NorCal Vipers tear up Laguna Seca!

[VENOM V]

A bunch of NorCal Vipers and a few from SoCal hit the track last weekend to unleash at a rare unlimited-dB event at historic Laguna Seca. These days are few and far between, with the uber-liberal Monterey politicians and residents limiting sound at this famous track. On a typical 90 dB day, Vipers have to bog and lift as they pass the sound booth near turn 5 or they get the dreaded "Meatball" flag. Not this weekend, WOT throttle baby! Friday and Saturday were unlimited dB, whereas Saturday had a 105 dB limit. Loyde's long tube header equipped Gen IV ACR just past the gauntlet at 104.5 dB!

I am now racing a Mustang in SCCA, so my plan was to bring the race car on Friday, then play in the Viper Saturday and Sunday. Well the Mustang was in the shop so I had to track the Viper all three days. I was not disappointed in that revised plan! The Mustang is fun but no match for the Viper.

Coach jumps in a Viper for the first time
I hired Thomas Merrill, a professional race car driver and coach to help me improve my lap times there. I have less experience at Laguna Seca than any other track in the area, and if you want to win you've got to master every nook and cranny of a track. Although he was slated to help me master the Mustang, I decided to keep Thomas to coach me in the Viper. Good move!

An effective method of learning is to equip the car with a data acquisition system and have the coach lay down a "baseline" lap, then we can compare my laps to his and know where and how I need to improve. So Thomas hopped into the Viper for the first session. In one session, Thomas was able to click off a 1:36.0 despite this being his first time in a Viper. Thomas was blown away at the Viper's handling. Here's a direct quote from Thomas: "It was my first time in a Viper and I was very surprised with it’s stability on corner entry and it’s forward bite on corner exit. In the past I had heard rumors of Vipers being a bit unruly, particularly on corner exit, but this was not my experience!"

My turn
Next session, I jumped in the Viper. Due to that sound limit, I have rarely tracked here so I took it easy in my first session. I ran a best of 1:40.0.

Thomas and I overlaid his lap data with mine, and it was immediately obvious that I needed to focus on reducing my braking and increasing rolling speed through many of the corners. That was good for a 1:38.5 lap, happy to break into the high 1:30s!

Thomas again gave me new areas to work on, and I went out on the track. In only my second lap, I pulled off a 1:37.6, followed by a 1:37.7. However, I could feel noticeable hard-pedal brake fade. I had to back it off because the stock brake pads weren't up to the hard braking that you need to slow the beast at the turn-2 hairpin after the high speed straight. I had ordered TA rotors and pads prior to the event, but they were on back order. I knew I was pushing my luck with the stock pads, running Hoosier R6s.

Brake FUBAR

When I came off the track, I could see that my front pads were down to nearly nothing. To my shock, one of my front pads had overheated and completely disintegrated. Worse, I initially couldn't get the pad out, it was stuck. Come to find out that the backing plate had melted and had deep impressions from the pistons. The brakes were shot, and I was done after only 1 day of a 3-day event.

Not disappointed!

We ran the first day on old R6s that had been beat on at Sonoma. In the trailer were a brand new set of significantly grippier Hoosier R7s. Just the switch from old R6s to new R7s are worth at least a second, and Thomas had given me some good advice on how to improve. I can only speculate how much I would've improved my lap times. However, I am not disappointed! Clicking off a 1:37.6 in my third session exceeded my expectations.

Hanging with the California track rats

Saturday and Sunday, I had a blast watching the other Vipers mix it up. Pretty much everyone was running their personal bests, including Loyde, Chris, Rich, Gary, Mike, Andy, Darius and others. Gary brought his Charger Hellcat as well as his Viper and was turning wicked fast laps considering he was on his original street tires. Darius turned a blistering 1:36.5. I'll let the other guys chime in and tell you how the weekend went. Loyde and Angie threw a party Friday night at their place, and my lady May joined us along with 22 others at Tarpy's Roadhouse for dinner Saturday. Tarpy's is a staple for track rats, we had dinner there a couple years ago with the ALMS Viper drivers. Kuno Wittmer happened to sit with May and me, we talked with him for over an hour solid!

Ok enough talk, pictures are worth a thousand words. I purchased a bunch of on-track photos but the photographer accidentally gave me someone else's pics, however I snapped a few with my iPhone...

https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3804/19392174531_c2d59e7374_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vxBXSK)Viper ready to roll (https://flic.kr/p/vxBXSK) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/525/19381927652_70e2145b28_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vwHrQq)Mike's badass ACR (https://flic.kr/p/vwHrQq) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/289/19392195031_3eb015994e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vxC4Yc)Comp Coupe, oh my! (https://flic.kr/p/vxC4Yc) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/516/19201871519_b6b632c548_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vfNBqk)Hellcat Gary! (https://flic.kr/p/vfNBqk) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/377/18767435383_c9cbe2026e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/uAq1G8)Gary chased by Andy (https://flic.kr/p/uAq1G8) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/556/18765538184_5c22cf3ec5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/uAfhHN)Love me some Black TA w/Orange Stripes (https://flic.kr/p/uAfhHN) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/329/19200509600_0fce22ca55_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vfFCyY)1:37.6 lap! (https://flic.kr/p/vfFCyY) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

[lochnessmonster]

Wow, I'm so jealous!!! That looks like a blast. So, based on your experience, are stock pads not up to the challenge, or is it just a matter of having enough wear left on them?

[VENOM V]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/382/19362062936_117e29b5b8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vuXCKj)FUBARed pads (https://flic.kr/p/vuXCKj) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/531/19202413039_cf61a953eb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vfRooT)Wasted pad on left, new on right (https://flic.kr/p/vfRooT) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/264/19200557698_4ecd4d3441_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vfFSSf)Brake pad plate melted (https://flic.kr/p/vfFSSf) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/305/19388144175_ca1e13136d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vxgiMR)Piston destroyed (https://flic.kr/p/vxgiMR) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

[lochnessmonster]

Wow, it looks like your pistons took a beating as well?

[VENOM V]

Wow, I'm so jealous!!! That looks like a blast. So, based on your experience, are stock pads not up to the challenge, or is it just a matter of having enough wear left on them?

We had so much fun that it convinced me to order a 2016 ACR!

The stock Track Pack brakes are quite good, even with the stock pads. But Laguna is really hard on brakes, and when running Hoosiers at the speeds we were driving, the stock pads weren't sufficient despite being brand new that morning. I had previously run here no problem, but I am more experienced and faster now.

The Viper is currently at a race shop having ducting plates fabbed so that I can run cooling ducts. I will also run TA rotors for their greater thermal mass and increased pad area (they arrived just after the event, LOL), along with track pads. They should be just fine with those mods. That Comp Coupe in the picture above runs the same brakes that I do.


Wow, it looks like your pistons took a beating as well?

Yep, caliper is being rebuilt too, LOL. It's a good thing that I backed off when I felt fade, I was a few laps away from a disaster.

[VENOM V]

Now that I'm also racing an SCCA Mustang, I bought this trailer and a Ram to pull it with. Really makes tracking convenient! Room for all of your tools, spare slicks, no more begging for someone else to haul my slicks to the track.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/501/19200865100_d51c9917a6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vfHsfh)Viper with Ram and Trailer (https://flic.kr/p/vfHsfh) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3923/19388088885_118887908e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vxg2mz)Viper in trailer (https://flic.kr/p/vxg2mz) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3909/18765580824_44d7927296_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/uAfvoY)Locked and loaded (https://flic.kr/p/uAfvoY) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3674/19388100995_99d960abbb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vxg5Xn)Trailer interior (https://flic.kr/p/vxg5Xn) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

[lochnessmonster]

Wow, good to know about the pads etc. You're right, it is a good thing you backed off when you did.....major major damage was coming your way for sure. That set-up looks awesome. Now "jealous" doesn't even cut it. The wife, kids, and I attended a Moto GP race at Laguna a few years ago. Camped out at the bottom of the hill. Loved it. What an awesome area to run your toy!!!

Edit - PS your car looks absolutely stunning in that pic next to the trailer. That is a keeper for sure!!!!!

[ViperSmith]

Now you'll need a two car trailer :)

[swexlin]

Nice truck as well. I miss my 04 1/2 Cummins dually. Don't miss parking it or the fuel bill however!

[VENOM V]

Wow, good to know about the pads etc. You're right, it is a good thing you backed off when you did.....major major damage was coming your way for sure. That set-up looks awesome. Now "jealous" doesn't even cut it. The wife, kids, and I attended a Moto GP race at Laguna a few years ago. Camped out at the bottom of the hill. Loved it. What an awesome area to run your toy!!!

Edit - PS your car looks absolutely stunning in that pic next to the trailer. That is a keeper for sure!!!!!

Camped out at the bottom of the corkscrew? One of my favorite spots to watch the on-track drama! So many good places to view the track. This is rapidly becoming one of my favorite tracks. So beautiful, and cool temperatures. The high that weekend was around 75 F, meanwhile it was about 110 F at Thunderhill and Buttonwillow Raceways. Laguna Seca can be treacherous compared to other tracks around here. The Mustang is in the body shop getting the frame straightened after a racing incident in turn 6. We run almost half of our races here, so it was time to really learn the track. I'm still learning but enjoying the path.

[VENOM V]

Now you'll need a two car trailer :)

LOL. Halle Berry will be reserved for wine country and bed and breakfasts. The ACR will soon take over track duty! Hopefully I'll have it in time for Viper Tracks 2016.

[VENOM V]

Nice truck as well. I miss my 04 1/2 Cummins dually. Don't miss parking it or the fuel bill however!


I went with the 1/2 ton Hemi with all the towing upgrades, it's a little smaller than a dually but yes it drinks gas. I can't really afford any of this, so the truck is now my daily driver. I will probably move into the trailer to make my ACR payments, haha

[lochnessmonster]

We did climb the hill to the corkscrew, and also watched from the vantage point at turn 1, but I'm talking about the camping area down at the entrance to the facility. As I recall, when you drive past the vantage point overlooking turn 1-2 (with that on your left) just past that you hang a right at a "T" intersection and drive for about 3/4 of a mile down the road and the camping was on the right.

[flyingskibiker]

Awesome! Glad you caught the brake issues "in time". I kinda knew you would be placing an order for an ACR sooner or later... Good to see the temps weren't too bad. We roasted in Sonoma!

[ViperSmith]

I went with the 1/2 ton Hemi with all the towing upgrades, it's a little smaller than a dually but yes it drinks gas. I can't really afford any of this, so the truck is now my daily driver. I will probably move into the trailer to make my ACR payments, haha

Some benefits to not being married, eh :)

[allans]

V5, It didn't take long for you to go ALL IN. Congratulations! Best, Allan

[TrackAire]

Congrats on the new trailer Todd, it came out fantastic. The black truck and trailer combo looks sinister.

Just when you don't want to spend any more money, I'll email you some ideas for a couple easy and cheap upgrades for inside the trailer now that I can see the interior. Remember, it's only money, LOL.

We'll be cheering you on during your race on the 26th!!

Cheers,
George

[Darius]

I would have loved to have seen that comp coupe, never seen one in person before. Your really toasted those brakes. I did the same thing to my stock c6 z06 brakes, drove from thunder hill to Chico to get new pads only to have the motor blow up coming out of turn one on my 1st lap! My brakes felt spongy and didn't have any real initial bite either and I had new pads that I bought from a member here. I think I need to re bleed them and get some carbotech's like Chris has because his brakes felt great. After seeing the inside of your trailer I have to buy a new one now. I can't put a new ACR in my old beat up trailer. It's 10yrs old and has taken a beating!

[Bruce H.]

Excellent read, Todd, and glad you caught the brake pads when you did. You probably never even thought to check them since they were new. I made the same mistake at Road Atlanta once and was metal on metal at day's end in the Supra TT. I hope your rotors are okay as they would have taken a lot of excessive heat with so little pad.

I hope the TA brakes will work well for you, although I suspect you might also exceed their limits on R7's.

Great looking rig!

Good luck, and keep everything shiny side up!

Bruce

[Rapidrezults]

Wow, those brakes are toast! I thought I had it bad with cracked and glazed stock TA pads, yours take the prize for sure!

We NorCal folks are very fortunate to have Laguna Seca within relative short distance from us. An open sound day at Laguna is one of the best track experiences one can have in a Viper IMO. For me, it's like the Super Bowl of HPDE events. What makes it so exciting is this is the track that legends are made on (TA strikes back ;)), and will be even more important especially now that the Ring may not be available for future testing. Thanks to RP and Motor Trend, it has now become the standard that we all look to when comparing cars and track performance. We really do need to get some of the hardcore track guys from other parts of the country out for an open sound day here! Prizes and trophies for he who can get as close to 1.33 as possible...

We can all sit and scratch our heads on how a 1.33 on street tires is even remotely possible because once you drive it, you will see it truly is an exceptional feat. RP makes it look easy in his videos, but there is so much to squeeze out of every inch of this track! Most of the street tire Vipers were running 141-143 with the Hoosier Vipers running 136-138. I will definitely be getting R7s for the next open sound day - that is if I don't have my ACR/Khumos by then. :cool:

All in all had a great time with no major 'incidents' in the Viper camp. Unfortunately a GT3 in my group stuffed it into the wall at the corkscrew.

My reality check came on day 2 when I got a little too excited chasing Andy right after track entry on COLD tires!

This video should serve as a reminder to be patient in letting your tires warm up! This was the first time the car had ever stepped out this far on me at speed.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJjwxof1edI

[MBG2.0]

Nice write up.

As far as the TA pads...don't.

[VENOM V]

Guys, I received the pics from the trackside photographer. Here are a few...

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/295/19457484395_f00b5437f4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vDoGdT)Turn 6 (https://flic.kr/p/vDoGdT) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/532/19457546375_ed9fc879b4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vDp1Dv)Corkscrew w Vette and open wheel (https://flic.kr/p/vDp1Dv) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/484/18836943573_6c85b704e9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/uGyg4c)Side shot (https://flic.kr/p/uGyg4c) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3823/19270098850_e4033c1704_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vmQi2C)Turn 4 (https://flic.kr/p/vmQi2C) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/473/19270073328_93197d4f4a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vmQarA)Chasing Vette (https://flic.kr/p/vmQarA) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/425/19451247432_d4f569117e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vCQJc3)Corkscrew hugging the curbing (https://flic.kr/p/vCQJc3) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

[VENOM V]

Awesome! Glad you caught the brake issues "in time". I kinda knew you would be placing an order for an ACR sooner or later... Good to see the temps weren't too bad. We roasted in Sonoma!

Hey Chris, yes that was a close call. Glad you were at the NASCAR race, that was the first I've missed at Sears Point in probably a decade. But this unlimited dB weekend was too tempting.

- - - Updated - - -


V5, It didn't take long for you to go ALL IN. Congratulations! Best, Allan


You know it. So addicting, I'm hooked Allan

[VENOM V]

Congrats on the new trailer Todd, it came out fantastic. The black truck and trailer combo looks sinister.

Just when you don't want to spend any more money, I'll email you some ideas for a couple easy and cheap upgrades for inside the trailer now that I can see the interior. Remember, it's only money, LOL.

We'll be cheering you on during your race on the 26th!!

Cheers,
George

Hey George, thanks man. Very happy with the trailer. I saw trailer at the SCCA race with a bed that mounts to the ceiling and lowers down when you want it. Ever seen one like that? I've got a couple of jack mounts on order from Pitpal, and am trying to figure out where to mount my fuel can rack. No room inside, maybe on the front of the trailer?

You're coming to the 7/25-7/26 Laguna Seca race? Man that would be great to hang out.

[TrackAire]

Wow, those brakes are toast! I thought I had it bad with cracked and glazed stock TA pads, yours take the prize for sure!

We NorCal folks are very fortunate to have Laguna Seca within relative short distance from us. An open sound day at Laguna is one of the best track experiences one can have in a Viper IMO. For me, it's like the Super Bowl of HPDE events. What makes it so exciting is this is the track that legends are made on (TA strikes back ;)), and will be even more important especially now that the Ring may not be available for future testing. Thanks to RP and Motor Trend, it has now become the standard that we all look to when comparing cars and track performance. We really do need to get some of the hardcore track guys from other parts of the country out for an open sound day here! Prizes and trophies for he who can get as close to 1.33 as possible...

We can all sit and scratch our heads on how a 1.33 on street tires is even remotely possible because once you drive it, you will see it truly is an exceptional feat. RP makes it look easy in his videos, but there is so much to squeeze out of every inch of this track! Most of the street tire Vipers were running 141-143 with the Hoosier Vipers running 136-138. I will definitely be getting R7s for the next open sound day - that is if I don't have my ACR/Khumos by then. :cool:

All in all had a great time with no major 'incidents' in the Viper camp. Unfortunately a GT3 in my group stuffed it into the wall at the corkscrew.

My reality check came on day 2 when I got a little too excited chasing Andy right after track entry on COLD tires!

This video should serve as a reminder to be patient in letting your tires warm up! This was the first time the car had ever stepped out this far on me at speed.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJjwxof1edI


Nice save!!

Chris, that was some fast handwork. Are you sure you didn't hit fluid on the track?....the Viper ahead of you kick out its rear in the same spot (at least from what I can tell on the video).

[Rapidrezults]

Nice save!!

Chris, that was some fast handwork. Are you sure you didn't hit fluid on the track?....the Viper ahead of you kick out its rear in the same spot (at least from what I can tell on the video).

You know, I was thinking that myself. It could've been something on the track but didn't seem to notice anything on the subsequent laps. I just attributed it to cold tires...but you never know.

[VENOM V]

I would have loved to have seen that comp coupe, never seen one in person before. Your really toasted those brakes. I did the same thing to my stock c6 z06 brakes, drove from thunder hill to Chico to get new pads only to have the motor blow up coming out of turn one on my 1st lap! My brakes felt spongy and didn't have any real initial bite either and I had new pads that I bought from a member here. I think I need to re bleed them and get some carbotech's like Chris has because his brakes felt great. After seeing the inside of your trailer I have to buy a new one now. I can't put a new ACR in my old beat up trailer. It's 10yrs old and has taken a beating!

If you join me at Thunderhill, there's usually a green Compe Coupe driven by a friend named Steve. It is an absolute beast, down to the factory sequential tranny. One of the best ever built, I've been told.

Yeah that was a lesson. I knew I was taking a gamble with the stock pads LOL. Were you running the stock TA pads?

The trailer wasn't cheap but it was surprisingly reasonable. It has a steel frame so it's a little on the heavy side (4700 Lb with cabinets and upgrades) but well within my tow capacity when fully loaded with car, slicks and tools.

[VENOM V]

Excellent read, Todd, and glad you caught the brake pads when you did. You probably never even thought to check them since they were new. I made the same mistake at Road Atlanta once and was metal on metal at day's end in the Supra TT. I hope your rotors are okay as they would have taken a lot of excessive heat with so little pad.

I hope the TA brakes will work well for you, although I suspect you might also exceed their limits on R7's.

Great looking rig!

Good luck, and keep everything shiny side up!

Bruce

I was checking them between every session. They were wearing fast, but they did surprise me. They gave us a bonus session that I ran back to back with my other session, so I was on track for 15 minutes, at rest for 5 minutes, then back on track for 25 minutes. That may have been the silver bullet.

Rotors thickness and condition was ok after turning, believe it or not. After I saw the FUBARed brakes, I immediately thought to myself, "Thank god for track day insurance!" LOL, I buy it every time, just in case. Takes the stress out.

[VENOM V]

Wow, those brakes are toast! I thought I had it bad with cracked and glazed stock TA pads, yours take the prize for sure!

We NorCal folks are very fortunate to have Laguna Seca within relative short distance from us. An open sound day at Laguna is one of the best track experiences one can have in a Viper IMO. For me, it's like the Super Bowl of HPDE events. What makes it so exciting is this is the track that legends are made on (TA strikes back ;)), and will be even more important especially now that the Ring may not be available for future testing. Thanks to RP and Motor Trend, it has now become the standard that we all look to when comparing cars and track performance. We really do need to get some of the hardcore track guys from other parts of the country out for an open sound day here! Prizes and trophies for he who can get as close to 1.33 as possible...

We can all sit and scratch our heads on how a 1.33 on street tires is even remotely possible because once you drive it, you will see it truly is an exceptional feat. RP makes it look easy in his videos, but there is so much to squeeze out of every inch of this track! Most of the street tire Vipers were running 141-143 with the Hoosier Vipers running 136-138. I will definitely be getting R7s for the next open sound day - that is if I don't have my ACR/Khumos by then. :cool:

All in all had a great time with no major 'incidents' in the Viper camp. Unfortunately a GT3 in my group stuffed it into the wall at the corkscrew.

My reality check came on day 2 when I got a little too excited chasing Andy right after track entry on COLD tires!

This video should serve as a reminder to be patient in letting your tires warm up! This was the first time the car had ever stepped out this far on me at speed.

Holy crap, that was a bun clincher Chris!!! Haha, turn 4 is treacherous. I've had several friends that have totaled their machines on that very turn. Nice save! What traction control mode were you in?

I just don't get it either, how the heck does Randy Pobst pull a 1:33? The dude is sub-human, and I mean that in a good way LOL. You're gonna love the R7s, they are addictive.

If Lee (Bushido), Darius, Maurice, you and me all get Gen V Vipers as planned, that would be seriously taking NorCal up a notch as track rats. Love it. It took a while for the NorCal guys to embrace the Gen V, I was the only Gen V on at bunch of club events. Times they are a changing.

[VENOM V]

You know, I was thinking that myself. It could've been something on the track but didn't seem to notice anything on the subsequent laps. I just attributed it to cold tires...but you never know.


Somebody lost an engine at the entrance of the corkscrew Friday and put down fluid, I was sideways in that gnarly spot. Not good, made it through fine though.

[VENOM V]

Nice write up.

As far as the TA pads...don't.

Hey Mark, congrats on the new TA!

Agreed on not going with stock TA pads, I'm having ducting added to the front and will run front TA rotors. I'm going to try Cobalt Friction XR1 front and XR3 rear pads, if they make them. If not, I'll go with Carbotechs per Mark Jorgensen's suggestion.

[TrackAire]

Hey George, thanks man. Very happy with the trailer. I saw trailer at the SCCA race with a bed that mounts to the ceiling and lowers down when you want it. Ever seen one like that? I've got a couple of jack mounts on order from Pitpal, and am trying to figure out where to mount my fuel can rack. No room inside, maybe on the front of the trailer?

You're coming to the 7/25-7/26 Laguna Seca race? Man that would be great to hang out.

Todd,

I've got a track day there on 7/27 so I want to come down a day earlier to check out your race. Plus, I promised my wife I'd take her to the Monterey area for our wedding anniversary that weekend......she just doesn't know it will be a couple of days at Laguna Seca. I'm sure this is going to cost me a stupid expensive purse.

Most toy haulers have beds that drop down from the ceiling and get away without headroom loss since they have a raised roof at the rear of the trailer for the bed to nest in when raised. Let me know if you find a low profile unit that doesn't make you have to duck to walk past it when raised. The only other downfall of sleeping in the car trailer with the car is after a hard track day, there may be a lot of smells (brakes, tires, fuel smells, etc) plus if the car was just driven it stays pretty hot for at least a couple of hours making the trailer an oven.

I would definitely mount the fuel tanks outside, again because even the best tanks can leak fumes and cause the trailer to smell.

[72hemi]

Todd the new tow setup looks great! Glad you caught the brake issue before something bad happened.

[IndyRon]

Really awesome thread with great pictures. I can't wait to get my ACR out on the track after reading your posts and others opinions.

[Simms]

Sounds like an awesome event!

The Stryker red looks amazing in those pics/sunlight.

[rw99]

You know, I was thinking that myself. It could've been something on the track but didn't seem to notice anything on the subsequent laps. I just attributed it to cold tires...but you never know.

T4 is surprisingly treacherous, take it from me. If you're not at optimal temps/grip, it's notorious snap-oversteer land. I think the Gen V electronics may have helped you save that one...

Fantastic weekend; what a great bunch of guys, friends both old and new. And I love seeing the new cars out in their intended habitat. I'll add a couple short vids to this thread to share the snake's eye view.

[Darius]

I was passenger in the car when Chris got loose on turn 4 of the 1st lap. It's been 20yrs since I rode passenger on the track and I'll be happy waiting another 20!! I felt like my Mom, I was shitting myself but kept quiet. Turn 4 is deadly, my last session a BMW lost it in 4 and hit the wall, car was totaled.

[VENOM V]

Todd,

I've got a track day there on 7/27 so I want to come down a day earlier to check out your race. Plus, I promised my wife I'd take her to the Monterey area for our wedding anniversary that weekend......she just doesn't know it will be a couple of days at Laguna Seca. I'm sure this is going to cost me a stupid expensive purse.

Most toy haulers have beds that drop down from the ceiling and get away without headroom loss since they have a raised roof at the rear of the trailer for the bed to nest in when raised. Let me know if you find a low profile unit that doesn't make you have to duck to walk past it when raised. The only other downfall of sleeping in the car trailer with the car is after a hard track day, there may be a lot of smells (brakes, tires, fuel smells, etc) plus if the car was just driven it stays pretty hot for at least a couple of hours making the trailer an oven.

I would definitely mount the fuel tanks outside, again because even the best tanks can leak fumes and cause the trailer to smell.

Good for you George. If you guys don't have an anniversary dinner planned for Saturday eve and don't mind some company, let me know and I'll join you. Maybe some of the other locals like Loyde and Angie or my fellow racers would want to join us. Let me know.

[VENOM V]

Todd the new tow setup looks great! Glad you caught the brake issue before something bad happened.

Thanks John. No doubt, I guess my number will be up someday and I will ding a Viper on track. So far so good, all the damage seems to be attracted to that poor Mustang.


Really awesome thread with great pictures. I can't wait to get my ACR out on the track after reading your posts and others opinions.


Sounds like an awesome event!

The Stryker red looks amazing in those pics/sunlight.

Thanks fellas. Get those snakes out there, I hadn't tracked mine since last year. I forgot what I was missing, now I'm looking to squeeze in more track time

[VENOM V]

T4 is surprisingly treacherous, take it from me. If you're not at optimal temps/grip, it's notorious snap-oversteer land. I think the Gen V electronics may have helped you save that one...

Fantastic weekend; what a great bunch of guys, friends both old and new. And I love seeing the new cars out in their intended habitat. I'll add a couple short vids to this thread to share the snake's eye view.

Amen brother Rich. Looking forward to the vids, I had technical difficulties once again so all I got were still shots.

- - - Updated - - -


I was passenger in the car when Chris got loose on turn 4 of the 1st lap. It's been 20yrs since I rode passenger on the track and I'll be happy waiting another 20!! I felt like my Mom, I was shitting myself but kept quiet. Turn 4 is deadly, my last session a BMW lost it in 4 and hit the wall, car was totaled.

I hear you, I'm not a big fan of riding with anyone as crazy as me :-P

[flyingskibiker]

Hey Chris, yes that was a close call. Glad you were at the NASCAR race, that was the first I've missed at Sears Point in probably a decade. But this unlimited dB weekend was too tempting.

Yah, I really wanted to go down and watch you guys. But I, too, have been going to NASCAR for years with my family. Roy goes, too. A couple years ago he spotted a VOA member. I guess there are a number of friends there that we don't even know about! If you go next year, or go to Reno, we will definitely have to meet up.

Anyway, I will probably show up at one of your track events. I haven't heard anything definite from my friends regarding Virginia City. Can't wait to have my own car... lol

[rw99]

Here's a brief blooper reel from the Saturday AM sessions: first up, the classic loss of concentration when somebody shows up quickly in the mirrors... next, the wooo-wooo-woooooo post T3, happily not involving a bridge support; lastly, the same guy, same session. Really?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDgdpyr3EO8

A bit of extra footage because the weather was just plain perfect :D Last June we cooked ourselves for the inaugural runs of Thunderhill 5-mile; this year, a much better choice for summer track time. God I love Laguna Seca!

Next up: I'll dust off the PC, overlay some telemetry, and post up some proper Viper chase laps...

[TrackAire]

Rich,

Great vids.....Mr. Spinout must have had his wing installed upside down, LOL.

[VENOM V]

Man, that black group looks treacherous Rich! Run with the green group next time, much higher quality, more experienced drivers! Plus, I don't think you'll find too many Miatas in green.

Speaking of Miatas, I'll go ahead and say it. They are tooooooo sloooooooow, in the way! LOL, my pet peave on the track. Nothing worse than flying over the turn one crest and nearly running into a pack of them.

[rw99]

Agree, Todd. We also had the white P-car that went into the wall near the top of the corkscrew. He really looked like he was fighting that car just about the whole time...

[slowhatch]

Todd, awesome write-up and incredible pics. Laguna Seca is a bucket list track for me. Been toying with the idea of doing a Skip Barber open wheel event there.

[TrackAire]

Todd, awesome write-up and incredible pics. Laguna Seca is a bucket list track for me. Been toying with the idea of doing a Skip Barber open wheel event there.

If you ever want to ship the car out for a Laguna Seca event, let me know. I'm about 2 hours from the track and can store the car before and after the event in our warehouse. You can also cruise Napa Valley, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, etc as we are pretty centrally located. It would make a very nice week long vacation/track day bucket list adventure.

[serpent]

What times was that Comp Coupe laying down?

That 1:36.773 lap by Stephanie Cemo was done on a C6, not sure if its a c6z or zr1.



Slowhatch, if you ever make it to Laguna, make sure you spend the next weekend in Sonoma, can even take the girl to Napa Wine country after some track fun!

[Rapidrezults]

What times was that Comp Coupe laying down?

That 1:36.773 lap by Stephanie Cemo was done on a C6, not sure if its a c6z or zr1.



Slowhatch, if you ever make it to Laguna, make sure you spend the next weekend in Sonoma, can even take the girl to Napa Wine country after some track fun!

Joe ran a best of 137.1 in his comp coupe. Not sure but I don't think he's making 600HP either. Not bad for a 12 year old race car.

I saw Stephanie's time on the board and couldn't figure out what she was driving. That is impressive!

[Rapidrezults]

Holy crap, that was a bun clincher Chris!!! Haha, turn 4 is treacherous. I've had several friends that have totaled their machines on that very turn. Nice save! What traction control mode were you in?

Todd,

I had it in regular ESC mode, although I regret leaving it on because as I think you mentioned or someone at the track it has a tendency to create a "tank slapper" effect at speed. It felt like it was trying to over correct or something, hard to describe, but definitely a strange sensation. I know the ESC reaction times are supposed to be really fast but I'm almost sure if I didn't intervene the car would've ended up in a wall. I think at lower speed stuff when you are not completely beyond the traction limit it works great but if it did anything it felt like it was a little too late.

Not to take away from the thread, but since we're on the topic of stability control, wrap your head around how this happened. I highly doubt he turned off any of the nannies. Our local cars and coffee M4 trying to showoff. Lol.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miA5qj5ergM

[Darius]

The guy in the beemer did turn off all the traction controls. He posted about it after he did it.

[Rapidrezults]

The guy in the beemer did turn off all the traction controls. He posted about it after he did it.

Oh damn, I didn't know that. I can't get over that video!

[RedTanRT/10]

Todd, great write and thanks for posting up the pictures. Great trailer too!

Gary/Rich/Chris, great to see you guys and thanks for posting up all the video's. Mine are not as exciting as only did them on Sunday. In my first session, I fogot to plug in the go-pro. I was in a train with a white gt-3, mclaren and a silver nsx. Would have made a great video, as I got past them all. As Rich said, at least I have the memeory in my head.

I'm up in Toronto again this week. Spoke to Lance and we'll get a good SoCal showing next year for this event.

to the question regarding Stephanie, that's a z-06 that's gutted and full race. She is very, very quick, great times at all CA tracks. When I saw her Saturday night she spoke of some issues, she had a small fire plus something else too.

To see Todd 1 second behind her in a stock G5 is really great. As I've said before, it's more about Todd's skills then the G5.

Take care and best wishes, Mike

[VENOM V]

Todd,

I had it in regular ESC mode, although I regret leaving it on because as I think you mentioned or someone at the track it has a tendency to create a "tank slapper" effect at speed. It felt like it was trying to over correct or something, hard to describe, but definitely a strange sensation. I know the ESC reaction times are supposed to be really fast but I'm almost sure if I didn't intervene the car would've ended up in a wall. I think at lower speed stuff when you are not completely beyond the traction limit it works great but if it did anything it felt like it was a little too late.

Not to take away from the thread, but since we're on the topic of stability control, wrap your head around how this happened. I highly doubt he turned off any of the nannies. Our local cars and coffee M4 trying to showoff. Lol.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miA5qj5ergM

Chris, that violent tank slapper is totally induced by stability and traction control, if your rear end steps out in Track Mode or Full Off, it's smooth and predictable, easy to catch. I think you'll like Track Mode.


Oh damn, I didn't know that. I can't get over that video!

That poor guy, mortified, frustrated. In full view of the peanut gallery. I cannot imagine, lol

[VENOM V]

Yah, I really wanted to go down and watch you guys. But I, too, have been going to NASCAR for years with my family. Roy goes, too. A couple years ago he spotted a VOA member. I guess there are a number of friends there that we don't even know about! If you go next year, or go to Reno, we will definitely have to meet up.

Anyway, I will probably show up at one of your track events. I haven't heard anything definite from my friends regarding Virginia City. Can't wait to have my own car... lol

May and I are going to Virginia City Hill Climb, should be quite an experience. You should come out and join us.

[VENOM V]

Todd, awesome write-up and incredible pics. Laguna Seca is a bucket list track for me. Been toying with the idea of doing a Skip Barber open wheel event there.


If you ever want to ship the car out for a Laguna Seca event, let me know. I'm about 2 hours from the track and can store the car before and after the event in our warehouse. You can also cruise Napa Valley, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, etc as we are pretty centrally located. It would make a very nice week long vacation/track day bucket list adventure.

On that note, we are joining the Northern California Shelby Club on 11/27 for another rare unlimited dB event at Laguna Seca. Last year, we had 17 Vipers out there. Not a bad way for you to spend the Thanksgiving holiday! Carmel and Monterey are right there near the track, Pebble Beach, 17 Mile Drive. Something for you, something for the lady.

[VENOM V]

Todd, great write and thanks for posting up the pictures. Great trailer too!

Gary/Rich/Chris, great to see you guys and thanks for posting up all the video's. Mine are not as exciting as only did them on Sunday. In my first session, I fogot to plug in the go-pro. I was in a train with a white gt-3, mclaren and a silver nsx. Would have made a great video, as I got past them all. As Rich said, at least I have the memeory in my head.

I'm up in Toronto again this week. Spoke to Lance and we'll get a good SoCal showing next year for this event.

to the question regarding Stephanie, that's a z-06 that's gutted and full race. She is very, very quick, great times at all CA tracks. When I saw her Saturday night she spoke of some issues, she had a small fire plus something else too.

To see Todd 1 second behind her in a stock G5 is really great. As I've said before, it's more about Todd's skills then the G5.

Take care and best wishes, Mike

Mike, you were turning some quick times out there!

I have yet to beat Stephanie at any venue, she's impressive! But I'm gaining on her, little by little.

[rw99]

Todd, great write and thanks for posting up the pictures. Great trailer too!

Gary/Rich/Chris, great to see you guys and thanks for posting up all the video's. Mine are not as exciting as only did them on Sunday. In my first session, I fogot to plug in the go-pro. I was in a train with a white gt-3, mclaren and a silver nsx. Would have made a great video, as I got past them all. As Rich said, at least I have the memeory in my head.

I'm up in Toronto again this week. Spoke to Lance and we'll get a good SoCal showing next year for this event.

to the question regarding Stephanie, that's a z-06 that's gutted and full race. She is very, very quick, great times at all CA tracks. When I saw her Saturday night she spoke of some issues, she had a small fire plus something else too.

To see Todd 1 second behind her in a stock G5 is really great. As I've said before, it's more about Todd's skills then the G5.

Take care and best wishes, Mike

Mike, it was great to see you... and you clearly had zero problems learning Seca very quickly :D

I'm still kicking myself for not having the GoPro on the car early on Saturday, when the #11 GT40 was still running. I was giving a ride-along to a friend and we were literally cheering the awesome flame-shooting exhaust as we gave chase. Lesson learned: always take video!

[V10LEE]

Todd where's the fast list for the street tire category? Ha! You guys are having too much fun on slicks!!
Sorry I didn't have any spare parts for your brakes. Sucks it cut your weekend short, but at least you ran some good times bro. Looking forward joining you on the 11/27 track event. Oh and thank you for calling me today too..


The guy in the beemer did turn off all the traction controls. He posted about it after he did it.

Hey Darius you coming out to Marina kart track? Didn't see you on the last practice day. I thought you were coming..

[V10LEE]

Going back on tires. You know what still blows me away to this day? Is how Chris Winkler did a 1:33 on Cup 1 tires in the gen 4 ACR..

[rw99]

...a bit of video for Chris... the purity of the TA in white. Nice!


http://youtu.be/bc8xGiqdhO4

[VENOM V]

Todd where's the fast list for the street tire category? Ha! You guys are having too much fun on slicks!!
Sorry I didn't have any spare parts for your brakes. Sucks it cut your weekend short, but at least you ran some good times bro. Looking forward joining you on the 11/27 track event. Oh and thank you for calling me today too..

Hey Darius you coming out to Marina kart track? Didn't see you on the last practice day. I thought you were coming..

Good question on the street tires, a bunch of Vipers were in the low 1:40s but I don't recall who was and with tires or slicks. Everyone was moving, all Vipers were fast last weekend :United_States:

Congrats on the ACR order!


Going back on tires. You know what still blows me away to this day? Is how Chris Winkler did a 1:33 on Cup 1 tires in the gen 4 ACR..

So true, just when I think I'm hauling ass I remember how fast guys like Winkler and Pobst are here. Humbling to see the lap times a true pro can put down.

[VENOM V]

...a bit of video for Chris... the purity of the TA in white. Nice!


http://youtu.be/bc8xGiqdhO4

Nice camera position, really gives you a sense of speed. That TA looks fierce, "Son of Cobra" is about to eat its father LOL

[Rapidrezults]

...a bit of video for Chris... the purity of the TA in white. Nice!


http://youtu.be/bc8xGiqdhO4


Rich, thank's for posting! I love that camera angle, it makes everything look 10x faster. The traffic in the black group was driving me nuts! Also being point by I could never get a good rhythm. I've come to the conclusion that these Vipers are too damn fast for anything in point by groups!

[slowhatch]

If you ever want to ship the car out for a Laguna Seca event, let me know. I'm about 2 hours from the track and can store the car before and after the event in our warehouse. You can also cruise Napa Valley, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, etc as we are pretty centrally located. It would make a very nice week long vacation/track day bucket list adventure.

That is extremely generous of you, if it ever comes to fruition I will give you a buzz!

[RedTanRT/10]

Mike, you were turning some quick times out there!

I have yet to beat Stephanie at any venue, she's impressive! But I'm gaining on her, little by little.

Todd,

I've seen her run for the past 5 years down here and she's always fast. I also think she has an advantage over you in that vette, prob close to 3000 lbs and set up very well. You really have great skills.one of these days you need to drive my car at Buttonwillow or next year at LS. I think you'd be faster than your G5

BTW, here's the video of her I was trying to get on my phone at the dinner at Tarpy's. CA Speedway, I come out late in the session, let Steph by, then the guy in the stock car doesn't want her to get by and loops then hits an inside wall. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew0cyuuVKGQ


Rich, thank's for posting! I love that camera angle, it makes everything look 10x faster. The traffic in the black group was driving me nuts! Also being point by I could never get a good rhythm. I've come to the conclusion that these Vipers are too damn fast for anything in point by groups!

Chris, you guys are all fast and experienced enough and should have run in the green group. Not sure about your group, but after the 1st session they grid you by times so lot's of spacing. On Saturday I was in green, Sunday red, with the grid system the track is much clearer. Get in the open passing group at the next event where you know the track


Rich, the last video was great. I need to try to mount the camera down there

[VENOM V]

Todd,

I've seen her run for the past 5 years down here and she's always fast. I also think she has an advantage over you in that vette, prob close to 3000 lbs and set up very well. You really have great skills.one of these days you need to drive my car at Buttonwillow or next year at LS. I think you'd be faster than your G5

BTW, here's the video of her I was trying to get on my phone at the dinner at Tarpy's. CA Speedway, I come out late in the session, let Steph by, then the guy in the stock car doesn't want her to get by and loops then hits an inside wall. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew0cyuuVKGQ


That is crazy! Hard to see in the vid what happened but it didn't look pretty, LOL. So Stephanie was driving the #43 after all, the timing sheet says she's in #005 which I never saw. I thought so, I remember chasing after her. Not only is her race Z06 light and probably up on HP, that big wing's also doing some magic. We need more women like her and Danica.

Good times Mike, looking forward to the next adventure.

[RedTanRT/10]

Todd,

there's a little kink after the hairpin, its' a numbered turn, can't remember the #, track is tight there and if you can't clear quickly after the hairpin, best to wait then pass on the next short chute. I think the guy in the Kodiak car took offense to her passing there, it's tight, but we're in the race group and passing there was OK. Hard to see but he tried to push her off the track and when he corrected went into a pendulum motion then looped.

Ever since that day, Aaron has declared no passing from the hairpin to that kink for all groups (unless someone lifts and gives a point by).