[cwebster]

Here's the time slip for pass #4:



Yeah, you're probably thinking the same thing I was... WTF! I suppose someone dishonest could try to post this on the fast list - not me. Pass #4 felt pretty good but not spectacular - I figured maybe 11.7. The time slip showed a record time of 11.17! My heart jumped! Could this be true - nearly a half-sec faster than my record 11.63?! Looking more closely at the time slip it was obvious there was some kind of malfunction in the timers or time-slip system. It showed 118 MPH at 1/8 mile and 74 MPH at 1/4 mile. After reviewing the videos later on it was obviously a malfunction.

[Time Slips]

This was my first visit to Fayetteville Motorsports Park. Their time slips are a lot different than Coastal Plains Dragway where I normally go. First there are no car numbers, only a 5-digit alphanumeric abbreviation that the tower apparently adds when you line up. Their timing system is obviously outdated because the date stamp is from 1/1/2009 and 2 hrs earlier than actual. I had to add-in the corrected date/time to sort and correlate them. The time slips are inconsistent whether a red-light is even recorded and red-light reaction time looks the same as normal. I'm used to seeing a negative RT on Red-lt. Pass #2 had a very odd record of the left lane too, showing only reaction time with a ridiculous number of more then 32 secs - no other data.

Car Setup:

Stock rubber (cold)
21 PSI rear
36 PSI front
93 octane E10 pump gas - 1st pass with 5/8 tank (approx 10 gal)

[Summary]

Friends have told me how great this track was for them - well prepped, fast, good people... so I arrived full of hope. Since the forecast called for temps in the low 50s there was a good chance I could break my bone-stock record ET. Right away I could tell the temps were going to soar into the 60s. My first pass was 11.7 even with a few slip-ups so I was anxious to do something before it warmed too much. This track was oriented NE to SW, opposite of my normal track. This puts the sun right in my eyes and glare on the windshield, blocking my HUD. My 2nd and 3rd passes I kept waiting too long to shift which landed me in 11.9 territory.

It ended up being about 10 degrees warmer than forecast. It wasn't too crowded so I managed to get 8 passes with 2 cool-downs before they closed up. My last 2 passes were basically wasted because I didn't consider the rapid track cooling due to shading - should have added 4 gal fuel for weight/traction. On my last pass the car in front must have leaked fluids all over the 60ft. I broke traction and went sideways mid-1st gear. Didn't bother finishing that pass - just motored back to the paddock.

Overall, it's a well prepared, well-organized track with friendly staff but the timers and time slip issues are very frustrating. I don't think it's worth traveling over 3 hours and putting all those miles on the car. With the additional negative factors (1) prevailing winds are SW to NE [headwinds], and (2) afternoon sun shines in the windshield blocking the HUD; I doubt I'll be back. Maybe if they update their sensors/timers.

Below are all the details for each pass, including links to spectator videos and combined PDR/Helmet/Roof video. I got distracted trying to get used to the new track so some Helmet and Roof-mounted footage is missing. As always, I welcome constructive criticism and helpful comments.

This YouTube playlist contains all the passes: 20180121 First visit to Fayetteville Dragway

Let 'er rip!

--Cal


Time Slip Data:
(My 6th Gen ZL1 was always right-lane)

2017 6th Gen Camaro ZL1                      Opposing Lane
Seq  Time      R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH     Opposing Car         R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH   
6363 13:17:31  0.6088 2.0362 11.7154 123.86  Solo
6369 13:24:59  0.4550 2.1909 11.9729 122.32  LittleBlackCar      32.8454 none   none    none   RedLt
6372 13:28:10  0.3485 2.1941 11.9783 122.22  Solo
6449 14:44:22  0.5286 1.7052 11.1702  73.82  BlackBMW             0.5499 1.3605 12.0617  66.39
6467 14:57:52  0.6012 1.9852 12.0821 120.39  WhiteCorvetteVert    0.9262 2.0746 13.9533 109.52 RedLt
6479 15:07:40  0.4869 2.1677 12.0189 121.42  WhiteNissanZ         0.9020 2.2889 13.8457 102.20
6549 16:49:14  0.7485 2.1395 11.9787 121.89  SilverTurbo          1.0023 1.7473 10.8852 129.87
6569 17:07:14  0.5830 2.2191 20.4194  53.98  RedSuperBee          0.8537 1.7293 11.5915 117.31

[Lessons Learned]

1. Idle near 3900 RPM so wheels spin slightly on launch. Bogging can cost 2-5 10ths
2. Get out of throttle as soon as clutch goes in - if you can't see the HUD, go by sound
3. Speed shift better/faster - you can pick up a few 10ths there alone


Time Slips 1-4



Time Slips 5-8



=============================================

20180121 FMP Pass 01 of 08 6th Gen ZL1 Solo

20180121 Fayetteville Motorsports Park
Weather: Ptly cloudy, 68°F, wind SW 4 mph, 39% humidity, barometer 30.20 in, DA 509 ft

Time Slip Data:

2017 6th Gen Camaro ZL1                      Opposing Lane
Seq  Time      R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH     Opposing Car         R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH   
6363 13:17:31  0.6088 2.0362 11.7154 123.86  Solo

Notes:

Stock Rubber
Right Lane
10-sec Line-Lock burnout
Idle @ 3800 RPM
Launch @ 3800 RPM
Slight wheel slip 3100-3600
Dropped to 1500 RPM
Hooked @ 1500 RPM - slight bog
Shift 2nd @ 6300 RPM
Shift 3rd @ 6600 RPM - slow shift
Shift 4th @ 6600 RPM
Finish @ 5900 RPM, 128 MPH

Spectator Video:



PDR Video:



=============================================
=============================================

20180121 FMP Pass 02 of 08 6th Gen ZL1 vs Little Black Car

20180121 Fayetteville Motorsports Park
Weather: Ptly cloudy, 68°F, wind SW 4 mph, 39% humidity, barometer 30.20 in, DA 509 ft

Time Slip Data:

2017 6th Gen Camaro ZL1                      Opposing Lane
Seq  Time      R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH     Opposing Car         R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH   
6369 13:24:59  0.4550 2.1909 11.9729 122.32  LittleBlackCar      32.8454 none   none    none   RedLt

Notes:

Stock Rubber
Right Lane
Rolling burnout - past start gate, repositioned
Idle @ 3100 RPM
Launch @ 3900 RPM - Bogged
Red-light
Dropped to hook @ 1300 RPM
Shift 2nd @ 6500 RPM
Shift 3rd @ 6600 RPM - slow shift - hit rev lim
Shift 4th @ 6600 RPM
Finish @ 5700 RPM, 127 MPH

Time slip just says "Red Lt", no neg RT.

Spectator Video:



PDR Video:



=============================================
=============================================

20180121 FMP Pass 03 of 08 6th Gen ZL1 Solo

20180121 Fayetteville Motorsports Park
Weather: Ptly cloudy, 68°F, wind SW 4 mph, 39% humidity, barometer 30.20 in, DA 509 ft

Time Slip Data:

2017 6th Gen Camaro ZL1                      Opposing Lane
Seq  Time      R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH     Opposing Car         R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH   
6372 13:28:10  0.3485 2.1941 11.9783 122.22  Solo

Notes:

Stock Rubber
Right Lane
Rolling burnout
Idle @ 2800 RPM
Launch @ 3500 RPM - Bogged badly
Dropped to 600 RPM
Shift 2nd @ 6600 RPM - slow shift, lingering throttle
Shift 3rd @ 6600 RPM - slow shift
Shift 4th @ 6600 RPM
Finish @ 6000 RPM, 129 MPH

Time sheet does not show red-lt but it clearly came on
Idle near 3900 RPM so wheels spin slightly on launch. Lost 2-3 10ths on the bogging.
Need to get out of throttle as soon as clutch goes in
Speed shift better - lost at least 2 10ths on slow shifting

Spectator Video:



PDR Video:



=============================================
=============================================

20180121 FMP Pass 04 of 08 6th Gen ZL1 vs Black BMW

20180121 Fayetteville Motorsports Park
Weather: Ptly cloudy, 70°F, wind SSW 5 mph, 38% humidity, barometer 30.17 in, DA 677 ft

Time Slip Data:

2017 6th Gen Camaro ZL1                      Opposing Lane
Seq  Time      R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH     Opposing Car         R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH   
6449 14:44:22  0.5286 1.7052 11.1702  73.82  BlackBMW             0.5499 1.3605 12.0617  66.39

Notes:

Stock Rubber
Right Lane
Rolling burnout
Idle @ 3600 RPM
Launch @ 3600 RPM
Slight wheel slip 3600-2800-4500-3100
Hooked @ 2800 RPM, 27 MPH
Shift 2nd @ 6600 RPM - slow shift - lingered on throttle @ redline
Shift 3rd @ 6600 RPM - slow shift
Shift 4th @ 6600 RPM
Finish @ 5800 RPM, 126 MPH

Launch felt fantastic - should have been best 60 ft ever

** Record Time 11.17 ** (has to be faulty time slip)
Scoreboard says 12.27 @ 121.52 MPH
Time slip says 11.1702 @ 73.82 MPH w/ 1.7052 60 FT
PDR says 12.10 @ 126 (the more wheel spin, less reliable)

##!! Burnout shows good example of uneven eLSD torque distribution
Left tire always wears much faster than right
Can this be adjusted?

Spectator Video:



Combined In-On Car Video:



=============================================
=============================================

20180121 FMP Pass 05 of 08 6th Gen ZL1 vs White Corvette Convertible

20180121 Fayetteville Motorsports Park
Weather: Ptly cloudy, 70°F, wind SSW 5 mph, 38% humidity, barometer 30.17 in, DA 677 ft

Time Slip Data:

2017 6th Gen Camaro ZL1                      Opposing Lane
Seq  Time      R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH     Opposing Car         R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH   
6467 14:57:52  0.6012 1.9852 12.0821 120.39  WhiteCorvetteVert    0.9262 2.0746 13.9533 109.52 RedLt

Notes:

Stock Rubber
Right Lane
Rolling burnout
Idle @ 3300 RPM
Launch @ 3800 RPM - Bogged
Slight wheel slip 3800-1800
Hooked @ 1900 RPM, 19 MPH
Missed shift 2nd @ 6600 RPM
Shift 3rd @ 6600 RPM - slow shift - lingering throttle
Shift 4th @ 6500 RPM
Finish @ 5800 RPM, 124 MPH

Shift like you mean it!!!
All the way out of the throttle on shifts
Listen for engine tone @ 6600 RPM and/or watch HUD

Spectator Video:



Combined In-On Car Video:



=============================================
=============================================

20180121 FMP Pass 06 of 08 6th Gen ZL1 vs White Nissan Z

20180121 Fayetteville Motorsports Park
Weather: Ptly cloudy, 70°F, wind SSW 5 mph, 38% humidity, barometer 30.17 in, DA 677 ft

Time Slip Data:

2017 6th Gen Camaro ZL1                      Opposing Lane
Seq  Time      R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH     Opposing Car         R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH   
6479 15:07:40  0.4869 2.1677 12.0189 121.42  WhiteNissanZ         0.9020 2.2889 13.8457 102.20

Notes:

Stock Rubber
Right Lane
Rolling burnout - past start gate, repositioned
passed stage 1 gate (light went out)
Idle @ 2500 RPM
Launch @ 3500 RPM - Bogged
Red-light
Slight wheel slip 3600-1400
Hooked @ 1400 RPM, 14 MPH
Shift 2nd @ 6200 RPM
Shift 3rd @ 6600 RPM
Shift 4th @ 6500 RPM
Finish @ 5800 RPM, 125 MPH

Watch your timing at the light!
Throttle-in/clutch-out 1/4 sec after 3rd yellow.
Speed-shift @ redline for every gear!

Spectator Video:



Combined In-On Car Video:



=============================================
=============================================

20180121 FMP Pass 07 of 08 6th Gen ZL1 vs Silver Turbo

20180121 Fayetteville Motorsports Park
Weather: Ptly cloudy, 68°F, wind S 3 mph, 40% humidity, barometer 30.17 in, DA 546 ft

Time Slip Data:

2017 6th Gen Camaro ZL1                      Opposing Lane
Seq  Time      R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH     Opposing Car         R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH   
6549 16:49:14  0.7485 2.1395 11.9787 121.89  SilverTurbo          1.0023 1.7473 10.8852 129.87

Notes:

Stock Rubber
Right Lane
Burnout area, start line completely shaded
8-sec Line-Lock burnout
Idle @ 2600 RPM
Launch @ 3600 RPM
Slight wheel slip 3600-1700
Hooked @ 1700 RPM, 17 MPH
Momentary wheel slip @ 5400 RPM
Shift 2nd @ 6300 RPM
Shift 3rd @ 6600 RPM
Shift 4th @ 6600 RPM
Finish @ 5800 RPM, 126 MPH

Remember to idle and launch @ 3900 RPM!
Should have added 4-5 gal fuel for weight/traction on cold track.
Don't let noise of other car distract. Watch HUD if can't hear motor to shift @ redline.

## By this time of day, everything behind the start gate is in shade
also most of the run-out area after the scoreboards

## Opposing driver asked to line up with me.
Such a little car - figured he has nitro and/or turbos. Says he's done nothing to his car. Yeah, right!

Spectator Video:



Combined In-On Car Video:



=============================================
=============================================

20180121 FMP Pass 08 of 08 6th Gen ZL1 vs Orange Super Bee

20180121 Fayetteville Motorsports Park
Weather: Ptly cloudy, 68°F, wind S 3 mph, 40% humidity, barometer 30.17 in, DA 546 ft

Time Slip Data:

2017 6th Gen Camaro ZL1                      Opposing Lane
Seq  Time      R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH     Opposing Car         R/T    60 ft  ET      MPH   
6569 17:07:14  0.5830 2.2191 20.4194  53.98  RedSuperBee       0.8537 1.7293 11.5915 117.31

Notes:

Stock Rubber
Right Lane
Rolling burnout
Passed start gate, repositioned
Overran stage 1 gate (light out)
No idle - rushed launch
Never stopped slipping...
forfeited pass

Over-ran staging gate again, repositioned
Hit oil/fluid on track - Started getting sideways, then got out of the groove
2nd attempt to throttle up went sideways too, fluid still on tires
Just gave up the run and drove through

##!! Entire burnout, launch, and first 60 ft all shaded (cold)
When air/track cools late in day:
Too light on fuel - should have been btwn 1/2-3/4 tank
Should have done another line-lock burnout

Spectator Video:



Combined In-On Car Video:



=============================================

[Redlinez]

I'm planning on a visit to Rockingham on Saturday the 17th to finally get some runs in after 14,000 miles of driving. I'm just tired of FMP, I wish the Rock did TNT more often. Is that too far for you to go?

[cwebster]

Originally Posted by Redlinez

I'm planning on a visit to Rockingham on Saturday the 17th to finally get some runs in after 14,000 miles of driving. I'm just tired of FMP, I wish the Rock did TNT more often. Is that too far for you to go?

I guess FMP would be your closest track, huh? Were you at FMP on the 21st? I'm sure you saw me if you were - my car kinda stands out. If I'm there again I'll drop you a note. If they'd only fix their timers and slips it would be okay.

I didn't even realize that Rockingham had a drag strip. I always thought of it as the NASCAR original oval track. Judging by Google Maps, it looks well laid out and the track itself seems well maintained. I used to go by there when my son was going to UNC Pembroke but that's too many miles to put on the ZL1. I really have to get a trailer this year and trade up to a 3/4 ton truck. Then I can go wherever the mood takes me and start tracking at the road coarses.

I'll probably be back at Coastal Plains Dragway the next time we have a weather window. This weekend looks shot, though - socked in Sunday.

--Cal

[Redlinez]

To me, Rockingham is a much better track and about 15 minutes further for me. They hardly ever do TNT, so you gotta watch their schedule. I've done 3 HPDE events now at Roebling Road Raceway and absolutely love it! It's a 5 hour drive, but my instructor is my best friend from my Navy days who lives in Savannah.

[cwebster]

Originally Posted by Redlinez

To me, Rockingham is a much better track and about 15 minutes further for me. They hardly ever do TNT, so you gotta watch their schedule. I've done 3 HPDE events now at Roebling Road Raceway and absolutely love it! It's a 5 hour drive, but my instructor is my best friend from my Navy days who lives in Savannah.

Their FB page shows Rockingham's first event of the year on Sat Feb 10 is an open 1/4 mile event. Looks like it includes bracket racing for cash & trophies as well as timed runs (aka T&T/grudge racing).

I went to Bob Bondurant's Grand Prix Road Racing school in Chandler AZ before I picked up my ZL1 to prepare for road courses. Unfortunately, I haven't yet gotten to run it on a road course. I fully intend to start this year, though. I'll probably start at closer tracks like NCCAR, VIR, and CMP before venturing farther once I get a truck & trailer.

[Redlinez]

I would do NC CAR for a while before doing VIR. Those elevation changes are no joke.

[17CamaroZL1]

You got me Cal!! Lol! I thought you'd nailed the perfect run and got the first M6 low 11. Still great passes and awesome write up as usual.

[travislambert]

The 60' times for the M6 just kill any chance at a great 1/4 mile time. Almost every run I've ever done with mine has about a 2.1 60' time.

I still have my fingers crossed for a fix. I'd love to see consistent 60' times in the 1.7-1.8 range.

[cwebster]

Originally Posted by Redlinez

I would do NC CAR for a while before doing VIR. Those elevation changes are no joke.

I hadn't really thought about the elevation changes at VIR but that sounds like a lot of fun learning to cope with the variations in traction. Good idea to hone my X and Y skills before jumping into the Z axis, huh? Bondurant tracks have a few blind hills and banked turns but nothing that dramatic. Thanks for the tip. At this point, anything with more than 4 turns would be great! NCCAR is the closest so I've gotta find a club that goes there to tag along with.

[cwebster]

Originally Posted by 17CamaroZL1

You got me Cal!! Lol! I thought you'd nailed the perfect run and got the first M6 low 11. Still great passes and awesome write up as usual.

HaHa! Yeah, I wish... I'm sure there's still room to be in 11.5 or 11.4 territory bone stock but that perfect pass has eluded me so far. I've still got some meat on my stock rubber to play with. If I can just get one or two more track days between 45-55 degrees I'm sure I can do it. I don't really see low 11s on the M6 without changes to TQ management, though. Thanks for the encouraging note.

--Cal

[cwebster]

Originally Posted by travislambert

The 60' times for the M6 just kill any chance at a great 1/4 mile time. Almost every run I've ever done with mine has about a 2.1 60' time.

I still have my fingers crossed for a fix. I'd love to see consistent 60' times in the 1.7-1.8 range.

That's exactly it Travis. Every good pass I've had started with a sub-2.1 sec 60' time. The only way for us (M6 drivers) to do that currently is to defeat torque management through wheel slip at the launch. We have to get just enough spin get moving forward where it hooks in the power band (around 2500 RPM) without lingering in uncontrolled spin. On a well-prepped surface that's exceptionally difficult. It's a seat-of-the-pants thing because conditions change from one pass to another.

My best 60 ft times are 1.9xxx and almost always result in 11.7 1/4 mile ET or better. All my 11.8 ET or better runs had 2.0xxx or better 60' times. If I could get 1.7-1.8 or better 60' times I know I'd be in low 11 territory.

I'm hopeful like you Travis but I'm not holding my breath...

Cheers!

--Cal

[Redlinez]

Correction, Rockingham is running this Saturday and the 24th. I'm planning on the 24th. My favorite HPDE group is www.justtrackit.net but they are only in the southeast.

[cwebster]

Originally Posted by Redlinez

Correction, Rockingham is running this Saturday and the 24th. I'm planning on the 24th. My favorite HPDE group is www.justtrackit.net but they are only in the southeast.

I'm afraid the Southeast is socked-in next weekend - even Rockingham. My plan is to go to Coastal Plains Dragway on Sun 18 Feb. That's the next weather window. Even with all its faults, CPD is low altitude (15 ft), track orientation puts the sun and prevailing winds to your back, and has generally cooler temps than those farther West.

I'd just like someone to chime in here that's using or has used 26-inch wheels on a 6th Gen ZL1. Then I can know one way or the other if I'll have a problem so I can go ahead and order my new DRs.

[Badmojo]

Cool dragstrip log. Have you tried to run slightly higher rear tire pressure? My car liked 26-27 PSI (A10) with the stock rubber.