GM had a press release about this, and they stated "It is unfortunate that this incident happened. Many factors contributed, including weather and track conditions. "
Yes, those were excellent conditions, it was sunny, the track was dry, the temp was around 70, and those... are perfect conditions for nothing to occur that is surprising or unexpected.
GM also released another press statement about the guy who wrecked their Corvette:
"Reuss is a certified industry pool test driver on the North Course of the Nürburgring track in Germany. He also created and led the GM Performance Division in 2001, when he was responsible for GM racing vehicles, as well as production versions of Chevrolet SS models and the Cadillac V-Series."
So, track conditions were perfect, and the driver was experienced and a pro at the Nürburgring.
What could possibly be the problem then, when you've got a great day, and a great driver, and a great car?
"Sunday's race runner-up and Verizon IndyCar Series championship leader Will Power said the turn that fooled Reuss is particularly tricky, and that an accident like that could have happened to almost anyone.
ReplyDelete"I felt really bad for whoever was in the pace car," Power said after finishing second to Ryan Hunter-Reay. "It's very easy to do as you go over that crest, and the traction control must have been turned off. So yeah, I felt — it wasn't really his fault. It's just such a bad corner. Like it's very easy to do."
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2018/06/03/pace-car-crashes-ahead-second-indycar-chevrolet-detroit-grand-prix/667651002/
I'm not here to report the facts with a lack of humor. Nor am I going to point out the bad placement of the corner relevant to the crest of a change in geography.
DeleteIf I were to point out that it was a rookie mistake based on the crest, and the corner, and happens all the time... there would be no point to posting it, and treating it as both news, and scandalously embarrassing for an experienced track driver, and sports car tester.
So, instead... I went for a story narrative that was designed and intended to entertain my readers.
1) Detroit is narrow and has nothing but flat blind turns, its more like Monte Carlo than the Nurburgring. 2) The ZR1 has near enough power to spin the tires from the exit of one turn to the entrance of another. 3) There are Indy cars trying to put heat in their tires which means they're not holding to a race line per se, and are often strung out all along the racecourse. Combine these things together, and you have a GT car with a bunch of Indy cars hot on his heels, cooking through a blind turn, doing exactly what he should do which is put the hammer down on the exit, but... where he needs to go on the exit there is an Indy car weaving back and forth warming up his tires. The driver of the Corvette turns to the left to avoid the Indy car, but oddly enough because he's lifting on the throttle the center of balance shifts enough to induce a snap oversteer this causes the rear tires to break loose, and he's off into the barrier. --IMO
ReplyDeleteI'm not here to report the facts with a lack of humor. Nor am I going to point out the bad placement of the corner relevant to the crest of a change in geography.
DeleteIf I were to point out that it was a rookie mistake based on the crest, and the corner, and happens all the time... there would be no point to posting it, and treating it as both news, and scandalously embarrassing for an experienced track driver, and sports car tester.
So, instead... I went for a story narrative that was designed and intended to entertain my readers.
I understand. Lets just say it will be the highlight of this executive's career instead.
Deletethat would have been a better headline than what I used.
DeleteI'd like to take credit for it, but its a paraphrase of a comment my Group Commander made to a lowly enlisted man who had a habit of smoking weed disobeying orders and going UA. When he reported to the commanders office the CO looked up from his desk and said 'son, I hear that you want out of my Air Force, is that true or are you just trying to make me feel better?' (Yes Sir) "Well then, Airmen, this latest incident looks like its going to be the highlight of your miserable little career in the military."
Deletehad this guy never driven around the course before this lap?
ReplyDeleteand notice in the vid that the brake lights never came on, even after he hit the wall
See my comments ^ the worst thing he could have done was hit the brakes with a parade of DW-12's behind him, IMO.
Delete