I had my wife's Viper SRT out at Sacramento Dragstrip yesterday to see how it would do in the cool weather we're having (~40F). Unfortunately, lots of HP + stock run-flats = no traction - I was getting wheelspin in 3rd at times . I did manage to rack up a few 12.1 @ 120 passes, but clearly nothing which reflected the SRT's capabilities -- 1/8 mile MPH was 86
On the drive back from the 'strip, I ran into a black Z06 and a Pontiac GTP messing around on Bradshaw (a 45-55 MPH 4-lane road leading to I80). The Z06 slowed down to about 35 to wait for me As I pulled along side, they gunned it a couple of times to let me know they wanted to play, and I could hear what sounded like headers + aftermarket exhaust. I downshifted to 2nd at about 40 and they immediately punched it, pulling about a carlength before I hit the gas. Once on it, the SRT stopped their pull and reeled them in, then rocketed past when they shifted at ~75. Horsepower + traction = win from a roll.
Viper: 1, Z06: 0
At the next light we lined up 3 wide, but had a stutter-start as no one could decide whether we were going to race. At the light after that however everyone was waiting with raised revs, and it was clearly on. When the light turned green the sound of three pairs of spinning tires filled the air, but it was the Z06 who first regained traction and pulled ahead by a solid carlength. The Viper was still spinning when we reached 40 and I shut down. Better traction + better gearing = win from a dig.
Viper: 1, Z06: 1
I turned in to Starbuck's to pick up coffee before the 125-mile drive home, but the Z must have done something similar because I ran into them 20 minutes later on I80. The Z pulled alongside and waved, I smiled and waved, and we went our separate ways. All in all, a fun day (despite frustration at the 'strip) and a couple of good pick-me-up races.
So the real question is -- when is Purner going to come out with some 18" rear wheels for the SRT so I can spoon on drag radials? Better still, if they also fit gen-II cars I could just use one set for all my racing!
On the drive back from the 'strip, I ran into a black Z06 and a Pontiac GTP messing around on Bradshaw (a 45-55 MPH 4-lane road leading to I80). The Z06 slowed down to about 35 to wait for me As I pulled along side, they gunned it a couple of times to let me know they wanted to play, and I could hear what sounded like headers + aftermarket exhaust. I downshifted to 2nd at about 40 and they immediately punched it, pulling about a carlength before I hit the gas. Once on it, the SRT stopped their pull and reeled them in, then rocketed past when they shifted at ~75. Horsepower + traction = win from a roll.
Viper: 1, Z06: 0
At the next light we lined up 3 wide, but had a stutter-start as no one could decide whether we were going to race. At the light after that however everyone was waiting with raised revs, and it was clearly on. When the light turned green the sound of three pairs of spinning tires filled the air, but it was the Z06 who first regained traction and pulled ahead by a solid carlength. The Viper was still spinning when we reached 40 and I shut down. Better traction + better gearing = win from a dig.
Viper: 1, Z06: 1
I turned in to Starbuck's to pick up coffee before the 125-mile drive home, but the Z must have done something similar because I ran into them 20 minutes later on I80. The Z pulled alongside and waved, I smiled and waved, and we went our separate ways. All in all, a fun day (despite frustration at the 'strip) and a couple of good pick-me-up races.
So the real question is -- when is Purner going to come out with some 18" rear wheels for the SRT so I can spoon on drag radials? Better still, if they also fit gen-II cars I could just use one set for all my racing!
