Question for track drivers

[9T1 Red ZR1]

The new Car and Driver magazine is out with the Lightning Lap at Virginia International Raceway. How do you think a C4 ZR-1 would do compared to the times of today's cars? They drove a modified 1999 Acura NSX to a 3:07.1. How does a ZR-1 compare when you are on a track with some of today's cars?

Thanks,
Bill

[RussMcB]

Of course there are too many variables to say definitively yes, but generally new cars are faster.

But, I doubt someone driving a newer car is having more fun than a C4 ZR-1 driver on track. For example, I’ve enjoyed a slight 4 wheel drift through T1 at Rd Atl at maybe 85-90 MPH, whereas a new Corvette would go faster and stick. More lateral G’s, but more fun?


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[rkreigh]

Originally Posted by 9T1 Red ZR1

The new Car and Driver magazine is out with the Lightning Lap at Virginia International Raceway. How do you think a C4 ZR-1 would do compared to the times of today's cars? They drove a modified 1999 Acura NSX to a 3:07.1. How does a ZR-1 compare when you are on a track with some of today's cars?

Thanks,
Bill

Take your ZR-1 out to VIR and find out. I took the old LSV out for giggles and it was awesome. If you need a set of BIG CCW race tires and hoosiers I've got em and thinking about selling.

To answer your question the ZR-1 isn't all that competitive since even the old Z06.

A new C7 ZR-1 with the 755 HP is the new KOTH and yes technology does march on.

I don't have a lap time to throw out there, but quite a few folks track there cars at VIR and may have some representative times. The NSX will shade us pretty bad though, don't be fooled.

[lfalzarano]

There are Charity laps at VIR November 15. You won’t be able to set lap records in your Z, but you can redline the beast in many gears. Lots of fun.


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[Shrek]

I'm guessing that NSX 3:07 was more than likely on the Grand Course (4.2 mile) configuration.
Might be tough finding a good comparison because I can't recall any clubs that conduct HPDE events at VIR using the Grand Course configuration.
My wife ran a bunch of HPDEs with her Z and she ran in the 2:2XX range on the Full Course (3.27 mile) configuration.
I would say she was a slightly above average HPDE driver with a lot of track miles under her belt on various east coast tracks.

https://virnow.com/track/configurations

[MarkSS]

I have tracked a ZR-1, C5 Z06, C6 Z06, 2013 Camaro 1LE and 2014 Z/28, among others... but all of the cars mentioned are faster than a stock C4 ZR-1 with the same driver. So, for Lightning Lap, it would be a ways down the list.

However, at the average track day the driving skill varies a lot so it is possible to be competitive with newer cars if you can get it around. Stock suspension is too soft, but add some good tires, competition brake fluid, and some negative camber and you are ready to go. As others have said, may not be the fastest, but still plenty fun.

[9T1 Red ZR1]

Thanks to all who answered. Thanks to MarkSS, that was what I was looking for. I realize that technology has really advanced in 25 to 30 years. I was just curious how well the ZR-1 has held up. I realize we no longer drive the "King", but it still puts a big smile on my face with every mile. Thanks again for taking the time to answer.

Bill