118 mile open road race (Testarossa), bad idea?

A couple times a year it there is an open road race on 118 miles of public roads (that are temporarily closed to the public) in Texas. I don’t really know much about this event. Out of curiosity, how would a Testarossa hold up on something like this? I assume you might have problems if you ran WOT the entire length but if you kept it around 140-150 mph, with the occasional jump up to 175-180, should a well maintained TR handle it without breaking a sweat?

The reason I ask is I previously asked about taking my TR to a track day event but the universal recommendation was not to do it. The main concern there seemed to be that the fragile gearbox might not survive. I would assume high speed driving at a steady pace wouldn’t seriously risk the gearbox, but I could be wrong.

 

I would be a little concerned about braking ..

 

All I remember is the TR in Nevada flat out in a similar closed highway time trial.

car lost tread on a tire at 170… crashed and burned. Two dead and they were wearing 5-point harnesses, etc.

https://www.newspapers.com/article/reno-gazette-journal-jean-bartschi-form/25378326/

https://www.jonathangreenonline.com/articles/adv_a08/

I’d skip it.

Robb

 

My TR has F40 brembo brakes, front and rear. The brakes would probably be ok for cautious tracking.

 

I would like to see how those brakes were fitted…. I would consider that upgrade.

Is the car mechanically in top condition? What rpm at 140 mph? I am not sure my belt driven accessories would like that experience.

 

The car just completed a major service that included upgrading the diff, new clutch and a ton of while you’re in there stuff. My mechanic said it was one of the best driving and the best braked TR he has ever driven. I’m unsure the exact rpm at 140 but I’d guess 5k or higher. At 100 mph it’s typically right at 4k.


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if the radiators are ok I would not see any problem.
and with those F 40 brakes I also see no problem
also it is only 118 miles ( around 190 km ). this distance once I was driving on the german autobahn at night in not even 50 minutes with my koenig competition - but had to fill up the fuel after around 150 km ( and I started with a full tank )
is this a circuit racing or a race between point A ( starting ) and B ( arriving ) because you write on public roads what are closed for public during this event.
when you join this race please make video

wish you good luck ! ! !

 

In europe we have the "Nordschleife", turbo-joe . But this is difficult for a Testarossa, whose brakes are not very powerful or durable, not to mention the chassis, which is not particularly rigid.

 

TRs have been run in the Silver State and similar events since 1985 and run at consistent high speeds for far longer than 118 miles with no issues plenty of times.
The transmission is not made of glass, it just does not like drag strip type usage.
The only concern I would have is your tinker toy wheels. With a good set of wheels and a fresh set of Z rated Michelins I wouldn't think twice.
I mean, its what it was made for. Its not like you'll be 118 miles with the right pedal matted. If a TR cant do that its a pretty sorry situation.
Most of those events exercise speed limits depending on the level of preparation and safety equipment
the car has. A stock street car will not be allowed to go very fast.

 

the nordschleife for a testarossa is terrible. less power and too much weight. I have in my competition front brakes from the F 50 and rear from AP and often had to use it on the autobahn, but never had problems - until now

I know this nordschleife but with my competition I never have been there. only was going with motorbike on this "street" and often had to go into the meadow but lucky never had an accident.
I would be afraid to go with this car there. better on a normal race track with gravel around, sufficient exercise areas and no guardrails

 

I suspect those brakes will not fit in the stock wheels.

 

I have 19" wheels

 

Tinker Toy wheels? Not as good as original TR wheels??

 

If I had a well sorted TR I would absolutely do this and wouldn't try to limit the speed or rpm.