Uncontrollable Urges

[hopman]

I have had a stock (if there is such a thing) 2003 Cobra for about two months now. I live near Green Bay.
I have this urge to see how fast it can really go, and to see what it feels like to have the adreneline pumping and that powerhorse stretching its limits. Although I
won't officially admit it, I had it doing 120 in 5th gear (out of six) on a county road. Just once. But that was stupid, dangerous, and could have cost me (or someone else) dearly if something bad had happened. So my question is...is there somewhere that I can drive it to see what it can do legally and a little more safely (if thats even possible at >120 MPH)?

Or do I need to see a therapist to help me get over these urges?

[markhas]

You really need to sign up for one of the ON Track events. At virtually all of the tracks you will see over 100 mph on the main straights. Then you have to set-up and brake before turing. It's a better rush than just going fast in a straight line. At Road America you'll see 130 mph 2 times every lap, if you desire or have the intestinal fortitude. If you're new at this sort of thing, it's a really good idea to get an instructor that the SVT club provides. At any rate, you're in the right place. Sign-up for an event and have safe fun!:bna:

[Fallguy]

I too have had an 03 Cobra for a few month's and feel urges , but my urges are not top speed urges , but more getting into the boost urges and feeling the pull.....it's addiction !!

I do get same urge you get , but it's hard to control that too, I just think of the consequences and most of the time can hold myself back.

[BlueOvalBolt]

hopman and Fallguy, you guys have to try an on track event. This is a great way to test the limits of your car as it was engineered to be in a relatively safe enviroment.

I would strongly recommend an SVTOA event such as the GingerMan event in late July. However, if you can't wait that long or looking for something closer to home, the Northwoods guys have an open track event the Milwaukee Mile on June 18 & 19 which uses 80% of the oval combined with a twisty infield course. And you won't find 2 days of track time any cheaper at $220.00 (special rate for SVTOA members) for both Saturday and Sunday. Passengers are allowed at this event. Typically, you can ask for a more experienced person to ride with you for tips if it is your first time.

I am still not decided if I am participating in the Northwoods event but if you guys (or anyone else for that matter) want to go and would like someone to ride along for your first couple of times, let me know as I live just a few blocks away from the Mile and would be happy to help.

I tried to find an in-car video of an 03/04 Cobra but all the links were broken. However, here is a video from every racing Lightning guys hero, Cliff Hemstock, in his modified Lightning at the SVTOA Autobahn event a few weekends ago.

http://www.f150online.com/forums/link.cfm?link=http://home.insightbb.com/~chemstoc/Autobahn_Laps_Web.wmv

To reserve your spot at the Mile, contact markhas at markhas@ameritech.net

[Fallguy]

Chris , can I run my Vert at these event's ??

[BlueOvalBolt]

Well, SVTOA changed its rule this year for verts as they can no longer run without a 4 pt. roll bar. I am not sure about Northwoods. I'll see what I can find out.

Marv put in a roll bar for John in his silver 03 so he could run at Autobahn and it looks great.

[BlueOvalBolt]

Sorry, I just checked the Northwoods website and they are requiring a 4 pt. roll bar.

Roll bars have been a hot topic in the open track world as a result of 2 guys being killed in an MG during PARADE laps when they somehow flipped their car. In the end, it's probably a good thing to have anyway in a high powered convertible.

[Fallguy]

Oh well, such as life......

Thank's for checking Chris

[DCOBRAMAN]

I just wanted to add that at the Ice breaker I talked to a guy from the Northwoods club and he said he would get back to me on running at MIlwaukee mile with a convertible... good news.... He called me Sat. and said that they were able to open a class for convertibles WITHOUT a rollbar installed. I would highly suggest all you guys with verts to sign up for this chance to run without a rollbar.. It may be the only time this is possible ever again!!!!

[BlueOvalBolt]

That is good news. Looks like I won't be running but my offer still stands if anyone would like some help. :)