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Old 08-22-2022, 12:04 PM
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Alfa02 Alfa02 is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: (Beautiful) Sequim, WA
Cobra Make, Engine: Pacific Roadster, 347 cu.in. 5-speed
Posts: 1,994
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Tommy's idea of Auto-xing is your best bet, for first timers. I've raced for 40+years (SCCA) and taking your Cobra to a track day first is not the way to go. 1- Cobras are just way too fast for a first timer to track, (A small block Cobra can pull 150MPH+ down Pacific Raceways, and PIR Portland front straights, and nothing to save you, no ABS, Traction control, etc.). An Auto-x, you may get to 50-60MPH, the difference of a 100MPH is between your life & death, a spin @ 50mph, and a spin @ 150?? I used to take my (Street) cars to track days to find they're quirks (240Z, Rx-7, 911S) even in the day (much better reflex's & reactions, in my 20-40's), I'd think twice about tracking a Cobra first time out. Be safe not sorry. Back in the vintage racing days with my Alfa GTV, a friend asked if I'd like to race his 67 427 Corvette coupe, in a big bore race, as I was thinking about buying the car, so I said yes. Now the top speed is only maybe 20MPH more on the straight (140 vs 160mph) the power & torque of that 427, was HUGE. Coming out of turn 9 with the Alfa flat out in 3rd @ 100mph, the Vette still 3rd gear @ 100mph, but you're feathering the throttle to keep the wheelspin down. Found out "Big Bore" cars are a whole new world to get used to, I loved it, but found a whole new appreciation with our Momentum cars (Under 2-liter) trying to catch the big bore cars. Cheers Tom.
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