I witnessed a ZR1 driven by a good driver in action at Sonoma Raceway 6/6-6/7 and I'm a believer. On this weekend Sonoma, like Laguna Seca, was as usual filled with 992 GT3 and GT3 RS in advanced group with good drivers. The ZR1 blitzed the field, running 1:38.8 Sat and 1:37.1 Sun, 3+ sec ahead of every other (transponder) driver on both days. Sonoma is a technical track without super long straights, where a GT3 RS or C8 Z06 would hit 125-130 MPH max I think. In other words it's not a high speed track like Big Willow or ACS Fontana (RIP) where big power has a big advantage. The ZR1 combo of insane power and great handling (but average aero vs GT3 RS) seems to defy that rule. The only downside to this level of power, handling and speed seems to be the cost of tires, this guy wrecked a new set of PSC2 Rs in 1/2 a day--not corded just evenly melted to almost nothing across the surface, I had a chance to inspect them when they came off for a new set. I recommend 18"-19" racing wheels and Pirelli or Michelin slicks for ZR1 track drivers, but I know you need big wheels to clear those calipers so you might need to switch to AP Racing brakes too.

I know these lap times are great but not record setting, but this guy and his ZR1 time-warping down short to medium straights, made it almost look easy--imagine if it had GT3 RS or Viper ACR X aero.

 

Nice driving, only a couple seconds off Randy Pobst’s time of 1:34.9 there!

 

I forgot that I had already seen that video before my trip to Sonoma--so much YouTube content it's hard to keep track :-) The ZR1 driver's best time was faster than Pobst was in both the GT3 RS and GTD, I guess he's more than a "good" driver now I'll put him in the excellent category.

 

It’s a bit of a problem, the ZR1 goes through a set of Cup 2Rs in 5 maybe 6 sessions, the car is insanely fast but pretty hard on tires. The GT3RS will go 12-14 sessions or heat cycles on the same tires. Understand they are slightly different compounds.

 

What I saw firsthand was an excellent driver with proper alignment and a fresh set of PSC2 Rs reducing them to almost nothing (maybe only the rears I don't recall) in 2 sessions, only 2. But that was with him running hard for 2 full sessions until checkered flag. On Sunday he did 30 laps (3 sessions) on new tires, 12 of them sub 1:40 including the 1:37.1 in lap 3 of session 1.

I agree they last longer on a 911, but you think a fast driver like him can get 4-6 good DAYS out of a set of PSC2 R? I doubt it. I LOVE the GT3 RS, but if I had to choose one car I'd take the ZR1 and with the money I saved I'd buy AP Racing brakes, a set of 18' and 19" track wheels, a garage full of Pirelli or Michelin slicks and several years of unlimited Hagerty track insurance. The ZR1 is 1) faster on track, and 2) on street, both more exciting and more low key than the average GT3 RS (blends in with other C8s). It is also basically the fastest accelerating real car in the world.