Image via Chevrolet
The new C8 Corvette ZR1 is quite the machine that just keeps on winning, despite the shrieks of Europeans and diehard Blue Oval fans. It’s a legitimate supercar from America that can hit 233 mph while also carving through some of the fastest tracks in this country, setting record times. This has been done over and over without professional racecar drivers behind the wheel, which is even more impressive.
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In total, the C8 ZR1 has racked up five lap records at four separate facilities with four different GM employees behind the wheel and the ZTK Performance Package installed. More records might be coming, but for now this is an excellent start, proving the newest Corvette model should be taken seriously as a track weapon.
The ZR1’s first record lap was set at Watkins Glen in Upstate New York on the Watkins Glen Long Course. Behind the wheel was Lead Performance Engineer for Chassis Controls, Bill Wise. Even though he’s not a NASCAR or IndyCar driver, he smoked the previous record at a scorching 1:52.7. Watch his run for yourself.
Next up is Road America in Wisconsin, where Lead Vehicle Dynamics Engineer Brian Wallace carved through the turns and blasted down the straightaways to set a new record of 2:08.6.
Road Atlanta was the venue for the third track record. Lead Development Engineer Chris Barber, who again isn’t a professional racer, was behind the wheel, crossing the finish line in 1:22.8. That’s fast.
Finally, Global Vehicle Performance Manager Aaron Link went to Viriginia International Raceway and set two lap records. The first one was for the Full Course at a scorching 1:47.7. Then he whipped through the Grand Course in 2:32.3.
Anticipation for the C8 Corvette ZR1 has been high, but these lap records speak volumes about how worth the wait the American supercar has been. We wonder what kinds of times professional drivers could set on the same tracks with a ZR1 running the ZTK Performance Package. Maybe some new records will be set when they do?
Image via Chevrolet
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