SVTP's ac427cobra takes his Boss 302S Mustang out at Virginia International Raceway

SID297

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May is a beautiful month in the Piedmont region of Virginia, and Virginia International Raceway is truly one of the premier road course facilities in the US. When you combine those two with a copious amount Blue Oval derived horsepower you have the makings of a magnificent weekend. That just so happens to be what SVT Superfest is. The event is organized by The SVT Cobra Mustang Club and attended by members of The SVT Owners Association, Roush Road Crew, and Track Club USA. This is our second time visiting this annual Memorial Day Weekend event, but I think we’re going to have to add this event to our schedule every year. If you get a chance, you should go as well.

This event has many activities; including a car show, vendor alley, banquette with Ford engineers, etc.; but the main attraction is undoubtedly the opportunity to push the limits of your car and yourself around the historic turns of VIR. If you haven’t participated in a track-day type event, you really should. I love drag racing as much as the next gearhead, but to me it pales in comparison to taking on a road track. And VIR is track among tracks. It has such variation that you never seem to be fully confident on every inch of the course. You’ll find up-hill and down-hill portions, increasing and decreasing radii, high speed Esses, and the legendary Oak Tree turn.

So when SVTP’s own ac427cobra (‘Bruce’) invited us to take a ride around the track in his race-prepped Boss 302S Mustang we jumped at the opportunity. For those unfamiliar with the pedigree of the Boss 302S Mustang please take a look at this link:

Ford Racing's 2014 Mustang Boss 302S

That’s right, for less than a hundred grand you can have yourself a Ford built and back track superstar. I’ve personally been around quite a few 302Ses and the word I think best describes them is “legit.” This car is purpose built to be taken to the track and pushed beyond all sensibility. It’s stripped, caged, and can be had fully seam welded. It’s as close to a mail order race car as you’ll find anywhere. So, without any further delay, here is the video of our ride along with Bruce:


<iframe width="1280" height="720" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LHCImZHc3I8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>​


If that’s not a great way to spend a weekend I don’t know what is. Bruce is one Hell of a driver and his Boss 302S had grip that just wouldn’t quit. That car stayed glued to the track in the turns at speeds that would have meant certain death in most factory built cars. The 302S is nothing short of an engineering marvel, and Ford Racing Performance Parts should be very proud to offer such a car to the public.

Speaking of thoroughly impressive cars, did you notice the as-of-yet unreleased Ford Fiesta ST and the SVT Shelby GT500 Mustang in the video? I was blown away by the tail-happy corner prowess of the Fiesta ST and the brutal speed of the GT500. What makes the performance of these cars even more impressive is the fact that they were both wearing street tires while out Boss 302S camera car was shod with Goodyear race-compound slicks. The ST looked like a blast in the Esses, while the GT500 was an absolute beast everywhere on the track. Its power in the straights was awe inspiring.

In case you missed the pics at the end of the video here they are, along with a few others, from our friend and SVTP contributor Rich5150:





First thing first, we had to make a small addition to Bruce's car.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_001.jpg



That's much better.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_002.jpg



BTW, the massive wing on the Boss 302S is made of carbon fiber.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_003.jpg



There were several Ford GTs in attendance.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_004.jpg



This 2013-14 GT500 was insanely fast on the track. It was being piloted by SVT engineers giving rides to those in attendance who made a charitable donation. That's a great way to raise money for a charity if you ask me.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_005.jpg



This Boss 302S was definitely in its element in the turns of VIR.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_006.jpg



This Ford GT had an awesome exhaust sound, and would occasionally put on a flame show.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_007.jpg



This was the view from our room.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_008.jpg



Staged up and ready to hit the track.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_009.jpg



George@MGW was on hand with his 2013 Boss 302LS putting his MT-82 shifter to the test.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_010.jpg



George tells us that switching pads, front rotors, and brake fluid made a huge difference in braking performance. He's rolling on a set of Hoosier slicks.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_011.jpg



There were Bosses everywhere. Ford's open-track oriented Pony Car has been a huge success.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_012.jpg



There was an impressive number and variety or cars participating, including a few non-Fords.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_013.jpg



VIR is a beautiful facility.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_014.jpg



This really makes me want to buy a 302S.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_015.jpg



So does this.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_016.jpg



George@MGW worked to improve his lab times throughout the day.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_017.jpg



There was a class for every skill level.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_018.jpg



There was also plenty of Corvettes on the track throughout the weekend.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_019.jpg



If you look closely you'll see a 2000 Cobra R. After over a decade this SVT creation still commands a lot of respect on the track.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_021.jpg



This event was held over Memorial Day weekend. Should not be forgotten what this holiday commemorates.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_022.jpg



If the opportunity arises, don't hesitate to make the trip to VIR.

VIR_2013_SVTOA_023.jpg


Photos by Rich5150

Special Thanks To:

ac427cobra - Bruce
Rich5150 - Rich
George@MGW



-SID297:beer:
 

Tob

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Bruce, what was up at 12:50? And what was your best lap time of the weekend?

The GT500...just wow.
 

ac427cobra

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Bruce, what was up at 12:50? And what was your best lap time of the weekend?

The GT500...just wow.

It was the checker flag and I was trying to tell Travis that the 2013 GT 500 in front of us was f'n fast! :rockon: More that 200 more HP than us made that thing impossible to catch in the straights. But it was pretty loud in the car after the weld broke on the "H" pipe and we had to remove the exhaust from the "H" pipe back.

I have no clue what my lap times were. I'm not computer savy enough to know that AIM system. I'll have James download the data tomorrow and let you know.

But just as a guess I'd say I'm about 6 seconds slower than Dean Martin. :cryying: I did get a video of my ride with Dean Martin in his car. We were cranking out about 2:02's with traffic!!! :bowdown::rockon: I'll try to post it up once I get a chance.

:thumbsup::coolman::beer:
 

starnsey

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Was that GT500 set up for road racing or was that completely stock? From what I see online, anyone with a GT500 only drives in a straight line. Watching that thing tear up the turns and almost vanish in the distance - WOW - looked like it was moving in fast forward
 

SID297

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Was that GT500 set up for road racing or was that completely stock? From what I see online, anyone with a GT500 only drives in a straight line. Watching that thing tear up the turns and almost vanish in the distance - WOW - looked like it was moving in fast forward

It was bone stock with all of the track oriented options, including street tires.
 

ac427cobra

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Was that GT500 set up for road racing or was that completely stock? From what I see online, anyone with a GT500 only drives in a straight line. Watching that thing tear up the turns and almost vanish in the distance - WOW - looked like it was moving in fast forward

That was a track-pack 2013 GT500 driven by one of the Ford Engineers. Those guys drive for a living and are excellent drivers. I unfortunately have a day gig, no make that two day gigs and I don't nearly get the seat time I'd like. :( I'm old and slow! ;-)
 

starnsey

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That was a track-pack 2013 GT500 driven by one of the Ford Engineers. Those guys drive for a living and are excellent drivers. I unfortunately have a day gig, no make that two day gigs and I don't nearly get the seat time I'd like. :( I'm old and slow! ;-)

Well, nevertheless, you're lucky to get to drive the Boss around such a sweet track!

Man, what a crazy job that would be to "have to" drive that GT500 around that much! So jealous.
 

3Dglasses

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Great representation of the BOSS and that facility looks top notch. Bruce, well, he surpasses my already high expectations with his products, so this is gravy. Excellent post!
 

Brinzey

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I would like to know if there is a Mustang Cobra club in charlotte, North Carolina dedicated to the 03/04 "Terminator"owners... Thanks[/B][/B]
 

ac427cobra

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I would like to know if there is a Mustang Cobra club in charlotte, North Carolina dedicated to the 03/04 "Terminator"owners... Thanks[/B][/B]

I don't know of any club in Charlotte that is dedicated only to Terminators. But SCMC is a club that is dedicated to ALL SVT vehicles.
 

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