Hit the wall: My ZL1 at Laguna Seca

[craig.martell]

Originally Posted by lbls1

Sorry about the mishap. The hit didn't sound bad, but do not take short cuts in the repairs. The fix will be what it will be.

I also noticed that you weren't really going that fast. It didn't seem like a tight turn so I'm surprised that the tires let go like that. 60 d weather is like Spring, so to hear and see this is discouraging.

You'll notice though, that I accelerate as I come out of the turn. It is exactly then that the tires broke loose.

So there were a few strikes against me. Even in 60 degree weather, I should have warmed the tires up by going mellow for a run or two. Also, my tires are essentially at the end of tread life. (Although, I am not sure this should matter, as tread is opposite of what you want on the track.) Finally, it was a mistake to turn off traction control by going to PTM5.

This happened to me once before at Buttonwillow with no ill effects. And then it was 60.

These tires are fantastic when warm, but dangerous when cold. They simply break loose with no warning.

Craig

[craig.martell]

Originally Posted by Acro2pilot

I replaced mine with sottozeros for the winter but I think I will go with Pilot Sports, I have pushed those on the street and track in all temperature ranges with good results.


Love the car, hate the tires.

Can you get Pilot Sports in the OEM size? If not, what size are you thinking of getting?

Any thoughts on the Pirelli P Zeros? They come in OEM size. As do the
Hankook Ventus R-S3 (Version 2).

[LimaCharlie]

It could've been much worse. At least you actually drive and have fun with your ZL1. Incidents like this makes you learn about your car.
Why did the car have problems starting after the hit?

[Acro2pilot]

Originally Posted by craig.martell

Can you get Pilot Sports in the OEM size? If not, what size are you thinking of getting?

Any thoughts on the Pirelli P Zeros? They come in OEM size. As do the
Hankook Ventus R-S3 (Version 2).

Close enough to be comfortable with. For example the Pilot Super Sport comes in 305/30 or 315/35 either one being close, I would probably lean to 315/35. Throwing the numbers into tire calc shows the difference to be tiny. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tir...5r20-315-35r20

[Trickskier]

Glad you're OK - Thanks for the info about PTM5.

[JacobC1983]

I am sorry this happened to you. The damage looks like it could have been worse, but I wouldn't want it to happen to me either. Wish you the best.

[pktrusty]

Glad to hear you are ok. Racing at Laguna Seca is one of my dreams. What kind of event is this?

[Z/28Dan]

Glad you're OK and you didn't do serious damage.

I track my ZL1 and I would consider myself a novice even after 6 track days last year. So I'm no expert. I track with the OEM tires because I have a feeling for what they will and won't do. Not because I think they are the best. I also run in Sport mode on the track, so you can see I'm a wimp. <But I have fun!>

I did spin out once this year in rainy weather at Summit Point. I was overtaking a slower car and when he pointed me by, I punched it to go around him and once out of the groove, I was along for the ride. A full 360+ later and some agricultural racing, I finally came to a stop. (Both feet in!) No walls in the way thankfully, but I lost my nerve after than spin. My next run I was like a grandma out on the track. (No offense to fast Granny's) I learned one thing that day...I'll never run a track day in the rain. It isn't worth it. And cold tires, same thing. Be careful out there but have fun!

ps. I run PSS as my street tires. Never had them on the track.

[KaBoom1701]

Thanks for sharing this video.

I've tracked my 13' V6 several times with the SS Brembo's and 1LE suspension upgrades. Now that I just got my ZL1 I can't wait to take it to the track.

I know from experience as I ran the exact ZL1 tires on my V6 car that these tires do not like the cold. I remember on the Street of Willow track that my V6 would slip a lot on the first few laps. Can't imagine the ZL1 with cold tires on the track.

I think one of the most important DIC information is the tire pressure. Once I see it start to go up I know my tires have heat in them and the car is good to go.

Glad your ok. Hopefully the repair bill won't be so bad.

[2011Black2SS]

Originally Posted by craig.martell

Can you get Pilot Sports in the OEM size? If not, what size are you thinking of getting?

Any thoughts on the Pirelli P Zeros? They come in OEM size. As do the
Hankook Ventus R-S3 (Version 2).

I have tracked my SS and then ZL1 with both the P Zeros and Goodyears on them and I have to say that I'll never buy them again after switching to Pilot Super Sports. I run a 285/315 setup, but some people are running a 295/315 setup.

I haven't tired the Hankook, but some of my friends like them. I went to Putnam last April and the temps where around the same as you had. The Goodyears took the better part of the 20 minute sessions to warm up. I never felt comfortable with them. I went to NCM in October (70's probably and raining) and the Super Sports were a champ from the word go. I felt a lot more comfortable on them even in the water then I did with the Goodyears on.

Edit: I run / drive my car on the PTM 5 setting on and off the track. I did try the PTM1 setting at NCM in the rain and I was quite impressed with it.

ZL1Dan: Try the PSS on the track, you won't be disappointed. The only tire I would be switching out the PSS for on the track would be a true race tire.

[craig.martell]

Originally Posted by pktrusty

Glad to hear you are ok. Racing at Laguna Seca is one of my dreams. What kind of event is this?

Just a regular track day. This time I was with Northern California Track Club. Sometimes I come here with Track-Masters as well. Luckily I live about 20 minutes away :-).

Craig

[Front Runner]

Dang, sorry to hear that but glad you and the your ride are okay for the most part.

[Kevlar382]

Did the blue Porsche spin on the first lap also ?

[craig.martell]

Originally Posted by Kevlar382

Did the blue Porsche spin on the first lap also ?

It was my friend Dietrich in a BMW Z4M. And yup, he spun on the first turn of the day.

Craig