Top racer claims Corvette ZR1 might have shaved an additional 10 seconds off its record-setting lap time at Nurburgring
Corvette ZR1 Poised for Nürburgring Record Breaking Attempts
The Corvette ZR1, an American sports car, recently set new records for American production cars on the Nürburgring, with a lap time of 6:50.763. However, according to Nürburgring analyst and professional racer Misha Charoudin, there may be room for improvement.
If Charoudin's assessment is correct, the Corvette ZR1's current Nuürburgring record might not be its final performance. The record-setting lap showed the car avoiding curbs and using wider lines through several sections, suggesting that a more aggressive approach could yield faster times.
In fact, Charoudin identified earlier braking, slower corner speeds, and a cautious approach to curbs as factors that could be improved. If these factors were addressed, the Corvette ZR1 could move near the very top of the Nürburgring's all-time rankings.
The Corvette ZR1X, the ZR1's sibling, currently trails only the Mercedes-AMG ONE on the Nuürburgring all-time list. It is ahead of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS MR and Mercedes-AMG Black Series. If a professional driver could take about 10 seconds off the ZR1’s Nürburgring lap time, as Charoudin suggests, the ZR1 could run the Nürburgring in about 6 minutes 40 seconds.
Charoudin even suggests that Chevrolet might have faster laps on record with a professional driver. This suggests that the potential for improvement is not only with the Corvette ZR1 but also with the company's approach to record-breaking attempts.
Meanwhile, Ford CEO Jim Farley has hinted that the Mustang GTD may return for another run at the Nuürburgring, potentially intensifying the rivalry between American manufacturers. In their record-setting Nürburgring run, the Corvette ZR1 outpaced the Ford Mustang GTD. If the Mustang GTD returns, potential improvements could secure the ZR1X's lead over American rivals.
Misha Charoudin believes a professional driver could comfortably aim for a sub-6:40 lap time with the Corvette ZR1. If this rivalry intensifies, the Nuürburgring could see a series of record-breaking attempts, with the Corvette ZR1 at the forefront.
[1] The Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X set outstanding laps driven by Chevrolet engineers, who are highly experienced but not professional race drivers.
[2] The record attempts deliberately used in-house engineers rather than pro racers to highlight the cars' capabilities without the benefit of top-level racecraft.
[3] Misha Charoudin, a Nürburgring expert, analyzed the ZR1’s lap and suggested that with a pro driver, the time could be approximately 10 seconds faster.
[4] Some key context: The ZR1's record-setting lap also showed the car braking earlier than necessary, which added distance and slowed the car through critical corners.
[1] Misha Charoudin also points out that Chevrolet might have even faster laps on record with a professional driver, indicating a potential for improved performance from the Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X.
[2] The recent record-breaking attempts by the Corvette ZR1 on the Nürburgring were performed by in-house engineers, who have demonstrated the car's capabilities, but without the added advantage of professional racecraft.
[3] With a more aggressive approach, the Corvette ZR1 could not only improve its current Nürburgring record but potentially move near the very top of the all-time rankings, according to Nürburgring analyst and professional racer Misha Charoudin.
[4] The Ford Mustang GTD, an American supercar, may soon challenge the Corvette ZR1X's lead on the Nürburgring all-time list, intensifying the rivalry between American automotive manufacturers in the sports and transportation industry.
[5] Should the Ford Mustang GTD return for another record-breaking attempt, the Corvette ZR1X's faster laps could be solidified, positioning it at the forefront of the Nuürburgring's upcoming series of record attempts in the automotive and lifestyle sectors.
