ZR1 at "The Glen"
10-12-2018, 08:25 PM
#1
Track Rat
Thread Starter
ZR1 at "The Glen"
I have a history of problems at Watkins Glen. Other than my first trip there in 2009 every time I've gone I've had a mechanical issue that has kept me off track or sent me home after only a couple sessions. I'm up here with HOD for 3 days and just wrapped up day 1. My goal is to break the 2 min barrier but this is a track I don't really know and it's really cold out. However, so far the ZR1 is running great, I'm getting better each session, and got close with a number of 2:00.xx laps today including a 2:00.18. The only complaint I have about the car is it really could use a couple hundred more RPM before redline. Running down the chute and down the hill towards the toe of the boot I am at the rev limited in 3rd and need to just keep enough throttle to try and minimize slowing without banging off the rev limiter. Same thing on the front straight where I am at the top of 4th, and on the back straight I run out of RPM in 4th while I'm still making the last bend to the right which is not a good place to upshift. So far my VMAX on the back straight has been 163 MPH.
Here is some PDR footage from the last session of the day. Note this is an open passing without a point run group.
Here is some PDR footage from the last session of the day. Note this is an open passing without a point run group.
The following 5 users liked this post by Poor-sha:
dmaxx3500 (10-13-2018),
Palantirion (10-12-2018),
Racerdj (10-13-2018),
Repo Pilot (10-13-2018),
WilliamCall (10-12-2018)
10-12-2018, 08:50 PM
#2
Sean, nice driving and great footage... somehow WG seems scarier when you know its being done in a privately owned street car without a big name sponsor’s bank roll at the ready. I’ve watched many races on TV there, I guess I never realized before how unforgiving the track would be if you get out of shape almost anywhere. Be safe.
10-12-2018, 09:43 PM
#3
Solid runs, Sean! You'll break 2 minutes tomorrow if good weather. I prefer WG over VIR now. Such a great track layout.
Levitas gave me some great advice, which helped me a lot. One thing he mentioned, which can be safer to try than other areas because of the huge run off. T-10, he said it's not a braking corner for him. A lift, tap the brakes, turn in, track out on throttle. Might be a safe area to experiment. In my z06, my slowest speed there was around mid 90s and was really planted when I did it right. Have fun and be safe!
Levitas gave me some great advice, which helped me a lot. One thing he mentioned, which can be safer to try than other areas because of the huge run off. T-10, he said it's not a braking corner for him. A lift, tap the brakes, turn in, track out on throttle. Might be a safe area to experiment. In my z06, my slowest speed there was around mid 90s and was really planted when I did it right. Have fun and be safe!
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FasNuff (10-13-2018)
10-12-2018, 11:07 PM
#4
Drifting
Very nice runs. Looks and sounds like you’ve got strong traction.
Always envious to see the great tracks you have south of the border (track a motorcycle in the “White North”...tight run off on The Glen)
Bet you’ll achieve your goal this weekend.
Enjoy!!!
Always envious to see the great tracks you have south of the border (track a motorcycle in the “White North”...tight run off on The Glen)
Bet you’ll achieve your goal this weekend.
Enjoy!!!
10-12-2018, 11:32 PM
#5
Burning Brakes
I'm jealous. I've always wanted to drive there, and at Mosport. Thanks for the vid!
10-12-2018, 11:54 PM
#6
Le Mans Master
I did burn some calories watching this video! Too bad, you didn't have anyone close to the 2' range to run with. Hope the weather (and your tires) hold up for the event. Check your pads too, I almost went into the metal backing plate there.
10-13-2018, 06:52 AM
#7
To be able to run on this track should be on everybody's 'bucket list'! I'm glad you were able to run the 'boot' too!
Last edited by Racerdj; 10-13-2018 at 06:57 AM.
10-13-2018, 07:05 AM
#8
Track Rat
Thread Starter
Woke up to rain this morning. We'll see when it clears out and the track dries but I am not going out in the wet on slicks here. I did check pads yesterday and I'm not sure even with the AP Racing endurance pads they'll last all 3 days. Perhaps a rain break is a good thing.
10-13-2018, 07:13 AM
#9
Something videos from Watkins Glen don't show are all the elevation changes. The drop off in elevation into turn 1 is quite a thrill and then thru the 's'es'. I ran there with a Atlantic Formula back in the late 90's and it one of our favorite tracks. 1979 March/Cosworth in the vintage racing series, SVRA and HSR. After watching the video, I really miss running there. It ranks with Road Atlanta, Road America and Mid-Ohio.
10-13-2018, 07:54 AM
#10
Le Mans Master
The only complaint I have about the car is it really could use a couple hundred more RPM before redline. Running down the chute and down the hill towards the toe of the boot I am at the rev limited in 3rd and need to just keep enough throttle to try and minimize slowing without banging off the rev limiter. Same thing on the front straight where I am at the top of 4th, and on the back straight I run out of RPM in 4th while I'm still making the last bend to the right which is not a good place to upshift.
Last edited by Mr. Gizmo; 10-13-2018 at 07:56 AM.
10-13-2018, 08:18 AM
#11
Track Rat
Thread Starter
The immediate problem with that is I lose the warranty and nobody can tune these cars yet anyway. The other concern is whether the drivetrain is designed to withstand that additional 2-300 RPM. I do know that it regularly bounces off 6700-6800 RPMs when you no lift shift but I assume that is just inertia after the fuel cut. I wonder what @Katech_Jason thinks.
10-13-2018, 10:38 AM
#12
Sean, did you run your factory brake setup at all? Aside from being super expensive, how many track hours would you get get from it. For someone like myself running at 3/4 your pace, only around 4-5 hrs of tracking per year, would you leave the factory stuff on?
10-13-2018, 01:23 PM
#13
Track Rat
Thread Starter
The way I see it this is basically a cost amortization problem but I don't have the data to know at how many track days it would basically pay for itself in consumables. I will say that pulling the stock stuff early keeps those pretty blue calipers looking good should I ever decide to sell the car. Also, I don't have to worry about banging the CCM rotors and can keep spares on hand.
10-13-2018, 06:55 PM
#14
Track Rat
Thread Starter
Mission accomplished, 1:59.5 and a 1:59.6 in the same session. There were certainly a couple of 1:58's in there if it weren't for traffic.
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10-13-2018, 08:25 PM
#15
Le Mans Master
Thanks for sharing, great enjoyment watching great driving on a great track. My first track event ever was here in 1996 and it remained in my memory as the best (most demanding) track. It was the shorter version (with the bus stop), but I'm sure it was over 2 minutes. 
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Poor-sha (10-13-2018)
10-13-2018, 08:55 PM
#16
mission accomplished, 1:59.5 and a 1:59.6 in the same session. There were certainly a couple of 1:58's in there if it weren't for traffic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3q8icary7hc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3q8icary7hc
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Poor-sha (10-13-2018)
10-14-2018, 08:37 AM
#17
Burning Brakes
Wow nice smooth assertive driving Sean, well done. The Z is a monster, thanks for sharing.
10-14-2018, 08:57 AM
#18
Drifting
Mission accomplished, 1:59.5 and a 1:59.6 in the same session. There were certainly a couple of 1:58's in there if it weren't for traffic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q8icary7Hc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q8icary7Hc
Exciting...knew if the weather cooperated, you’d do it!
CONGRATS from a sideline stranger admiring your success.
Thanks for sharing.
Stay safe.
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Poor-sha (10-14-2018)
10-14-2018, 09:11 AM
#19
Drifting
Again, very IMPRESSIVE!
10-14-2018, 10:36 AM
#20
Drifting
Great job Sean.
I noticed you were in Sport 1 & I did not see TC/AH kick in once, which is surprising.
Q: Where do you purchase you scrubs from and do you get a specific compound/size?
I have 18 x 11 & 18 x 12 Forgelines on order...
I noticed you were in Sport 1 & I did not see TC/AH kick in once, which is surprising.
Q: Where do you purchase you scrubs from and do you get a specific compound/size?
I have 18 x 11 & 18 x 12 Forgelines on order...