I was able to participate in a 1/2 mile radar run earlier today. The old girl did pretty well against super cars 30+years newer.
Denis Caron posted some pics and times
http://6one3.smugmug.com/Other...2046719444&k=tHqCZVj
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Very cool stuff! I wish there was something like that close by here.
Yeah, it was a pretty cool event.
It started (for us anyway) with Will arriving from Oakville after driving his amazing (and seriously loud) Group 4 Pantera for almost five hours to get to my place.
Shortly after he arrived, we were joined by Denis and Andy for a fast Pantera-comparison drive around the back-country roads near my place. We took both my Panteras along with Will's and everyone took turns driving each car and discussing the substantial differences between each one. At the end of well over an hour of driving it was unanimous. We all agreed that Will's car was one of the fastest, tightest and best-handling Panteras any of us had ever driven. My virtually-stock white car was second, and my more modified blue car placed third in the “driving pleasure” category, thanks to it's noisy poly bushings and very firm springs. Yeah, more projects…
Later, Bohdan dropped by and more great conversations occurred over a BBQ dinner on the deck, lubricated by strong Canadian beer and warm evening weather.
An early morning start began with coffee at our local Tim Horton's Donut Shop. The rumble of our cars drew everyone's attention when we pulled up at 7am.
After getting our necessary caffeine fill, we headed off to the runway — about 45 minutes away. We arrived right on-cue and were lined up along the taxi-way along with an impressive array of super- and hyper-cars. Participating cars included everything from a bunch of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Vipers, GTRs, Vettes (ZR1 and Z06), Audi RSs, a Lingenfelter Camaro, and some Super-bikes to (stangely) a 400 HP Dodge Neon. Most of the machinery was built after 2006 and so Our Panteras were the geriatrics of the group.
It could have been even better if David and his GT5 hadn’t been sidelined by some un-scheduled last-minute foot surgery. Other than not being able to resolve the eternal Ontario vs. Québec issue, we had a great time. The event sold out quickly and if it hadn't been for Denis making some great last-minute arrangements with the organizer to get the rest of us in, we would have been far more removed from the action than we were. It was great that Carmen and his son Lorenzo were able to drive from Montreal to join us, although they couldn't stay for the whole day.
The cars were divided into four groups to make the speed running manageable. Will was in Group 3 (we all felt Group 4 would have made more sense…) and in his first run did an impressive 12.4 seconds in the 1/4 mile and 138 MPH at the half-mile marker (the end of the "run") before having to brake heavily. Here's a video link: http://youtu.be/Yk_p4HjJkPQ
The results of other cars were interesting. The slowest cars at the event, by far, were the older Ferraris. 1/4 mile times in the 14-plus second range with 1/2-mile top speeds of under 115 MPH.
The fastest "gas" cars were in the high "11's" and were all heavily modified cars. A modified Ford GT (with bigger supercharger), a modified 911 Turbo and some 800—1000 HP Vettes and GTRs were the speed-kings. In that company, Will's car was an impressive performer. The best overall 1/4 mile time was done by an electric Tesla at 10.4 seconds. Top speeds for the few fastest cars (Ford GT and others) was in the low 150 MPH range.
While the runs were taking place, we entertained the crowds by showing off the cars. Everyone was really captivated by the De Tomasos because they are so different from every-day Vettes and 911s. As usual, Denis delighted many a kid by allowing them to sit in his Mangusta and have photos taken. He may even have converted some junior Tifosi over to our "dark side".
After Will's impressive first speed run a local news crew showed up and hung around our cars doing some filming.
We pushed Will into the spotlight where he spoke eloquently about the cars and the event. Unfortunately only a few seconds made it to air (as is often the case) but our cars were featured more prominently than many of the much faster cars there. Only the organizer of the event got more camera time than Will did. Check out the news segment here: http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/feet-...-fundraiser-1.929827
Personally, I would have been rather too distracted and was happy that Will could focus on the cars and not the interviewer.
Will's second run was slightly better than the first in the 1/4 mile, but hot weather made everyone's top speed slightly lower. Will was saying that he was finding the starts of the speed runs very slippery and a closer review of the many photos from the event yielded a clue. A pot of Poutine" had been left under his tires and the greasy cheese & gravy mix must have ruined his traction. Maybe David and the guys from Québec were there after all!
All-in-all, we had a fantastic time. Peter O'Blenis (the event organizer) did an incredible job—especially considering it was a first-time event. Everyone there had a great time. Great activities, good food, no cars got damaged, lots of money was raised by charity and a lot of smiling faces were seen everywhere. What a great day! I plan on being there next year but will register early so I can do some speed runs as well.
Mark
It started (for us anyway) with Will arriving from Oakville after driving his amazing (and seriously loud) Group 4 Pantera for almost five hours to get to my place.
Shortly after he arrived, we were joined by Denis and Andy for a fast Pantera-comparison drive around the back-country roads near my place. We took both my Panteras along with Will's and everyone took turns driving each car and discussing the substantial differences between each one. At the end of well over an hour of driving it was unanimous. We all agreed that Will's car was one of the fastest, tightest and best-handling Panteras any of us had ever driven. My virtually-stock white car was second, and my more modified blue car placed third in the “driving pleasure” category, thanks to it's noisy poly bushings and very firm springs. Yeah, more projects…
Later, Bohdan dropped by and more great conversations occurred over a BBQ dinner on the deck, lubricated by strong Canadian beer and warm evening weather.
An early morning start began with coffee at our local Tim Horton's Donut Shop. The rumble of our cars drew everyone's attention when we pulled up at 7am.
After getting our necessary caffeine fill, we headed off to the runway — about 45 minutes away. We arrived right on-cue and were lined up along the taxi-way along with an impressive array of super- and hyper-cars. Participating cars included everything from a bunch of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Vipers, GTRs, Vettes (ZR1 and Z06), Audi RSs, a Lingenfelter Camaro, and some Super-bikes to (stangely) a 400 HP Dodge Neon. Most of the machinery was built after 2006 and so Our Panteras were the geriatrics of the group.
It could have been even better if David and his GT5 hadn’t been sidelined by some un-scheduled last-minute foot surgery. Other than not being able to resolve the eternal Ontario vs. Québec issue, we had a great time. The event sold out quickly and if it hadn't been for Denis making some great last-minute arrangements with the organizer to get the rest of us in, we would have been far more removed from the action than we were. It was great that Carmen and his son Lorenzo were able to drive from Montreal to join us, although they couldn't stay for the whole day.
The cars were divided into four groups to make the speed running manageable. Will was in Group 3 (we all felt Group 4 would have made more sense…) and in his first run did an impressive 12.4 seconds in the 1/4 mile and 138 MPH at the half-mile marker (the end of the "run") before having to brake heavily. Here's a video link: http://youtu.be/Yk_p4HjJkPQ
The results of other cars were interesting. The slowest cars at the event, by far, were the older Ferraris. 1/4 mile times in the 14-plus second range with 1/2-mile top speeds of under 115 MPH.
The fastest "gas" cars were in the high "11's" and were all heavily modified cars. A modified Ford GT (with bigger supercharger), a modified 911 Turbo and some 800—1000 HP Vettes and GTRs were the speed-kings. In that company, Will's car was an impressive performer. The best overall 1/4 mile time was done by an electric Tesla at 10.4 seconds. Top speeds for the few fastest cars (Ford GT and others) was in the low 150 MPH range.
While the runs were taking place, we entertained the crowds by showing off the cars. Everyone was really captivated by the De Tomasos because they are so different from every-day Vettes and 911s. As usual, Denis delighted many a kid by allowing them to sit in his Mangusta and have photos taken. He may even have converted some junior Tifosi over to our "dark side".
After Will's impressive first speed run a local news crew showed up and hung around our cars doing some filming.
We pushed Will into the spotlight where he spoke eloquently about the cars and the event. Unfortunately only a few seconds made it to air (as is often the case) but our cars were featured more prominently than many of the much faster cars there. Only the organizer of the event got more camera time than Will did. Check out the news segment here: http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/feet-...-fundraiser-1.929827
Personally, I would have been rather too distracted and was happy that Will could focus on the cars and not the interviewer.
Will's second run was slightly better than the first in the 1/4 mile, but hot weather made everyone's top speed slightly lower. Will was saying that he was finding the starts of the speed runs very slippery and a closer review of the many photos from the event yielded a clue. A pot of Poutine" had been left under his tires and the greasy cheese & gravy mix must have ruined his traction. Maybe David and the guys from Québec were there after all!
All-in-all, we had a fantastic time. Peter O'Blenis (the event organizer) did an incredible job—especially considering it was a first-time event. Everyone there had a great time. Great activities, good food, no cars got damaged, lots of money was raised by charity and a lot of smiling faces were seen everywhere. What a great day! I plan on being there next year but will register early so I can do some speed runs as well.
Mark
Great event! Cant wait till next year.
Thanks for the hospitality and great photos as always.
Cant wait to see/hear the video. My ears are still ringing.
Almost all the cheese was burnt off by the time I got home
Will
Thanks for the hospitality and great photos as always.
Cant wait to see/hear the video. My ears are still ringing.
Almost all the cheese was burnt off by the time I got home
Will
I've finally got the video to upload. YouTube doesn't like Apple's default audio codec so I had to recompile it with different settings and upload it a second time. Grrrr.
Here's the link:
http://youtu.be/Yk_p4HjJkPQ
Here's the link:
http://youtu.be/Yk_p4HjJkPQ
Super SUPER jealous! I've wanted to participate in something like this for a long time.
Way to represent, Will!
The footage reminded me of you and I going hard along Hwy33 from Kelowna to Osoyoos last summer.
Great work (as always) with the recap, Mark.
Miss you guys! Us Westerners have been lame this year (by comparison)!
Way to represent, Will!
The footage reminded me of you and I going hard along Hwy33 from Kelowna to Osoyoos last summer. Great work (as always) with the recap, Mark.
Miss you guys! Us Westerners have been lame this year (by comparison)!
Nice Job Will. It's good to see your beautiful car hauling ass.
Great pics! There sure were a lot of big buck cars out there. But not much beat your cat, Will!
I followed along on twitter watching the times come in. I was kicking myself for not being there. Although maybe better than getting my ass kicked.
I followed along on twitter watching the times come in. I was kicking myself for not being there. Although maybe better than getting my ass kicked.
quote:Although maybe better than getting my ass kicked.
It would have been interesting to see how a Cat w 4:22's went. I think it would've been faster.
I think I was limited by the combination of my 3:77 R&P AND my taller 5th. I think I would have done much better if I had a stock 5th. I believe I have enough HP to move the car well with the 3:77's but not quite enough with both. The car pulls hard right through 1st to 4th.
Solution? Either change out 5th gear or get a stronger motor.
Anybody want a good deal on a 393?
Will
OK, if anyone watched that video and thought it looked weird, you can thank the YouTube "anti-shake" processing. I tried to remove it, but in case that doesn't work, here is a second upload that looks a lot more normal (please excuse my lack of a tripod).
http://youtu.be/dCsi9H3_RG0
Mark
http://youtu.be/dCsi9H3_RG0
Mark
quote:Originally posted by David B:
Although maybe better than getting my ass kicked.
Having now had the opportunity to drive BOTH your cars, I can say it would have been a great competition. Will's car is wildly fast in acceleration, but the top gears, as he notes, are so tall the car seems like it would have a tough challenge in the top-speed at the half-mile against David's GT5. I sure hope we get to see next year, and how they both stack up against my GT40.
Mark
Great story & pics!
sounds like a great couple of days. way to represent guys. great job!
Awesome time Will! Way to show what a 38 year old car can do at a fraction of the cost and with so much style.
So, who's gonna put the drive-train from a Tesla Roadster into their car? Add a steel pole and time your run with a lightning strike, and you might get a sub-10-second run out of it (worked in Back To The Future!)
So, who's gonna put the drive-train from a Tesla Roadster into their car? Add a steel pole and time your run with a lightning strike, and you might get a sub-10-second run out of it (worked in Back To The Future!)
quote:Originally posted by Mark Charlton:quote:Originally posted by David B:
Although maybe better than getting my ass kicked.
Having now had the opportunity to drive BOTH your cars, I can say it would have been a great competition. Will's car is wildly fast in acceleration, but the top gears, as he notes, are so tall the car seems like it would have a tough challenge in the top-speed at the half-mile against David's GT5. I sure hope we get to see next year, and how they both stack up against my GT40.
Mark
Why don't you guys load up the Team Pantera Canada transporter and head back out West for a shootout next year? C'mon: I dare you!
Why don't you attach a tow-rope to your new Ford GT and tow your Pantera East? 
Then you and I can race old GT to new GT and see who's ass gets wiped (I'm betting mine) and blue Pantera against Burgundy Pantera and see what happens (get your moist-wipes out). Dare ya.
Mark
Then you and I can race old GT to new GT and see who's ass gets wiped (I'm betting mine) and blue Pantera against Burgundy Pantera and see what happens (get your moist-wipes out). Dare ya.
Mark
quote:Originally posted by Mark Charlton:
Why don't you attach a tow-rope to your new Ford GT and tow your Pantera East?
Then you and I can race old GT to new GT and see who's ass gets wiped (I'm betting mine) and blue Pantera against Burgundy Pantera and see what happens (get your moist-wipes out). Dare ya.
Mark
Them sounds like fightin' (read: drinkin') words!!!
I'd love to!!!
Well, I dont need the 393 but have a stock 5th gear or 4:22's. I would be more than happy to trade .
.quote:Originally posted by EA #3528:
Them sounds like fightin' (read: drinkin') words!!!
First three rounds are on me. The rest are on you. Bring it!
Mark
I will cover 3 more rounds, at least. Come east and bring the rest of the gang!
quote:Originally posted by David B:
I will cover 3 more rounds, at least. Come east and bring the rest of the gang!
Very tempting, brothers .... veeeeeeerrrrrrry tempting!
To all you eastern gentlemen, I would caution you to be careful what you wish for. Don't forget we here in the West count Blaine and his twin turbo tire-shredding kitty among our own. The last time he had it out, there was a seismic alert and the Earth's rotation changed. Strategic Air Command went into Defcon 3, and various religious leaders declared the end of the world.
That's why it's getting dark so early!
Cannot say that i am not extremely tempted.
Blaine,it's only a 3 or 4 day drive. And with fuel prices at $1.40 per liter (that's around $5 per gallon US) it probably won't cost more than about $1,500 in fuel each way.
Mark
Mark
quote:Blaine,it's only a 3 or 4 day drive. And with fuel prices at $1.40 per liter (that's around $5 per gallon US) it probably won't cost more than about $1,500 in fuel each way.
It's a business expense, right? You would be promoting 5252 Motorsports.
That it??
It only has 8.5:1 compression so I suppose I could turn the boost all the way down, Lean the cruise area and run regular. I could probably make it for $1400 each way .
.
Wow, how much more cool is that than sitting at a car show all day in the hot sun listening to all the meatheads talk about our cars.
Nice compilation. It certainly was a great event. I look forward to next years run.
Mark
Mark
WOW! Looks Like A Blast!!!