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rklessdriver Very Scary Pass Last Night
Senior Guru
Woodbridge, VA
1318 Posts
Member since:
2008/1/4 0:00



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The love of my life has never been down the track before and I have a friend who talked the track management into allowing me to make an "easy pass" with her in the passenger seat.

True to my word of an easy pass - I held the car at 2500RPM rolled the clutch out until the car bogged and layed into it.... 6000RPM I pulled second.... 6000RPM I pulled third...

And the car instantly went into the revlimiter then turned right at a 45* angle... I held the throttle about 1/2 way and put a little steering correction in the car and checked the far lane to see where the other car was, I was certain I was about to crash into.... Lucky for us he was about 4 cars back.... as soon as it crossed the centerline the car straightend out and I coasted across the line.... Even managed to NOT hit any timing boxes too....

Turns out the guy before me layed a huge patch of coolant down just past the 330ft marker....

It's hard for me to to believe, but I have been Sportsman Drag Racing for over 15yrs now and never had this kind of thing happen before.

Old Dominion is a very narrow track with guard rails within 3ft of the edge of lanes... Not much run off room, things could have quickly went really bad. I figure I was running about 80-85MPH and I'm not sure how well a C4 would hold up in a front end, guard rail collison at that speed.

At least her first pass down the drag strip will be memorable.

Took an hour to clean up the lane and I did manage to attempt one full power pass before they closed but the car blew the tires off at the hit and only went 7.50@96MPH with a 1.92 60ft.
Will
Posted on: 2012/10/18 19:59
_________________
1984 Corvette. 434 SBC with a Powerglide.
Best pass - 8.48@160MPH 1.23 60ft on MT 275/60R15 Radials.

1972 Corvette. LS5 454 BBC with M20 4 speed.
Best Pass - Doing good to just pass a gas station.
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bogus Re: Very Scary Pass Last Night
Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
San Pedro, CA
20856 Posts
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2005/9/7 0:00



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I am sure that was scary... but I am sure you have a good cage, and remember, the rail would give...

Thankfully, you didn't have to find out.

I would be a bit pissed that they didn't warn you or do something about the coolant.
Posted on: 2012/10/18 20:49
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The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw

Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me

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TommyT-Bone Re: Very Scary Pass Last Night
Chair-man of the bored
Homestead USA
33741 Posts
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2007/12/10 0:00



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Quote:

bogus wrote:
I would be a bit pissed that they didn't warn you or do something about the coolant.



The warning usually comes with the track closed for cleanup. I don't think they would intentionally let someone run with fluids on the track. Would they? I've seen a C4 and a C5 both take the wall in an 1/8th. It ain't pretty.
Posted on: 2012/10/18 21:14
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Ultraman Re: Very Scary Pass Last Night
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Huskerland
14706 Posts
Member since:
2009/9/12 19:16



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Yikes! Glad everyone is ok.....
Posted on: 2012/10/18 21:46
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rklessdriver Re: Very Scary Pass Last Night
Senior Guru
Woodbridge, VA
1318 Posts
Member since:
2008/1/4 0:00



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Yea they don't intentionally allow passes on a wet race track...

Old Dominion is closing down permanently (land development) after this season and I reckon the officials weren't as diligent about checking the cars during their runs as they normally are... Initially they thought I oiled down the track.

I'm just glad I was able to keep everything in one piece, but it sucks to know you possibly hurt the love of your life and almost totaled your car, playing around on a half ass joy ride down the track.

It was kinda weird on the return road... I was thinking maybe something in the rear end broke... But didn't hear anything banging around, so scratch that....

Then I thought maybe I just dumped coolant or oil everywhere... and that is a real bad feeling.... knowing you just ruined a night of racing for everyone, that feels worse then almost crashing.... I was checking gauges and everything was fine... no odd smell...

Back in my pit box we looked the car over and I was relieved to find nothing wrong.

Next week is the last race ever at Old Dominion Dragway and at least I'll be able to race. Provided the weather cooperates maybe I'll finally get that 6.90 time slip.
Will
Posted on: 2012/10/18 22:21
_________________
1984 Corvette. 434 SBC with a Powerglide.
Best pass - 8.48@160MPH 1.23 60ft on MT 275/60R15 Radials.

1972 Corvette. LS5 454 BBC with M20 4 speed.
Best Pass - Doing good to just pass a gas station.
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EngineDoctor Re: Very Scary Pass Last Night
Master Guru
La Habra Ca.
791 Posts
Member since:
2012/1/6 1:28



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Wow ! I'm glad you two are okay.
Posted on: 2012/10/18 23:06
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Matatk Re: Very Scary Pass Last Night
Webmaster
SW Chicago Burbs
22792 Posts
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2008/1/7 0:00



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That's crazy! Glad you were able to save it and no one was hurt.
Posted on: 2012/10/18 23:38
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc.
1989 Corvette...RIP
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