GT500 Base and Track Pack Put Up Seriously Fast Lap Times at NCM Motorsports Park

[Classic Lover]

https://www.automobilemag.com/news/2020-ford-mustang-shelby-gt-500-track-test-video/

But as we learned when we ultimately awarded an Automobile All-Stars award to the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, road courses are where this beast really comes alive.

In the hands of pro racer Andy Pilgrim, the Handling Pack GT500 clocked a test time around NCM Motorsports Park of 2 minutes, 14.77 seconds. That puts it just 0.2-second behind the 2019 Acura NSX we track-tested on the same circuit, and less than a second behind the stickier-tire equipped 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R.

Switch to the Track Pack-equipped 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, though, and any track test becomes a whole new world. With its grippier rubber—similar to the 2020 GT350R's for a better apples-to-apples comparison—and more aerodynamic downforce, we clocked a blazing time of 2:09.70.

Maybe someone can put these numbers into some kind of context for me, I didn't search what for example a ZL1 1LE does on this track.

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[Classic Lover]

Looks like a ZR1 corvette did a 2:05.59 and a hellcat redeye did a 2:19.50

Off the tracks web page. https://www.motorsportspark.org/production-car-lap-records/

 

[SVTDSM]

This is my home track and I can tell you first hand that sub 2:10 is ridiculously fast! The fastest I’ve ever seen any Camaro do there was a 2:11 and that was not a stock car and driven by pro IMSA driver Tom O’gorman. Fastest I’ve seen a ZL1-1le do in stock-ish form is around 2:12. Last year at TT Nationals the Unlimited class record was reset at around a 2:08 which was set by a track prepped Viper GTS with Aero and Hoosiers.

 

[Epiphany]

Interesting that even after consultation with a "Ford engineer" that Andy is still off in his explanation as to the oil separators function. Nonetheless, this article/video added some more data into the mix.

We had previously been told that downforce numbers at the rear (at 180mph) were 379lbs for the Base swing spoiler with Gurney Flap and 550lbs for the CFTP wing. Andy just reported that (at 120mph) the Base with the Flap was at 175lbs and the CFTP wing at 270lbs of downforce. Maybe by 2029 we'll finally have enough data to plot the curve that engineers have known since ~2016.

Andy commented on the "surfboards" that are on each side of the rocker panel, just aft of the front tire. He's one of the few to get it right. They aren't there for aero but rather for "gravel pack."

Also interesting is that the CFTP car had its camber plates installed and looked to be taking advantage of additional camber. Can't comment as to whether it was more that stock but it was definitely more than the Base car. Not the location of the top of the strut rod in each tower on both cars.

CFTP...

Base...

And finally, I'm sure you guys noticed him sliding the car around some of the turns in the video. This is exactly what I was talking about that I found fairly easy to do when at the Track Attack. You can drive through it and work the throttle. The Base Michelins are great tires but clearly not Cup2's.

On edit... Andy reported something rather interesting regarding rear downforce numbers on the GT350 when comparing the Swing with Flap vs the R model wing.



More drag, yes, but I did not know that the swing/Flap combination had more downforce than the R wing. Hmm.

 

[ZRacerLE]

Looks like a ZR1 corvette did a 2:05.59 and a hellcat redeye did a 2:19.50

Of the tracks web page. https://www.motorsportspark.org/production-car-lap-records/

Looking at the cars on that list, I don't see a ZLE going faster than a 2:11.

Waiting to see how the GT500 CFTP does in the lightning lap this year. Wish the mags would test this car more.

 

[Surfergeek]

This was a nice video and a good comparison of CFTP to base. Leaning more and more toward picking up CFTP springs and suspension bits for my handling pack car to go with my Signature wheels that will be wearing the SC2s.

 

[kilobravo]

This was a nice video

And a VERY short one, Jared. :-)

 

[Weee500]

This is my home track and I can tell you first hand that sub 2:10 is ridiculously fast! The fastest I’ve ever seen any Camaro do there was a 2:11 and that was not a stock car and driven by pro IMSA driver Tom O’gorman. Fastest I’ve seen a ZL1-1le do in stock-ish form is around 2:12. Last year at TT Nationals the Unlimited class record was reset at around a 2:08 which was set by a track prepped Viper GTS with Aero and Hoosiers.

THIS IS MY HOME TRACK TOO!! I was there testing back in February for a private track day. With street settings and no setup fastest I managed was 2:27 not pushing it. Lol

 

[SVTDSM]

THIS IS MY HOME TRACK TOO!! I was there testing back in February for a private track day. With street settings and no setup fastest I managed was 2:27 not pushing it. Lol

Oh nice! We should hook up. I just picked up this bad boy the night before last! Can’t wait to get out there and see what I can do with her!

 

[Surfergeek]

Oh nice! We should hook up. I just picked up this bad boy the night before last! Can’t wait to get out there and see what I can do with her!

Nice garage, 350 and a 500. You got the best of both worlds.

 

[02gtnh]

Looks like a ZR1 corvette did a 2:05.59 and a hellcat redeye did a 2:19.50

Off the tracks web page. https://www.motorsportspark.org/production-car-lap-records/

The same guy ran a 2019 SS1LE in 2.15:62

 

[kilobravo]

On another subject...

What "toolkit?"

Anyone seen or received one of these? I sure haven't, not that I need/want more swag, just curious.

 

[Epiphany]

Part of the owner's kit, CFTP style.

Still waiting for my owner's kit. Hello, Ford Performance....is there anyone there?

 

[Tractor Junk]

This is my home track as well, and I'm typically in the 2:17-2:18 range in a HPDE setting.

For a point of reference, the GT500 Track Pack in stock form is running times that are extremely competitive with NASA TT1 race cars.

 

[kilobravo]

Tob: Help my feeble memory, which one of the swag shipments was the "Owner's Kit," the one with the blower cover, book, cup, etc?

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