots of you lifting a tire a bit under cornering --- wicked!!!

Yes it was hooked up with those Hoosiers- amazing grip! Now all I need is another Viper with a wing. Put in a good word with the SRT team that we that SEMA ACR to become a reality! Perfect reason to use my voucher.

[rw99]

We need a Viper track wheel depot at BWillow, Seca, THill, and Sonoma. Brilliant!

[VENOM V]

Hey Todd,

I took some more time to review your video again. That's a very nice video set-up that you have, with useful info displayed. I watched the G's display and you were certainly regularly extracting lots of grip from those Hoosiers, particularly considering not having much seat time there. Little harder to follow the throttle and brake action, but I'll have a go at that again once the eye strain subsides! It would be cool if you could get the camera back far enough to show the cockpit action. I was able to adhere a camera bracket onto the bulkhead behind and between the seats that catches the action behind the car in the rear view mirror. Amazing how quickly stuff disappears in the rear view considering the "size" warning printed on it...hahaha. Does this setup allow for a second camera and split-screen by chance, and is there any way the system can be expanded to data-log each lap with sector info that can be analyzed and compared to other laps on a lap top?

What' are your favorite cars to track with? You ran with 3 of mine in that video clip. If you couldn't track the Viper, what would be your top pick and why?

Great photography also...really well done! Thanks for sharing!

Bruce

Hi Bruce,

I tried mounting the camera to the rear glass but you can barely see the road past the rear view mirror. But maybe I'll do that for some of my runs. Got any pictures of how you mounted your camera? That'd be the perfect place but I don't want to mess up the pretty leather :t15197:

I like tracking with whichever car is running similar lap times as me. My most memorable events are when you are evenly matched and you can follow eachother's line and learn from eachother. I've often set my fastest laps when running after a "rabbit." Hard to say what I'd pick if I couldn't track a Viper. I've had a lot of fun tracking with Porsches, the driver skill is often very good. And around here the Porsche clubs put together lots of competitions, time trials, Etc. It'd be fun to compete against them. I could see owning a GT3-RS or maybe a Porsche Cup car one day.

[Bruce H.]

Hi Todd,

My car went up on lift for the winter over the weekend with a lot of stuff stacked underneath it. If I can reach on a step ladder to get a shot of it I will. The center of the camera's lens would only be about 2" max above the rear bulkhead, and I think dead center between the seat. That location lets it view under the mirror, and a good shot behind reflected through the passenger's side door mirror. My camera's mount is designed to stick to a somewhat verticle windshield, not a horizonal bulkhead, so I bought a simple 90* steel corner bracket from a hardware store, painted it black to match the interior, and used some good double sided tape to stick it to the top of the bulkhead, with one side pointing verticle. It would come off without marking the finish. The size of your bracket would be determined by the weight of your camera so that it won't vibrate too much. The camera's mount came with it's own double sided tape for the windshield, which I used to stick it to the bracket instead. Your camera may not be of a size or configuration to be suitable for that method. I turn it on by plugging the adapter into the jack below by the bin, which is tricky once you've got the harness on!

Agreed on the most fun tracking with evenly matched cars...but they must be getting increasingly challenging to find :) The only other car I'd consider would be a GT3 or GT3RS, partially for the active club tracking.

Bruce