First Time Driving The FP350S

[50 Deep]

[bcolor=transparent]“Its got fuel. Bring it back when you’re done.”[/bcolor]
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[bcolor=transparent]Life is full of amazing experiences both big and small. They all have an effect on us over the course of time, but some leave you changed forever. Especially those events in Motorsport that allow you to drive pieces of engineering art and bad assery.[/bcolor]
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[bcolor=transparent]At the third Signature Wheel Track event featuring Griggs Racing and the Ford Performance Racing School I had one of the aforementioned life altering events. What I am talking about is the first time I ever got to drive the Ford Performance FP350S. Even better was to get it on a fast course like Willow Springs International Raceway.[/bcolor]
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[bcolor=transparent]Had the honor if building wheels for 5-6 of these FP350S cars, and only seen two in person. Rode in a GT4 once and really was shown what a racecar is. Not until this day was I blessed with the opportunity to pilot one. With the price tag and exclusivity of the car I would never ask to drive one that wasn’t mine. On the same note, I couldn’t say no when Dan McKeever told me to suit up and take it for a spin.[/bcolor]
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[bcolor=transparent]Quick takeaways are that the car is absolutely amazing. It felt like driving the GT350R in terms of effort, as it was extremely easy to manage. A car with so much mechanical grip is mind altering. The faster you go the more stable the car is. Tires get a little warm and they beg for more. HANS system has you locked in pretty tight and it’s all about your mirrors. Brakes put you into the dashboard and never seem to fade. Sound if the exhaust bellowing through the gutted interior is the best lullaby you’ve ever heard.[/bcolor]
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[bcolor=transparent]Anyway, enough of the novel as I could go on forever. Here are couple pics and a short video. No lightning lap video as I just wanted to get in the car before Dan changed his mind. Very thankful to all the enthusiasts that attended and to Dan McKeever at the Ford Performance Racing School for coming.[/bcolor]
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[bcolor=transparent]Video credit goes to @Ronda_Roushe_S550. Photo credit to Robert Gluckman. Thanks bro’s.[/bcolor]
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[WutApex]

That's a hell of an opportunity! I've been a bit nervous to drive a competitors car... can't imagine driving something that costs more than my house. Id love to try driving a true racecar vs one built from a street car. From a friend who stepped up to a GT3Cup, the differences were amazing.

 

[50 Deep]

That's a hell of an opportunity! I've been a bit nervous to drive a competitors car... can't imagine driving something that costs more than my house. Id love to try driving a true racecar vs one built from a street car. From a friend who stepped up to a GT3Cup, the differences were amazing.

I wish I knew more about the capabilities of the vehicles in the various race classes. I know GT3 is pretty serious machinery. Really was a great experience, and you are right. A car designed to be race vs a street car with bolt ons are two totally different things.

 

[einehund]

Awesome experience!!! On a side note, is that the new GT500 hood on the 350S?!

 

[IamRacerX]

That must have been awesome. Just curious how they sound as I know the race cars don’t use the Flat Plane Crank, I bet they scream though! What was the max rpm?

 

[50 Deep]

Awesome experience!!! On a side note, is that the new GT500 hood on the 350S?!

That was an FP350S specific hood vent, but similar to what the GT500 will look like with the hood up and rain tray removed.

That must have been awesome. Just curious how they sound as I know the race cars don’t use the Flat Plane Crank, I bet they scream though! What was the max rpm?

It was definitely awesome. The car makes some amazing sounds through the NA powerplant. Although not a Voodoo, it has a distinct and growly note. The mufflers used on it have to play a factor in the unique sound. Redline of the car I never paid attention to. It has a digital gauge cluster that lights up as you are getting closer to redline. I spent more time looking at that light than the actual readout.