Two days of hot lapping California Speedway

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Two days of hot lapping California Speedway

Answers to a few questions:

My top speed was around 125mph and that was as I entered the braking zone for a 35mph left hander so the brakes were put to the test!

No issues with the flat infield section - the only other track I've run this car on was Buttonwillow and most of the corners there have no banking either, although some do crest a small hill at or near the apex.

This was a NASA Pro Racing event, not an open track day.

The camera I used was my Hero Motorsports unit - http://www.goprocamera.com/

Ferrari sound, huh? Well, I did have a 360 Challenge race car blow by me on the oval one time, does that count?

And no, the heated seats and radio were not playing. (reception was lousy in the track and it was 85 degrees out )

[Tim Lingor]

Re: Two days of hot lapping California Speedway

Too cool!!!

What is your car's rev limiter/maximum speed before the computer shuts down the power??? Have you made any mods to the computer, tires etc for running on a track?



Tim

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Two days of hot lapping California Speedway

Too cool!!!

What is your car's rev limiter/maximum speed before the computer shuts down the power??? Have you made any mods to the computer, tires etc for running on a track?



Tim

The computer limits the Crossfire to 155mph. My brain forced me to back off on the oval though - everybody says it'll stick if I kept my foot planted but this being my first time out I didn't quite have the guts to test it out. I figured discretion was the better part of valor.

Interestingly enough, the Speed TV program Dream Car Garage recently had a piece on a guy who won some prize drawing they had last year so he got to do all these driving experiences in Europe. One of those was a high speed blast on the Autobahn and the car they used was a Crossfire Coupe. They said it was incredibly stable at 150mph. I'd love to try that some time, just maybe not in a banked turn with a big ol' honking wall on the outside!!!

[mattaleca]

Re: Two days of hot lapping California Speedway

I'm with you on the bank turn with the wall but it's still nothing a little M105 can't fix.

[kellyinkc]

Re: Two days of hot lapping California Speedway

hey Mike, That is just too cool!

Kelly

[Superior Shine]

Re: Two days of hot lapping California Speedway

FLOG IT BABY!!

I ran that course in a dodge caravan, rear doors open, 5 photographers in back, as I chased Lamborghini's. I got up to 80 mph ! hoo wee!!

[CarbonBlack]

Re: Two days of hot lapping California Speedway

Really cool Pics and videos!

Here are my questions (I have had them for awhile)

#1: I have heard that those share parts with the Mercedes SLK(chassis, engine, etc).
---is that true? (not that that is at all bad!)

#2: How much does that adjustable spoiler actually help?
---I know lots of high end cars have them, but they seem to be smaller.

I imagine that there is an insane amount of pressure and stress those parts endure

-thanks, and i am happy it doesn't just sit in your garage
-nick

[Jeepster04]

Re: Two days of hot lapping California Speedway

Really cool Pics and videos!

Here are my questions (I have had them for awhile)

#1: I have heard that those share parts with the Mercedes SLK(chassis, engine, etc).
---is that true? (not that that is at all bad!)

#2: How much does that adjustable spoiler actually help?
---I know lots of high end cars have them, but they seem to be smaller.

I imagine that there is an insane amount of pressure and stress those parts endure

-thanks, and i am happy it doesn't just sit in your garage
-nick

Ive heard the cross fire is basically an old slk. Not sure if there is any truth to that.

That spoiler helps more than you think it does.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Two days of hot lapping California Speedway

Yes, the Crossfire is heavily based on the previous generation Mercedes Benz SLK model. Where the SLK came with 16" wheels standard the Crossfire has 18" front and 19" rears so the suspension has been reworked accordingly. Also, the section from the bulkhead behind the seats to the rear of the car is unique to the Crossfire and incredibly stiff. In fact, the chassis stiffness is equal to that of a modern Porsche 911, which is incredibly stiff. One of my favorite things about the car is the brakes - it will stop from 60mph in 113 feet, which puts equal or better than cars like the C6 Z06, Viper, 911, Gallardo Superleggera, etc. That's some serious stopping power!

As for the rear spoiler - it automatically deploys at 60mph and retracts at 40mph but you can over ride that if you like. No real reason to though, other than when I wash the car! It generates some 90lbs of downforce at 80mph. The SRT6 models come with a much larger spoiler that is fixed (ie, it does not deploy/retract).

We share the same 3.2L V6 with many other Mercedes Benz vehicles, and the Crossfire SRT6 has the AMG version of the same engine - supercharged to make 330HP. But the SRT6 was only available with the Autostick auto trans and was also only available in the 2005 model year.


I've added a couple more videos to my site, one where I chase down the Spec Miata racer and another where a Porsche 911 almost runs into me and ends up going straight off at turn 3 (lucky for him going straight off there means simply entering the backstretch of the main oval).