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dodint
January 17th, 2017, 08:17 AM
Inspired by the discussion in the 2016 Le Mans thread.

You're given an afternoon of perfect weather at your favorite race track. At your disposal are three race cars of your choosing.

What do you bring, and where? You choose one from the following classes: Legacy, Lifetime, and Modern. The main limitation is that the car must have been raced competitively at a high level of motorsport in its day. You can't just pick your favorite car and cage it. Can be open wheel, GT, prototype, dragster, motorcycle, whatever. The secondary limitation is to be honest about your own limits; I'd love to drive a modern F1 car but at 6'4" 280lbs it's probably not going to happen so you won't see any on my list.

Legacy class: Pre-1970, the foundation upon which all we know was built.
Lifetime class: 1970-2015, the cars most of us grew up with and admired first hand. Cars that qualify for Modern are excluded from Lifetime.
Modern class: Cars that ran last year or are eligible to run in 2017.
Venue: Wherever you want to open them up, doesn't have to be sanctioned. Road courses, ovals, drag venues, salt tracks. All three must run at the same place as it's only one afternoon.

My selections:

Legacy:

1952 Mercedes W194 (300SL)
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/47/72/1f/47721f040270f739f0e4d2f8a673ac18.jpg

This class is huge and features all the iconic rides that were there at the infancy of F1 and Indy, but I've chosen the king of Le Mans, Nürburgring, and the Mille Miglia. It's cramped and hot and only 175hp but I don't care.

Honorable mentions: 1951 Alfa Romeo 159, Richard Petty's No. 43 1967 Plymouth Belvedere

Lifetime:

'95 McLaren F1 GTR
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/leadgw2010lemansmclaren.jpg

This selection was almost painfully hard. So many great choices it's almost unfair to have to choose. The McLaren is such a low production and significant piece of racing history that I couldn't pass up an afternoon with it. I know it's cliche, but LOOK AT IT! That 3.0CSL was the hardest one to toss by the wayside.

Honorable mentions: '71 Dodge Charger Super Bee, '73 BMW 3.0CSL, '99 BMW V12 LMR, Ferrari F430 GT2, BMW Z4 GTE, Dodge Viper GTS-R

Modern:

Ferrari 488 GTE
http://cdn-7.motorsport.com/images/amp/2jAWgP90/s6/imsa-daytona-24-2016-68-scuderia-corsa-ferrari-488-gte-alessandro-pier-guidi-alexandre-pre.jpg

It's a modern extension of the F430 which I still have feelings for. Truthfully I think the C7.R would be the best ride but I have a feeling someone else may jump in that seat...

Honorable mentions: Corvette Racing C7.R, Porsche 911 RSR, Ginetta G55 GT3.


Venue:

VIRginia International Raceway
http://www.n2td.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/vir_aerial.jpg

It's huge, forgiving, and is in a pastoral setting that makes you forget the rest of the world. Lots of configurations and enough technical corners to get the most from these three cars.

What's your Ultimate Track Day?

Kchrpm
January 17th, 2017, 09:08 AM
That McLaren :up:

Legacy: I'm far from knowledgeable on the cars of this era, but there's one choice that makes itself obvious to me, and I'm not too proud to choose one of the 1960s Corvette Grand Sports sent to Le Mans.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/84/35/66/8435662c4a7580bc66939d3ea2efa29b.jpg

Lifetime: Mid-90s Indy/Champ Car. If you don't know why, you haven't talked to me enough, and honestly that's probably better for you. I *think* I'm no longer mad at Tony George, but let's not find out. Also, could I fit in it? Well, I have sat in an IRL tub before (with the seat missing), so maybe? I'd make it work.

But which one? This one.

http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/apr-1996-michael-andretti-takes-his-newman-haas-racing-lola-ford-picture-id237483

Because I couldn't find a good picture of this one in road course trim

http://www.racer.com/images/igallery/resized/9801-9900/MarshallPruett_Phoenix1994_1995_006-9866-640-360-80-c.jpg

Modern: Easy button. Chevrolet Corvette C7.R. Beautiful, sounds great, pulls at my heart strings, etc. The only other car that had a shot was the GT3 version, but it hasn't won at LeMans. Also, with the traction control, I *might* not look like a complete fool in it!

http://www.torquenews.com/sites/default/files/image-106/12628435_942970565781196_1115133110877113683_o.jpg

Venue: Tough one. COTA is a modern track with plenty of runoff, Mid-Ohio has more memories and attachment for me, the Corvette Museum track because it's pretty damn cool (and it's the Corvette Museum track), and LeMans because 1) it's LeMans and 2) an IndyCar at LeMans would be pretty fucking crazy.

The IndyCar makes survivability at LeMans and NCM MSP questionable, and I've already driven Mid-Ohio, so COTA and it's acres of runoff are the winner!

http://seatingchartview.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Circuit-of-the-Americas.jpg

dodint
January 17th, 2017, 09:23 AM
COTA charges a YUGE fee if you bend their armco. BMWCCA had issues with them when they opened.

Love the legacy pick. I don't know enough about them to really distinguish them from one another or how to contextualize them. I just know when I see old Corvette racers at NCM I just want to jump in.

Not surprised at your Lifetime selection at all. ;) Brian thinks I might be able to fit in an F2000 with the seat out, so anything is possible. With a modern F1 car I feel like my face would block the air intake. ;)

Godson
January 17th, 2017, 10:32 AM
Damn. This is tough.


Like, really really tough. I think it is because of the broad range in years. As always, click for larger photos.



Legacy: 1966 MK1 Ford GT40

2156

I mean just look at it. The History of it alone requires it to be in my list. A car that took the fight directly to Ferrari, in the way only America knows how. A gigantic middle finger and massive amounts of bravado that has kept Ferrari out of a Factory backed team at Le Mans since.


Honorable mentions: 1965 Corvette Grand Sport, Ferrari P3/4



Lifetime Class: Corvette GTP Hull TU86/10-002

2157

This car is really special for me. Because it completely steps away from what a Corvette was, and the stories about the car are fantastic. You really should read the book Corvette GTP by Alex Gabbard (http://www.betterworldbooks.com/corvette-gtp-id-1574270575.aspx). The car featured a V6TT when in qualifying trim created upwards of 1200hp. I prefer the "short-tail" version, but the Long-tail had a more successful career. It was also driven by some of the well known drivers, such as David Hobbs, Doc Bundy, and a few others. The car also featured an attempt to us the Lotus Active suspension designed for the Formula one cars, but was shot down to it "being against the idea of the sport" or some nonsense.

In my search for a photo...I found this link : http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/showthread.php/28722-Restoring-my-Corvette-Lola-GTP

Honorable Mention: McLaren MP4, Corvette Challenge Cars, 2001 #3 Corvette C5R from the Daytona 24 (all out winner of the race), 2002 Cadillac LMP




Modern: Cadillac DPi V.R.

2158

It brings me both sadness and joy from the memories of the 2001/2 Cadillac LMP team, and shows a resurgence from American manufacturers towards Prototype racing.

Honorable Mention: Corvette C7R, Porsche 911 RSR



Venue: Hands down, COTA

2159

Simply based on the fact I have been on the track on the Monster in April of '16. It was one of the last times I rode my Monster, and it was simply magical. The climb up the hill, to turn one, to the way the esses flow, just magical to be on.

Cam
January 17th, 2017, 10:53 AM
Yeah, tough call, but here's a few that immediately come to mind:

Legacy: Jaguar E-Type; beautiful and race-winning.
Lifetime: Porsche 962; one of the most successful race cars of all time.
Modern: Subaru Impreza WRC version; Long legacy of success in WRC.
Venue: Spa-Francorchamps; Legendary track.

samoht
January 17th, 2017, 02:59 PM
Legacy: Lotus 49
http://snaplap.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/03230433/Lotus-49-Cover.jpg
beautiful car, Jim Clark, amazing engine, very pure. Wonder if it's any easier in real life than in GPL ?

Lifetime: Mazda 787B
http://auto3.xn--e1akkdfpb6a.xn--p1ai/Mazda-787-2.jpg
The chance to give that four-rotor free rein through 3rd and 4th gears would be an amazing experience

Modern: Aston Martin GTE
http://img.gawkerassets.com/post/12/2012/02/aston_martin_gte_1920.jpg
Love the looks, seems like it could be a just-about-manageable car to drive

Track: Suzuka
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/suzu-2013-p-941x529.jpg
Somewhere with lots of tarmac run-off is important for obvious reasons, so a current F1 circuit seems suitable. I love the rhythm of Suzuka, and I at least know the track layout from games. I'd ask them nicely to remove the final chicane so I could run straight through to see some big speeds (!)

dodint
January 17th, 2017, 05:15 PM
Tyler, I originally had the Legacy barrier at 1960 but bumped it up to 1970. I should've cheated at put it at 1975 so I could have the 3.0CSL.

The Lotus 49 is a hoot in sims, I'm sure I couldn't give it half of what it could take in real life.

Cam nailed it with Spa. Whoops.

Freude am Fahren
January 17th, 2017, 06:02 PM
This is so tough. My choices change by the minute.

Legacy: Ferrari 250 TR

Lifetime: McLaren F1 GTR (longtail version).

Modern: Porsche 919

Track: Spa. I thought about Le Mans, and opening up the straight for the old cars, but I don't know if that's allowed in the rules :)


Ask me again in 5 minutes and it will be a 917, Mercedes CLR, and AMG GT3, at Le Mans, or W196, 787b, and 911 GTE at the Nurburgring, etc, etc :D

Rare White Ape
January 17th, 2017, 08:09 PM
I'ma take a different route, just to be different.

Legacy: One of Mike Hailwood's old Hondas, like the RC174. Six tiny pistons each pushing a volume barely larger than a shot glass, but spinning up to 20,000 RPM. No mufflers. Hope you've got good earplugs.


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1tJOBaESFI/TWJLeJs_rjI/AAAAAAAAGn8/Pyqjlqngg74/s1600/200508291516220_Honda+RC166+250cc+6-Cyl_+Piston+and+Rod.jpg
Honourable mentions: King Kenny's Yamaha YZR500 (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/50/64/c3/5064c39e7d4213f28ce35371014ea069.jpg) from 1980 or a Kreidler 50cc (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/c4/d5/78/c4d578b440bb379d21a9a17939efda10.jpg) GP bike from the 60s.

Lifetime: I'm split between Mick Doohan's 1998 NSR500, the last one he rode to a championship, or Valentino Rossi's 2001 RC211V, Honda's all conquering opening salvo into the modern MotoGP specification, so let's list both, shall we?

http://www.sportbikerider.us/Pics1/1998-Honda-NSR500-657.jpghttps://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/05/2d/98/052d981da3818c743e39ad317b9ed125.jpg

Honourable mention: Rossi's NSR500 (http://rossihelmets.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/Valentino-Rossi-2001.jpg) from 2001.

Modern: This is a tough one. The split is between the sublime Yamaha YZR M1 and the extremely quick Honda RC213V. The M1 has been smoothed and shaped in the talented hands of Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo over the last decade into the world's greatest racing motorcycle, while the Honda in 2014 was able to soundly beat its competitor, it is still a weapon in the hands of Marc Marquez and won last year's championship. I think it'll have to go to the Yamaha as it is the most perfect all-round race bike ever built, as my meager talents won't ever be able to make the Honda work like Marquez can. But here's a photo of both just to be sure.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/385/32229078162_22ab3f89e8_o.jpg

Venue: Either Philip Island or the Isle of Man. I'm happy either way.

Godson
January 17th, 2017, 10:42 PM
So my struggle on the venue is odd.

I still want to do COTA, but my mind says I should do something legendary. Because that's what this list is.

But my heart says COTA. I could do Spa, Nurburgring, or Le Man's, as all would be a fantastic match for the cars on my list. Especially the GT40.

Suzuka would be another excellent choice, because of the ebb and flow of the track and it's legendary battles that have happened on it.

By I go back to COTA. That ride on my Ducati Monster just won't let me choose anything else.

I guess that's a good problem to have, huh?

Kchrpm
January 18th, 2017, 05:47 AM
I miss Suzuka :( Stupid licensing deal with whoever won't let it be in Forza...

dodint
January 18th, 2017, 05:51 AM
Nice, RWA. As mentioned in the original posts, motorcycles are welcome. :) If I had known I was going to get promoted and move I would've kept my RC-51. Oh well.

Tyler, I picked VIR because it has so many different configurations. I figured that Honda test track would show up for the same reason. I don't think I have ever run COTA in a sim or arcade racer so I don't know much about it other than what I've seen on TV. I really need to give in and buy Forza I think.

Freude am Fahren
January 18th, 2017, 07:57 AM
I thought about going bikes too, though I'd probably only go in the lifetime and modern category.

novicius
January 18th, 2017, 08:01 AM
What a cool thread! :up:

Legacy
1964 Shelby Daytona Coupe
http://gtxforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=2168&stc=1

Lifetime
1997 Team Oreca Chrysler Viper GTS-R
http://gtxforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=2169&stc=1

Modern
2016 Ford GT LM GTE-Pro
http://gtxforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=2170&stc=1

Venue
Road America, natch. :cool:

dodint
January 18th, 2017, 08:10 AM
"1964 Shelby Daytona Coupe" http://www.fifthavenueforum.com/forum/images/smilies/facepalm.gif

I left a few off on purpose as not to steal anyone's thunder but this never crossed my mind at all and I should be hazed for it.

Jason
January 18th, 2017, 08:23 AM
I was going to answer this, but then I remembered that my driver skill mod is super low, and I'd likely die in anything 'race car'.

Random
January 18th, 2017, 08:46 AM
Plenty of cool non-scary race cars out there. :)

Fer example:
http://image.superstreetonline.com/f/18078258+w660+h440+q80+re0+cr1/modp_0708_01%2Bspeed_world_challenge_tc%2Bacura_ts x.jpg

Kchrpm
January 18th, 2017, 08:51 AM
I think Carlo's choices are itching for a showdown with my choices. Based on historical precedent, he'd win :(

dodint
January 18th, 2017, 08:53 AM
I was going to answer this, but then I remembered that my driver skill mod is super low, and I'd likely die in anything 'race car'.

It's sad to me you wouldn't try either of these just for kicks:

http://www.musclecarmasters.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/mini-v-mustang.jpg

Also, I got a wire crossed earlier. When I said Ginetta I really meant the Sin R1 GT. My bad. Though I'd happily toss a Ginetta around.

Kchrpm
January 18th, 2017, 08:55 AM
Screw that noise, he should go for Alpha FiST.

http://www.omniauto.it/awpImages/articoli/evidenza/ford_fiesta_st_rx43_tutti_i_segreti_dellauto_di_ke n_block_26101.jpg

dodint
January 18th, 2017, 08:56 AM
What does that roof scoop do?

Jason
January 18th, 2017, 08:59 AM
It's sad to me you wouldn't try either of these just for kicks:

http://www.musclecarmasters.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/mini-v-mustang.jpg

Also, I got a wire crossed earlier. When I said Ginetta I really meant the Sin R1 GT. My bad. Though I'd happily toss a Ginetta around.


Screw that noise, he should go for Alpha FiST.

http://www.omniauto.it/awpImages/articoli/evidenza/ford_fiesta_st_rx43_tutti_i_segreti_dellauto_di_ke n_block_26101.jpg

Mini and rally FiST :up:

But I'd still die :lol:

Edit: Throw in this as well:

http://www.nsxprime.com/photopost/data/503/373624heuresdumans.jpg

And track would likely be... either Suzuka or Laguna Seca

Random
January 18th, 2017, 09:08 AM
What does that roof scoop do?

That's the panty collector.

novicius
January 18th, 2017, 09:14 AM
:lol:

Kchrpm
January 18th, 2017, 09:14 AM
What does that roof scoop do?

Good question. They're on all rally cars but I never thought about it much. I figured something along the lines of cooling/fresh air, but it's more complicated than that.

http://jalopnik.com/5893014/this-is-why-rally-cars-have-roof-scoops


What the scoop is supposed to do is raise the air pressure inside the cabin, keeping the dust out while still allowing warm air to come out. When it goes away, dust pours into the car, visibility drops to nil, and Novikov has a seriously huge crash.

dodint
January 18th, 2017, 09:31 AM
Oh, wow. Neat.

Random
January 18th, 2017, 09:58 AM
Too many cool cars to choose from, so five minutes from now, these could all be different. Like Nate, I know my limits, so no F1/open wheel/ground effects cars for me.

Legacy Class:
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/images/large/3112-7.jpg

Dat noise!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjE_RIllh4A

Lifetime Class:
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/images/car/5529/Audi-V8-Quattro-DTM-44228.jpg

Modern Class: How about this familiar ride? Maybe I could get the driver to coach me...
http://www.dailysportscar.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/AIM-AutosportNissan-GTR-PWC.jpg

The Venue:
Thunderhill Raceway
(http://www.thunderhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/large-final-map.jpg)
No, it doesn't have the cache of the old F1 tracks, and it's not located anywhere cool, but I know the track pretty well and would be able to focus on driving the cars. :)

A lap around the full 5-mile version of the track in the LeMons car I share:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QU_92dTHVQ

Kchrpm
January 18th, 2017, 10:02 AM
Bryan's car was on the short list behind the C7.R for me :up:

More info on the Audi?

novicius
January 18th, 2017, 10:08 AM
If you can't resist burying the pedal on some crazy-fast winged deathmachine for an afternoon, cut a tennis ball in half and put it under the gas. :lol:

Random
January 18th, 2017, 10:12 AM
Keith: Audi's entry into DTM during the E30 M3/190 2.3-16 glory days. 3.6-liter V8, 400+ hp, quattro. Won the 1990 and 91 seasons.

edit: http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/images/car/5529/Audi-V8-Quattro-DTM-44224.jpg
Unf!

ps. note that the entire engine is in front of the shock towers. 50/50 weight balance is for wimps! :lol:

Kchrpm
January 18th, 2017, 10:17 AM
:eek:

Cam
January 18th, 2017, 01:00 PM
Modern: Subaru Impreza WRC version; Long legacy of success in WRC.
I am surprised to learn that there are no Subies in WRC anymore. Goes to show you how out of touch I am with racing these days. :o

Random
January 18th, 2017, 01:14 PM
I am surprised to learn that there are no Subies in WRC anymore. Goes to show you how out of touch I am with racing these days. :o

You can attack some time with the car they built for resetting the Isle of Man TT record (for cars):
http://images.cdn.autocar.co.uk/sites/autocar.co.uk/files/styles/gallery_slide/public/images/car-reviews/first-drives/legacy/m_higgins_-_ballacrye_-_saturday.jpg

The359
January 18th, 2017, 09:06 PM
I miss Suzuka :( Stupid licensing deal with whoever won't let it be in Forza...

Honda owns Suzuka, so they'd be the one with the deal.

Godson
January 18th, 2017, 09:07 PM
If you can't resist burying the pedal on some crazy-fast winged deathmachine for an afternoon, cut a tennis ball in half and put it under the gas. :lol:

Fucking ZING!!!!!

Kchrpm
January 19th, 2017, 06:25 AM
Honda owns Suzuka, so they'd be the one with the deal.

DAMN YOU HONDA!!!!

Random
January 19th, 2017, 07:29 AM
Fucking ZING!!!!!

There are physical limitations, too--my neck and core aren't really strong enough to be pulling GT1/LMP/F1 levels of gees for any real period of time. Why do it if it's not going to be fun and you aren't going to get anything out of the car?

novicius
January 19th, 2017, 07:33 AM
It would be *plenty* fun even at less than backmarker speeds. ;)

Kchrpm
January 19th, 2017, 07:34 AM
Are they, though? I thought knife edge, high-downforce, high strung cars were, generally, unruly beasts until they were up to temperature and speed.

novicius
January 19th, 2017, 07:40 AM
Didn't Swervo drive some Indy Car or somesuch?

I think he successfully had (a physically tiring and tension-filled) fun time and yet I assume he didn't crack an actual race pace... :assclown:

Kchrpm
January 19th, 2017, 07:49 AM
SWERVO DROVE AN INDYCAR?!

novicius
January 19th, 2017, 07:53 AM
:lol:

Kchrpm
January 19th, 2017, 07:57 AM
Skip Barber Formula Car. Very different. :P

novicius
January 19th, 2017, 08:08 AM
:) #shrug

CudaMan
January 19th, 2017, 09:59 AM
Cold slicks are a bitch. :)

But since this is Your Ultimate Track Day, you could always bring along a pro to warm up the brakes and tires and hand it over in the pits. :)

Random
January 19th, 2017, 10:01 AM
Cold slicks are a bitch. :)

But since this is Your Ultimate Track Day, you could always bring along a pro to warm up the brakes and tires and hand it over in the pits. :)

Well, you're already going to be there as my driver coach, right? ;) :D

CudaMan
January 19th, 2017, 10:17 AM
I like this idea. :)

The intakes on that Audi V8 are sick. :eek:

Tom Servo
January 19th, 2017, 11:40 AM
Skip Barber Formula Car. Very different. :P

FWIW, it was tension filled and physically demanding for me. I'm sure an Indy Car would be much harder, but I was surprised at how tired I was after the stints in the SB F2000. I also gather that that's not unusual, when you first start out driving the instructors tell you that you'll be trading off the car between two drivers and usually doing a stint of 15-20 minutes. Everyone moaned in disappointment and the instructor followed that up with "Trust me, you'll be thinking that's too long by the end of your first stint", and he was totally right.

Oh, and also like Carlo thought with the IndyCar, I didn't come anywhere near cracking race pace. I think on iRacing I was able to turn a 1:42 at some point (this is purely from memory, I know it was somewhere in the lower 40s), and it looks like the real life lap record is 1:38.634. I was turning about a 1:55 in real life by the end of the three days and still managed to go off at the Andretti hairpin.

Kchrpm
January 19th, 2017, 11:54 AM
FWIW, it was tension filled and physically demanding for me. I'm sure an Indy Car would be much harder
I was actually referring more to my excitement at the thought of someone I know getting to drive an Indy Car than the physical demands :)

But good, interesting notes on the rest of the stuff, too :up:

dodint
January 19th, 2017, 11:57 AM
I mentioned he could advise on the F2000 in the third post of this thread. :P

Kchrpm
January 19th, 2017, 12:02 PM
I thought you meant Bryan and spelled his name wrong :)

Rare White Ape
January 19th, 2017, 12:13 PM
For a good dose of what it's like to drive a Formula 1 car, try and find an old video on YouTube where Chris Harris shared an early-00's car at Silverstone with Martin Brundle.

Harris is no slouch and races professionally, yet he still manages to end up all at sea in the F1 car. His talent at the wheel counted for little, as no matter how late he braked, or how high he tried to make his cornering speed, or how delicate he tried to be with his inputs, the car always came back with "Fuck you, you need to be faster." They'll only cooperate at that bleeding edge of speed.

Although if you wanted to buy a 2nd-hand F1 car and go driving they can be tuned to be more friendly. Lift them right up off the ground, make the suspension soft as buggery, screw the wings as far as they'll go for maximum downforce, and take the edge out of the motor.

I remember watching a show that followed some rich bozo who bought an ex-Schumacher Ferrari direct from the team. They let him pick out a chassis from their storage, did a seat fitting, and then set up the car as above, including the ability to run it off regular pump fuel. Later on once the car was ready, the team took it to Fiorano for a shakedown. They taught the guy how to run and maintain his new car and had him go for a drive. It wasn't a dignified way for an incredible machine like that to begin its post-racing life. Yes it was loud and potentially fast, but the rich bozo wasn't exactly fit enough to properly sit in the car, so his shoulders were fully above the cockpit line and his head blocked most of the air intake. It was sad to watch the greatest F1 car of its day - a championship winner with M. Schumacher written on the sides - behing pootled around by some misshapen rich fat fucker.

Kchrpm
January 19th, 2017, 12:29 PM
For a good dose of what it's like to drive a Formula 1 car, try and find an old video on YouTube where Chris Harris shared an early-00's car at Silverstone with Martin Brundle.

Watching now.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7XRNJlGNCw


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb8N6bGOvkY


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1IDXkFO7_k

Rare White Ape
January 19th, 2017, 02:58 PM
That's the one Keith :up:

dodint
January 19th, 2017, 03:23 PM
I have seen that Ferrari segment you're talking about. Caught it on broadcast TV a while ago. I remember them making the seat insert as they let him try some of the ones that came with the car and they weren't even close.

Godson
January 19th, 2017, 09:59 PM
Ya'll are getting to silly about this.


If you had your dream session in place, would you be busy masturbating about the idea, or working your ass off to make the most of it?


I'd be in top shape, and my skills would be damned refined with doing track days at local places in preparation. I wouldn't miss the chance for this at all.

racerfink
January 19th, 2017, 11:05 PM
I think this would be just too much fun to pass up. Any of the T/A cars from this era, really. But as much as Krunch likes Vettes, I like Camaros.http://www.historictransam.com/images/Monterey05/_HST3499.jpg

Thought about going with some GTP car of the IMSA heyday, but my dad actually owned one of these for a short time. It needed a motor and trans, and had a little oil fire damage, but I sat in that thing every chance I got when I was 8 years old!
http://hqpictures.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Bmw-3.0-CSL-Wallpaper.jpg
What can I say... I like "tin" top racing.http://gmauthority.com/blog/wp-content/gallery/2015-cadillac-ats-v-r/2015-cadillac-ats-v-r-coupe-03.jpg

Thanks to ChumpCar, World Racing League, American Endurance Racing, and the SCCA, I've been able to experience a lot of bucket list tracks. Sebring, Daytona, VIR, Road Atlanta, Road America, Mid-Ohio, and Texas World Speedway, but this one has a pretty good mix of corners, and the terrain is challenging. A good blending of Mid-Ohio and Road America.http://snaplap.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/18124455/WatkinsGlen-aerialview_1.jpg

novicius
January 20th, 2017, 03:24 AM
Yep I thought about picking the T/A cars, too. :cool: :up:

Rare White Ape
January 20th, 2017, 06:21 AM
Portland…

You know, a lot if my early years was spent learning the names of small town American locations. I might not know where the heck Portland is, but I really know what it looks like.

https://youtu.be/NBe7KCmy8CQ

Kchrpm
January 20th, 2017, 06:40 AM
I'd be in top shape, and my skills would be damned refined with doing track days at local places in preparation. I wouldn't miss the chance for this at all.
Yes, but you're you, and we're not you :) No, I would not start an exhausting physical and training regimen just for a track day. If Chris Harris struggles so much in an F1 car, an 80s-style montage isn't going to get me prepped to drive an IndyCar.

dodint
January 20th, 2017, 06:52 AM
I'd be in top shape, and my skills would be damned refined with doing track days at local places in preparation. I wouldn't miss the chance for this at all.

That part about doing a build up is brilliant, hadn't thought of that.

novicius
January 20th, 2017, 07:07 AM
For a good dose of what it's like to drive a Formula 1 car, try and find an old video on YouTube where Chris Harris shared an early-00's car at Silverstone with Martin Brundle.
Uh what? :erm:

That vid is horrible! Taking out an F1 car in sub-freezing temps?? Frozen ground, barely above-freezing temp into the slicks (if that), just a terrible example of a layperson driving an F1 car -- of course that wouldn't be any fun! :lol: :down:

dodint
January 20th, 2017, 07:10 AM
Chris Harris is a terrible example of a person, though, so it fits.

Kchrpm
January 20th, 2017, 07:48 AM
Ok, how's this?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGUZJVY-sHo

novicius
January 20th, 2017, 08:20 AM
Yeah that's a much better vid -- after his difficulty getting started and getting the car somewhat warmed up, him screaming "Oh God! Oh God! Oh God this is unbelievable!!" definitely sounds about right. :D :up:

Kchrpm
January 20th, 2017, 08:25 AM
Yep. So if you have a bunch of experience with fast road cars and the track, and you get to spend the first half of the day practicing in smaller and much slower versions, you can, after a couple of attempts, do two laps without spinning.

But, his "Oh God! Oh God!" moment was in reaction to the acceleration. Which begs the question: why did no one pick a top fuel dragster? :D

novicius
January 20th, 2017, 08:47 AM
Yep. So if you have a bunch of experience with fast road cars and the track, and you get to spend the first half of the day practicing in smaller and much slower versions, you can, after a couple of attempts, do two laps without spinning.
Ok? Does this wet dream thread come with some restrictions? :)


But, his "Oh God! Oh God!" moment was in reaction to the acceleration. Which begs the question: why did no one pick a top fuel dragster? :D
He also said "Turn in oh it's beautiful!", it wasn't all about the acceleration. Did you watch the whole vid?

It looks like a thrilling mind-bending trip! :D :up:

Kchrpm
January 20th, 2017, 08:59 AM
To be clear, I was not disagreeing with your statements. I was wondering genuinely if anyone would pick a track that also has a drag strip and try to hit 300 mph, and suggesting that someone could use their other two cars as a build up to the final F1/prototype. Perhaps an early Ferrari Le Mans racer, followed by one of the mad GT1 cars, then finally the Porsche 918, if you want to go the Le Mans route.

dodint
January 20th, 2017, 09:31 AM
Yep. So if you have a bunch of experience with fast road cars and the track, and you get to spend the first half of the day practicing in smaller and much slower versions, you can, after a couple of attempts, do two laps without spinning.

But, his "Oh God! Oh God!" moment was in reaction to the acceleration. Which begs the question: why did no one pick a top fuel dragster? :D

Because I specifically made you choose one venue to avoid that sort of thing. Are you willing to take a place like Brainerd to get the drag strip, but be stuck with a Tier II road course?

I was interested, in part, with how peoples picks would appear together. I was immediately surprised by Tylers love of GM.

Kchrpm
January 20th, 2017, 09:39 AM
Because I specifically made you choose one venue to avoid that sort of thing. Are you willing to take a place like Brainerd to get the drag strip, but be stuck with a Tier II road course?

The NHRA races on the drag strip at Sonoma as well. Perhaps it is now Tier II but Portland International Raceway was mentioned and also has a drag strip

dodint
January 20th, 2017, 09:44 AM
Neat.

NHRA might be my softest of soft spots when it comes to motor sports knowledge. If I were opening it up to venue-per-car I would've taken something to the salt flats.

Reynard
January 20th, 2017, 05:30 PM
Cool idea but I'm going to be dick and not going to cooperate with my answers, sorry.

First the 1970 through 2015 is just far too large a spread in time for me to pick one vehicle so that's a non answer for me.

An ultimate track for a track day is a very easy answer though and I'd bet Tigeraid, Cam & Cuda could probably predict this and that would be Autodromo International Algarve outside of Portimao. Easily my favorite road course built in the last 20 years. It might not have any long history or beautiful scenery around it but it has every kind of corner you could want, nice elevation changes and a ton of good run-off room that makes finding the limits that much less stressful. It was always my go to test track when I was still sim racing.

http://www.autodromodoalgarve.com/Content.aspx?guid=6115e8c6-c1d6-44b8-a3f8-bbdac1f7b43a

Now that's my only good response as my picks for a pre '70 and current racer both have no use for the Algarve. Pre 1970 would definitely be Art Arfon's Green Monster LSR. Has always been a hero of mine.

http://www.landspeedrecord.org/green-monster-art-arfons/

And for something that raced in 2015 & '16 and will be racing in 2017, that would be Sea Fury N71GB aka Sawbones. She's not my fave racing Sea Fury, which is currently in limbo, (I'm trying to play by the rules ;)) but I'm a sucker for Cyclone fitted Furies and the team is really cool and friendly so there you go.

http://aviationphotodigest.com/sawbones-hawker-sea-fury/

Tom Servo
January 20th, 2017, 08:47 PM
Aside: My wife has been regretting not buying a Mild Seven Renault ladies' shirt at the USGP we went to for a good decade. I miss that livery.

Godson
January 21st, 2017, 11:54 AM
I was interested, in part, with how peoples picks would appear together. I was immediately surprised by Tylers love of GM.

I grew up a HUGE GM and Corvette fan. I'd say I likely might be a larger fan of the Corvette in the first 50 years than Keith. I have droves of Corvette specific books, some of which were only released once and several hundred dollars each. I've read them all from front to back. I started to to venture away from them after highschool as they C5 and C6 felt like a departure to the heritage to me at times. I know that isn't accurate, but the 5th and 6th gen felt as if they were a much larger body vehicle than the predecessors. The C7 has visually returned to its heritage with the design I feel, and I have started to follow them again, even if they are out of my price range.

Hope this makes sense. But my favorite gen of Vette is the 4th. I feel like that was when they were pushing the envelope of technology for performance in weird ways. See dealer order Callaway B2K Corvettes, Dohc v8 in the ZR-1, first production car with ABS. The Challenge cars from the dominance in Scca roadracing. The channeled frames to help address body flex from changing the design attributes of the t-top to Targa at the last minute. Really an impressive vehicle.

dodint
January 21st, 2017, 03:41 PM
I hope 24LM works out for us. I really enjoy touring NCM with Keith and I think it would be even better with both of you.

racerfink
January 21st, 2017, 08:10 PM
Because I specifically made you choose one venue to avoid that sort of thing. Are you willing to take a place like Brainerd to get the drag strip, but be stuck with a Tier II road course?

I was interested, in part, with how peoples picks would appear together. I was immediately surprised by Tylers love of GM.


Hockenheim, Heartland Park, PBIR, and now even Sebring also have drag strips. Although in Sebring's case, it's only 1/8th mile.

Godson
January 22nd, 2017, 08:56 AM
Heartland park has just been re paved too

Freude am Fahren
January 22nd, 2017, 11:07 AM
Sanoma too.

dodint
January 22nd, 2017, 12:11 PM
I would have to really like NHRA to blow one of my picks on a three second ride. How many times can they go in an afternoon?

Kchrpm
January 22nd, 2017, 05:41 PM
I would have to really like NHRA to blow one of my picks on a three second ride. How many times can they go in an afternoon?

Looks like up to four times, in normal NHRA events. It would be such an insane experience, would it be worth giving up much more actual seat time in something else? Not for me, but for someone out there.

Cam
January 23rd, 2017, 04:44 AM
I hear they have to rebuild the engine after every run too. :eek:

Kchrpm
January 23rd, 2017, 05:11 AM
Yep! I really should go to an NHRA event one day to experience it. WE ALL SHOULD ZOMGTXFNHRABBQ

dodint
January 23rd, 2017, 05:43 AM
When I lived in WI I had a trip to Brainerd penciled into my vacations schedule but my time there ended prematurely and I never got to go.

racerfink
January 23rd, 2017, 10:22 AM
I've seen Top Fuel cars run in person a few times. If you are a true motorhead, I highly recommend seeing one live. Take ear protection.

Freude am Fahren
January 23rd, 2017, 12:49 PM
I always wanted to go to the Gator Nationals when I was in Gainesville, but it was always the same weekend as Sebring.

Rare White Ape
January 24th, 2017, 12:18 AM
Yeah NOTHING on earth can prepare you for witnessing a top fuel at launch.

Even the second launch you see still takes your breath away.

And the third.

They're insane.

This guy demonstrates it nicely.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEJy8wLkbpk

Rare White Ape
January 24th, 2017, 12:35 AM
I hear they have to rebuild the engine after every run too. :eek:

They are truly ridiculous machines. They use over 20gal of fuel per run, and it only takes half an hour to strip and rebuild an engine. Some parts are 'lifed' on how many times they get used, for instance, a valve opened and closed 900 times so it must be replaced, etc. I'm not sure on their gearbox setups, but the clutch is constantly slipping throughout the 1/4-mile and each plate (of 6) engages at a specific time to put more drive to the ground.

http://www.motortrend.com/news/top-fuel-numbers/


The downward thrust made by the exhaust gases escaping the headers alone generates 800 pounds of downforce.

Nucking futs!

Just about the only way to purposefully accelerate a human being any faster without them being killed is to use an ejector seat.

novicius
January 24th, 2017, 04:04 AM
Don't forget about the joys of retina detachment! :assclown:

racerfink
January 24th, 2017, 05:19 AM
https://youtu.be/CQVQtTFZDSI

Freude am Fahren
January 24th, 2017, 03:26 PM
When I was probably 5 or 6, my dad took me to the NHRA meet at the drag stip up in New Hampshire (we lived there at this point). It was pretty cold, but I didn't think I needed a big jacket. I ended up being too cold and we had to leave before the Top Fuel cars came out. I always felt bad, because I think my dad was pretty disappointed. But looking back, I'm also mad I didn't get to experience it.

Random
January 24th, 2017, 03:37 PM
[...] I always felt bad, because I think my dad was pretty disappointed. But looking back, I'm also mad I didn't get to experience it.

I still owe my parents a baseball game for making them leave early from an Indians game in the early 80s (they hit a home run and set off fireworks--grade-school me really didn't like loud noises). :(

Reynard
January 27th, 2017, 04:49 PM
Yes, everyone with a smattering of interest in motorsports should go to a NHRA, IHRA or any professional drag racing event that runs fuel cars. You get to see (no pun intended) what it's like to actually have your eyeballs rattled in their sockets, blurring your vision just watching a car launch. It's pretty awesome but imo also pretty exhausting even just being spectator, for me at least. But if you only go to one drag race in your life I would very highly suggest the California Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield every Autumn. That's were you get to see the really cool stuff.

Alan P
January 27th, 2017, 07:03 PM
When I was very young my parents took myself and my two bothers to Brands Hatch. We were sitting on the outside of Paddock Hill bend and that's about all I can remember. I mustn't have been older than maybe four or five. I'd love to go to Santa Pod over there at some point.

Tom Servo
January 28th, 2017, 09:56 PM
I used to live just about 2 miles from the Fairplex in Pomona, CA. I never went to the NHRA nationals there, but they were loud enough where I was at to interfere with normal TV watching, even being 2 miles away.

dodint
February 15th, 2017, 07:17 AM
Legacy:

1952 Mercedes W194 (300SL)
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/47/72/1f/47721f040270f739f0e4d2f8a673ac18.jpg

This class is huge and features all the iconic rides that were there at the infancy of F1 and Indy, but I've chosen the king of Le Mans, Nürburgring, and the Mille Miglia. It's cramped and hot and only 175hp but I don't care.

Honorable mentions: 1951 Alfa Romeo 159, Richard Petty's No. 43 1967 Plymouth Belvedere


Pittsburgh Auto Show is this weekend and they're going to have a '55 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing there. Stoked, never seen one in person. Heading there Friday after work. The convention center is one block from work, easy money.


This is what else they'll have: http://www.pittautoshow.com/featured_vehicles.cfm

I want to see the new NSX in person to see if I hate it less than I do now.

Cam
February 15th, 2017, 07:33 AM
At one of the Newport Concourse I went to, (Jeez that was almost ten year ago. :( ) there were four or five 300SL Gullwings parked next to each other.

Tom Servo
February 15th, 2017, 09:25 AM
Pittsburgh Auto Show is this weekend and they're going to have a '55 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing there. Stoked, never seen one in person. Heading there Friday after work. The convention center is one block from work, easy money.


This is what else they'll have: http://www.pittautoshow.com/featured_vehicles.cfm

I want to see the new NSX in person to see if I hate it less than I do now.

There's a new NSX at an exotic car shop a couple of blocks from my place. It still looks like a squashed TL.

Freude am Fahren
February 15th, 2017, 10:00 AM
Saw an NSX on Monday. I'll have to see if my dashcam picked it up.

dodint
February 15th, 2017, 10:33 AM
There's a new NSX at an exotic car shop a couple of blocks from my place. It still looks like a squashed TL.

I described it to someone today as an MDX squished into an R8 mold.

Phil_SS
February 15th, 2017, 11:14 AM
Yes, everyone with a smattering of interest in motorsports should go to a NHRA, IHRA or any professional drag racing event that runs fuel cars. You get to see (no pun intended) what it's like to actually have your eyeballs rattled in their sockets, blurring your vision just watching a car launch. It's pretty awesome but imo also pretty exhausting even just being spectator, for me at least. But if you only go to one drag race in your life I would very highly suggest the California Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield every Autumn. That's were you get to see the really cool stuff.

I can't stress this enough as well. I'm not sure about the Hot Rod Reunion but it should be an event that runs Top Fuel and Funny Cars. Your whole entire body and the entire earth and structures around you will vibrate for the 4.5 seconds it takes for the cars to get down the track.

It's a good example of how powerful sound waves and air pressure can be. It's the only thing I can think of that required me to catch my breath just sitting and watching it.

balki
February 15th, 2017, 12:40 PM
anyone been to a rocket launch (from miles away, obviously) to compare?

Reynard
February 17th, 2017, 12:42 PM
I wish. I was at Cape Canaveral in the summer on 1973 and got to watch one of the Saturn 1B's doing it's slow crawler commute to the launch pad for one of the Skylab missions but that's as close as I've come.

Rare White Ape
February 20th, 2017, 12:37 AM
I can't speak for the sound of a rocket launch from a viewing area, but they certainly won't wow you with vibrations or speed from the distance you normally see them.

It took a couple of seconds for the Space Shuttle to reach 60 MPH (vertically, and weighing a couple of thousand tones mind you) and by that time the top fuel will be finished and decelerating down to triple that speed. The fastest part of a rocket's acceleration happens up in the way up in the atmosphere where the air is thinner, the fuel load is reduced, and the gravity turn has pointed the vehicle sideways so that it is not fighting so much against the downward force of gravity. That's too far away for it to look as awesome as a top fuel dragster.

M4FFU
February 22nd, 2017, 02:52 AM
I'd love to go to Santa Pod over there at some point.

You should. It'll rain - it's a given - but Top Fuellers are immense. The Jetcar they run there, too, is good value.

balki
February 22nd, 2017, 08:47 AM
I can't speak for the sound of a rocket launch from a viewing area, but they certainly won't wow you with vibrations or speed from the distance you normally see them.
Definitely going for sound/vibration something like this (please don't listen to the audio off of a laptop's speaker) (https://youtu.be/OnoNITE-CLc?t=1m43s)
I recall the V10 F1 cars being ear-bleeding loud at 15-20k rpm (140dB?), guessing top fuel is not just louder but deeper (more kick-in-the-chest vibrations?)