Bridgestone (Firestone) test track rental??

[EvanZR1]

Has anyone ever looked into renting out the Bridgestone (Firestone) 7.7 mile oval outside Fort Stockton where the original record runs for the ZR-1 were done? It's still listed as a testing facility on the Bridgestone website, so I'm guessing it's still active. Would be awesome to do a top speed event for C4 ZR-1s and other Corvettes there.

[gtcollins@maxnet.co.nz]

That sounds like fun

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[RussMcB]

I remember reading about the prep they did before the record run, trying to plan for different problems, like an animal running across the track. It made me think there's a bit more risk involved that what you might initially think. But I agree, it is fun to think about.

[Vette Guy]

2 more ZR-1s ran there in 1995..... can’t imagine the expense. https://youtu.be/Ilz6ul5q4EE

https://youtu.be/bbK2z6QdV-M

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[RussMcB]

Originally Posted by Vette Guy

2 more ZR-1s ran there in 1995..... can’t imagine the expense. https://youtu.be/Ilz6ul5q4EE

https://youtu.be/bbK2z6QdV-M

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Thanks, Mark. Very interesting. I got a kick out of the the paper printer for spitting out the speeds. Not too impressed with the Anti High Def video. :-)

And the results were not what I expected. All impressive cars.

[Vette Guy]

There’s a story behind the ZR-1’s results. First, it was the only tuner car driven to the event. The owner and Doug Rippie hit 196mph on the way to the shootout on West Texas highways. During the event, Phil Hill short shifted going into 6th, resulting in a disappointing top speed. Additionally, John Lingenfelter was the only passenger during the event. I understand he insisted on riding with Phil in the Firebird, presumably to operate the hidden Nitrous system, which made its unique sound as Phil was coming through the traps - give it a listen. Doug was not at all happy about Phil’s short shifting, which is understandable given the other cars being shifted under 6k. As a point of order, Doug and the black ZR-1’s owner hit 198mph on the return trip home, on the same West Texas highway. This car was the second DRM-600 produced, and tricked out with all of Doug’s Escort/Corvette Challenge/World Challenge suspension mods. Phil Hill’s comment about the car’s accuracy at speed as compared to the stock ZR-1 was an affirmation of its setup.
Very interesting times to say the least..... oh by the way, this is my car, which I’m pretty proud of!

Regards,
Mark


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[Vetman]

I’m sure insurance at the track might prohibit high speed running but maybe it could be arranged for parade laps like we do at the motors sports park. Would make for a great photo shoot. Maybe magazine feature. Maybe arrange for the 30th anniversary of the record run. (2020) Tie it in with the “gathering”. If done I would attend!!!!

[tgonyaw]

Thanks for posting. So much I have forgotten!
Still a great bunch of cars.

[Meanmyz]

Loved watching the ZR-1's in action. Thanks for sharing! I am guessing a coolant bypass of the throttle body and a better chip calibration would have really helped the stock ZR-1 on a hot day like that.