OK, as one of my heros, John Lennon once said about the famous (for those of you over 45 that is) "Paul (McCartney) is Dead" hoax, ........"Here's another clue for you all....."
As the unofficial official of this impromptu ACR VS COMP COUPE face off, or the Thrilla in Pocono", I can report that while my beloved Comp Coupe did in fact beat the ACR in several wheel to wheel laps, some details need to be mentioned.
First, Steve Katz could be one of the best semi-pro driver's there is... AND one damn good guy who loves and supports the VCA and constantly gives his valuable time to instruct newbies and even us driver's school alumni, who think we know something. Indeed on Memorial Day, Steve literally jumped out of a rookie's car, jumped into my CC
and got it on.
Now about the ACR. First it was brought from Michigan by none other than Ralph Gilles, Chrysler Designer extraordinare, and a BIG FRIEND OF THE VCA. Guys like Ralph and his lovely wife Doris, constantly help us in getting our club's message out and support our club events. Ralph agreed to this competition because he knows what a fantastically great car the ACR is, but he knew he would be facing a full race prepped CC that has been tuned and maintained by one of the best Viper mechanics there is, Scotty
"The Wrench" Sorrentino of Warnock Dodge. I have been driving this CC for almost 3 years and I can tell you that even in my very limited driver's skill set, I can kick almost any other make's butt in these friendly confrontations. In my buddy Steve Katz's hands, all comers are welcome.
Monday, it should not be lost that both Steve and I and several of our VCA leaders/members in the various times on the track pasted nearly every Ferrari (355's,360's,some race prepped), Lambo, Mustang etc on the track. (the event is the "Celebration of Speed and Design", "CSD" and featured this year almost 150 exotics including our Vipers) Admittedly, while most Vettes were also dispatched, there were a couple of Vettes (one with over 750HP/track prepped etc) that were equal in straights (possibly a little faster on certain laps) but were easily out distinced by the CC in the twisties.
Regarding the Pocono track, it is a full Nascar TriOval with very high speeds. (it will be featured in two nationally televised NASCAR CUP races later this summer) We use 2/3rds of it (eliminating last turn and going into great infield twisties) but still easily nearly 160 MPH on front and back straights. In fact the rear point of the "tri-oval" is the viscious "Tunnel Turn" of Nascar lore where there have been driver deaths and very serious wrecks. Steve is a master of Pocono, and frankly every tip he has ever given any of us that frequently drive there has been right on the money.
Regarding the ACR, it is truly awesome in every aspect. Although Ralph is a fine driver I would imagine that he could have done even better if he drove the CC, but we didn't have the time to do every configeration as we were also having some fun!
Regarding technical points, both cars to my knowledge had 3.07's; Ralph's ACR had the nonstock additons of Belanger headers, track wheels and slicks, but was otherwise stock. ONE BAD ASS CAR to be sure. My CC is a bone stock World Challenge package equipped car. It was Dyno'd at more than the stock factory quote and my recollection was by approximately 20-30 HP or so.
OK, enough BS. Bottom line, Steve Katz is one helluva driver, Scotty is one helluva mechanic, Ralph is both a great driver and great friend. An event that unites the VCA crew together so we can have one whale of a great time...now that's PRICELESS....
Bob
