SCCA Track Night - Charlotte

[BradCraig]

I had posted a while back for advice on SCCA events, I finally did it last night. This event was a BLAST!!! This was on the Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway and for those not familiar, you run the 1.5 mile oval and dive into the infield course right after the finish line and back out just before Turn 1 so you get the speed and the turns. The spooky part of this track is there are concrete barriers everywhere with zero runoff. Mistakes are costly and that was proven by three other drivers in an Audi, Corvette, and Boxster. All left on flatbeds. Two of them in turn one coming off the oval and failed to get slowed enough to make the left into the infield course. As far as the Cobra, performed flawlessly. I had no idea what to expect but the combo of the Coyote, IRS, and the R888R's did not disappoint. Incredibly fast and predictable on the road course, even the times I got a little beyond my ability the car was well balanced and got back in line easily. Negative was the FF brakes and pads have a LOT to be desired as far as braking power. I never felt comfortable coming down from 120MPH off the oval to the left hand turn into the infield and found myself braking way early for insurance. I'll be trying Hawk pads or going to Wilwoods. Only having 1200 street miles on the car, this was a great and somewhat safe way to explore the car and figure out what it can do and more importantly what it cannot. I HIGHLY recommend the SCCA Track night events, they are great events. This cost $165 for a full hour of track time, best deal out there.


https://youtu.be/3Dn7lelCOrg

-B

[R. Button]

As you found it's a great track to explore how your car handles! As you look forward at the concrete wall along the banking ... thinking that could leave a mark! So agree I know I was slowing down sooner than needed as that wall loomed closer and closer! It just looked toooo solid!

I was lucky enough to run it on dry and rain! During the rain I was alone on the track! No one wanted to come out and play! The transition from the infield to the banked track was "interesting" in the rain. Water pooled there so you hit the "pool" of water held the steering wheel straight till the front tires gripped the banked track - then turn and go!

[Jeff Kleiner]

Sounds like you had a great time! The first time I ran up against the concrete walls was at Gateway...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146398&d=1618589427

It's kind of intimidating in the beginning but after a few times around you realize that with the banking the car doesn't really want to go up there anyway :)

Have fun!

Jeff



146398

[BradCraig]

Sounds like you had a great time! The first time I ran up against the concrete walls was at Gateway...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146398&d=1618589427

It's kind of intimidating in the beginning but after a few times around you realize that with the banking the car doesn't really want to go up there anyway :)

Have fun!

Jeff



146398

Right, the oval wasn't really my concern it was the infield concrete walls! The Corvette driver made it 1/2 a lap before he stomped the gas coming out of a turn with cold tires. That ended badly for him.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Hi Brad,

What were the tech inspection & clothing requirements? Might give it a shot if I am compliment.

[BradCraig]

Hi Brad,

What were the tech inspection & clothing requirements? Might give it a shot if I am compliment.

Requirements are light, you fill out a tech sheet stating you've inspected and your car is in good condition and sign it. Close toed shoes and approved helmet with typical certifications. Next one at CMS is June 3rd, they also do at Carolina Motorsports Park but they have noise limits and there there is no way I'd be compliant with the FF stock pipes. :-) Do it, its a great time.

https://www.tracknightinamerica.com/