GT40s.com - View Single Post - SAAC-30 California Speedway

johnbri · 10-19-05, 03:32 PM

Len:

Just completed the HSR Event at Sebring with the GT40. The new gear ratio is steep, but I still managed a first place in class. As for your observations...I found myself in 1 gear lower than usual to get the jump out of the corners. I can still out accelerate most of the cars in my class (mainly chevrons & lola sports racers). I could not attain anywhere near top speed at Sebring. Even on the long back straight. I would enter the straight in 2nd, and shift up to 3rd, 4th, and just as I would shift up into 5th it was time to get on the brakes and start downshifting.
Through the long turn 17 sweeper onto the front straight, I'd down shift to 2nd, which set up a very nice run down the front straight upto 4th.

I'll be running Daytona in a couple of weeks, that's where the gearing will truly shine. Without topend speed, you don't have a chance there. I know of some guys in Lolas who claim to be breaking 200mph at Daytona. I don't think I have the balls to take a 40 year old, $million+, car up to that speed, but I do expect to be competitive!

10-19-05, 03:32 PM	#35 (permalink)
johnbri Rookie Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: I own and race a 1966 GT40 (#p/1043), and a 1966 Shelby GT350. HSR, SVRA, etc. GT40: CT, USA Posts: 34 Rep Power: 4	Re: SAAC-30 California Speedway Len: Just completed the HSR Event at Sebring with the GT40. The new gear ratio is steep, but I still managed a first place in class. As for your observations...I found myself in 1 gear lower than usual to get the jump out of the corners. I can still out accelerate most of the cars in my class (mainly chevrons & lola sports racers). I could not attain anywhere near top speed at Sebring. Even on the long back straight. I would enter the straight in 2nd, and shift up to 3rd, 4th, and just as I would shift up into 5th it was time to get on the brakes and start downshifting. Through the long turn 17 sweeper onto the front straight, I'd down shift to 2nd, which set up a very nice run down the front straight upto 4th. I'll be running Daytona in a couple of weeks, that's where the gearing will truly shine. Without topend speed, you don't have a chance there. I know of some guys in Lolas who claim to be breaking 200mph at Daytona. I don't think I have the balls to take a 40 year old, $million+, car up to that speed, but I do expect to be competitive!