This year I'm looking to try out some of the best ways to excercise a stock-except-catback C5 toward its limits, and hopefully learn something along the way. I enjoy some spirited driving and cruising on the road, but want to push it further in a controlled environment. I'm wondering if I have found all the options and what people's opinions are of these.

Furthermore what will the equipment requirements be for a C5 Vert. I was planning on getting a helmet (Snell 2005) since that seems like a wise idea for any event.

Autocross. Pylon course, one car at a time, max speed maybe 70 mph. Lots of corners, a good test of handling and finding the fastest line through. Ride-along instructors available. Novice class needs a helmet. Car mods or success may push you into higher classes which require rollbars.

Drag Strip. Straight line, two cars at a time. 0-60 and top speed test. Timeslips to measure various attributes of your runs. Rollbars needed as power levels increase.

HPDE. Classified as drivers ed on race tracks. Likely helmet & rollbar required.

Lapping Day. Not sure if this is a one-off, but a local Vette club sponsors a day at Brainerd International Raceway on their 3 mile track. Classroom ed, driver ride-alongs. Helmet required. Are these usually pace-car-led, or do you get to open'r up?

Road Racing. Multiple cars on a race track or road course. Limited passing ability until skills improve. Likely helmet & rollbar required.

Dyno Day. Doesn't really qualify because the car doesn't go anywhere. But redline is always exciting.


I appreciate any input or feedback, and even any upcoming events in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

Todd

 

Have you considered this?

Spring Mountain

 

Bill

 

I happen to be patial to the Drag Strip - not that you have to beat on it but with a set of good Slicks and a good day you can have a blast finding out what it does in a straught line from a dead stop with full traction

Thanks,Matt

 

I was hoping for something closer to home with two little ones right now. That being said, I've probably ruled out road racing as it seems riskier than the rest. I just want to have some fun with my own car but not risk my own safety much more than I already do every day.

Thanks for the thorough reply Bill. A series of HPDE's sounds like something I really would love to "try before you buy".

This doesn't surprise me either. I'd be afraid of letting someone like me out there without some guidance or evaluation. I will probably contact the event coordinator just to see what the scoop is.

I'm trying to feel out the entry barrier for each of these. It sounds like autocross is the least (with lesser risk), and most everything else requires a roll-bar for a Vert due to the higher speeds.

The bolt-in rollbars I've found don't appear to be easily removable/installable. Are there any that are? I don't mind getting and installing one, but I don't think I will want it there all the time. Assuming I were doing HPDE's a few times a year, I would probably want one.

The closest MN drag strip is 3 or 4 hours away, and a 2 hour trip into Wisconsin. Any breakage would make the "run what you brung" a big problem as I don't have a trailer. The Wisconsin track FAQ says a Vert running 11.0 to 13.49 needs a rollbar. Assuming I can hook up, would they send me packing with a run under that? Or as a strip noob should I be hoping for 14s?

Todd

 

 

as much as i like hpde's autocrosses are great way to learn your vette, and they are cheap where as an hpde gets expensive real fast (entry fees, not maintenance)

 

Try Houston rush hour

 

I would also look into insurance. Will your insurance cover any damage to the car while you are out on a track of any kind?

 

I am guessing both events will chew up tires and brakes even faster than I do now. The HDPE higher speeds will result in more damage compared to just killing cones. I would expect my maintenance schedule to pick up, and have some breakage. Not to mention the performance mods bug. I don't mind the chance to wrench on my own car for something I busted or wore out.

This one has been in the back of my mind as well. I thought HPDE's were considered driver's training and therefore covered. For autocross events, I was pretty much expecting to take full responsibility for any car damages, but injury liabilities to others would be a big concern. I'll call my insurance company on Monday to see what they have to say. Does a cone course in an amusement park's parking lot count as a track?

Is anyone aware of event-based insurance specifically for these activities? Or do you go in expecting to fix what you break out-of-pocket? Do the track and/or event sponsors have any coverage to help out, or does it just protect them?

Todd

 

If you crash at an autocross, you are being plain stupid. So I doubt you'd crash. Keep the traction control on if you are too scared, but autocross is really glorified driver's ed in a parking lot. I mean I got 2nd place in my 1st season of autocross in someone else's car for pete's sake. So I guarantee it's not that hard or risky. lol. You won't even break 40 mph.

HPDE/track days are another ball game. They are measured in miles/$, not $/mile like autocross. So order of magnitude cheaper for a track day compared to autocross.

But track days are more dangerous, with higher speeds (i top 105 at a 1.5 mile course), i've seen some expensive hits. Think 997 GT3 smacking its whole side in a barrier LOL. But it really tests your control and you probably have to approach it methodically to reach the limit of the car's ability without crashing.

But like Bill said, its much more personally rewarding than drag racing or autocrossing.

As for insurance, the insurance companies aren't dumb. They know you are pseudo-racing and won't cover it. There are some specialty insurance types, but you'd have to look. My advice is check out the track for lots of runoff room and not many high-speed turns.

 

I agree, its not likely.


I think that is the key. Self control and learning your limit is pretty important here, but you are overriding those inhibitions at these events. Attending a single HPDE event I would not want to pass "7/10", but the problem is I have no point of reference to even know what that is. I think the ride-along instructors would be invaluable here to know what limits I am reaching, or if I'm even being too conservative. A few HPDEs would give me some perspective.

Their description of the course turn-by-turn is here: 3.1 mile course

It looks like a high-speed course to easily exceed 120 mph on the main straight. Anything problematic you can pinpoint for a noob?

I'm sure I am being conservative and underestimating my driving ability. I don't want to poke along the course forcing others to pass, but I surely don't want to overestimate and be in the grass either. Any other guidance, other than to listen to the classroom and ride-along instructors?

Todd

 

I know this is kinda tame but there's nothing wrong with a couple hour long road rally to exercise the vette and the mind. Not much speed involved but it quality time spent with your better half and your wife (or do I have that backwords?????) My apologies to my wife....she IS my better half. LOL

 

Personally I don't think there's such a thing as too conservative. You should only, but only, drive what you're comfortable with. Maybe push the envelope slightly, but only enough to test yourself, not put you in the discomfort zone. Let others pass with a signal, they won't have a problem with it and neither should your instructor. It's your car, your time.

Just watched a YT video of BIR... and it's fast LOL, especially those two long sweepers at the end of a 120 or so mph straight. I'd recommend you keep your ESC on! LOL! Seriously.

As far as general techniques.
1) I recommend two feet in when you get in trouble, don't try to correct in mid-screwup. Slam the brakes (especially with ABS) as you correct. Nothing will bring you back in control faster than shredding speed, but fast.

2) Pay attention to braking markers on the side of the course. Use the same conservative braking point every time and cautiously inch (literally) your way deeper into the braking zone if you want to go for it. You will never regret braking too early, but braking too late....

3) Look ahead about 10 seconds or more. Just take it all in whats in front of you. Situational awareness.

4) listen to the tires. The tires will tell you everything you need to know about the state of the car. Chirping means at the limit. Howling means over the limit (and slowing you down), so back off.

Other than that, learn the basics and driving line from the instructor. Take your time! You will be running with the fast guys in no time and safely.

 

If you don't want to put a roll bar in the car and want to try a HPDE open cars do not need a roll bar to run at MAM in Iowa. The Corvette club usually has a few track days there and I've seen MN cars make the treck down for open track days over the years.

 

I do enjoy finding new "long ways home" in the summer, and short trips with the kiddos. Unfortunately my better half isn't a stick driver, and doesn't really do cruises without a destination in mind.

Ouch, 7 hours. I appreciate the info tho.

I appreciate the guidance Otto.

Do I need to worry about "brake fade" with the stock equipment at these events, or should the braking be pretty consistent?

Second, I'm guessing the stock run-flats would be adequate. But I've got a set of GS-D3's that I like way better since they are softer and seem to give more feedback.

I'll give the event coordinator a call to see how it all works. Thanks for the help guys.

Todd

 

No problem Todd. As for fade, it's car specific. I don't know what you have, and i've only driven a C6Z06 and Mustang GT. The GT needed hawk blue pads, and a fresh brake fluid change but that's it. C6Z06 needed nothing upgraded and drove home without a hitch. Both were driven hard as hell.

Tires: if you only go a few times, just keep the ones you have. If you go more often, and drive harder, I'd recommend track tires (I used Falken RT615's, good enough). Your road tires may eventually get destroyed, and i'm not talking wear. Think chunks of tread gone. lol.