Took my ZL1 to the track at Thunderhill
 

I'm pretty new so I left it 4th the whole time (although the overlay incorrectly says 2nd).

This is my fastest lap so far. I am definitely hook and am eager to get better. The car was great, but it is definitely top heavy. I did get it to 1.05g.

http://youtu.be/slun51Fywno

Craig

Shit! When did you go? I wanna come out! Let me know the next time you go!

Drop me a line next time you head there and I'll join you as well. It's a great track. What outfit did you run with?

How did the car transition comming over the crest of that hill and following turn? I am wondering because these cars are fairly heavy and I wanted to know how the suspention unloaded and settled back back in while turning. Thanks :-)

I used NCRC, Northern California Racing Club. I really liked the track. It is very safe since there is only one wall. And the NCRC organizers are adamant about safe behavior. Good guys. Not sure when I'm going back, but should be within a month or so. The event calendar is on their website. If you've never tracked before, you need to go to their driving school in the morning. Very helpful. I'll definitely post when I go back so there is time to sign up.

There was one other ZL1 there. A 2013 black. We both got a lot of people stopping by to check out the car. I also got a chance to ride along in a C7. That was a great ride.

As far as the ZL1. It has unbelievable grip, even on the stock tires. I took the 180 degree turn 2 at 62 mph @ 1.05g. A 911 owner told me that was the speed he could do before getting race tires.

For most curves, you didn't notice the weight of the car. In mode 5, it transitioned really nicely and the stiff suspension helped. Coming from turn 2 to turn 3, which is sharp and off camber, I did notice it. But I used it as a marker. Just as I felt the weight shift, I would turn in harder to use that momentum to carry me around the curve. A bit scary if you get it wrong on that corner.

I am definitely addicted. Both to the car and to track days.


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As a warning, most insurance companies won't cover you at the track. State Farm said from the moment you enter the track to when you leave you are NOT covered. I bought track insurance through http://locktonmotorsports.com/product/track-insurance/. It was $400 for both days based on a stated value of $60k.


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Great to hear. I also used Lockton (got 60K) as well a few weeks ago with BMWCCA at Road Atlanta.

In PTM5 did you have any moments of oversteer where PTM3 would have helped. (It is unreal how nice the car is settled)

I was in 4th the whole time and was pretty gentle with the throttle. So no oversteer. But I could imagine a bunch if I pushed it.


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I will be at Thunderhill May 9th through 11th with the Audi Club. They allowed me with my ZL1. Never driven on a track so it will be a frist and will have a instructor the whole time.

Good stuff man! Can't wait to track mine! 770 miles and counting down that break in period!

I was honestly shocked how much I enjoyed the road course experience....Sure the AutoX was and still is fun (for years and years), and we have just about unlimited roads in the mountain areas here in GA including TN, SC, and NC (and TailOfTheDragon is the least fun of them)... but after two days at a HPDE, can easily say there is nothing near as fun to do. (although a weekend will cost $1000 for entry fee, insurance and fuel at a minimum)

Thunderhill is a great track. Cant wait to see the new layout in june...
Hope to meet up with some of you there sometime.

You will love it. If they run the club the way NCRC does, you will be in a group of others who are just starting as well.

It is an expensive hobby, though.

What was fascinating to me is that on the drive home, I didn't feel the need to drive fast at all. It completely changed my view of what driving should be. If I can't go 115 and use the whole road, what's the point :-).

Completely agree!!!!!