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

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

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by Threeofnine, Oct 22, 2025 at 10:03 PM.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    449
    Birmingham, AL USA
    Full Name:
    Jarrod Heath
    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.

     
  2. flash32

    flash32 F1 Veteran

    Aug 22, 2008
    7,175
    Central NJ
    Full Name:
    Dominick
    I would be a little concerned about braking ..
     
    TestaDDS and Threeofnine like this.
  3. Robb

    Robb Moderator
    Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Feb 28, 2004
    14,484
    Tucson, Arizona, USA
    Full Name:
    Robb
    Threeofnine likes this.
  4. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    449
    Birmingham, AL USA
    Full Name:
    Jarrod Heath
    My TR has F40 brembo brakes, front and rear. The brakes would probably be ok for cautious tracking.
     
    flash32 likes this.
  5. JohnMH

    JohnMH Formula 3

    Jan 28, 2004
    1,877
    Bologna
    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.
     
    Threeofnine likes this.
  6. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    449
    Birmingham, AL USA
    Full Name:
    Jarrod Heath
    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.


    Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  7. turbo-joe

    turbo-joe F1 Veteran

    Apr 6, 2008
    9,634
    southwest Germany, France ( Alsace ) and Thailand
    Full Name:
    romano schwabel
    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 ! ! !
     
    Threeofnine likes this.
  8. TestaDDS

    TestaDDS Karting

    Sep 6, 2015
    106
    France
    Full Name:
    RM
    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.
     
    Threeofnine and turbo-joe like this.
  9. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,335
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    #9 Rifledriver, Oct 23, 2025 at 5:22 AM
    Last edited: Oct 23, 2025 at 5:40 AM
    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.
     
    Threeofnine and Jedi like this.
  10. turbo-joe

    turbo-joe F1 Veteran

    Apr 6, 2008
    9,634
    southwest Germany, France ( Alsace ) and Thailand
    Full Name:
    romano schwabel
    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
     
    Threeofnine and flash32 like this.
  11. JohnMH

    JohnMH Formula 3

    Jan 28, 2004
    1,877
    Bologna
    I suspect those brakes will not fit in the stock wheels.
     
    Threeofnine and turbo-joe like this.
  12. turbo-joe

    turbo-joe F1 Veteran

    Apr 6, 2008
    9,634
    southwest Germany, France ( Alsace ) and Thailand
    Full Name:
    romano schwabel
    I have 19" wheels
     
    Threeofnine likes this.
  13. ago car nut

    ago car nut F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 29, 2008
    5,545
    Madison Ohio
    Full Name:
    David A.
    Tinker Toy wheels? Not as good as original TR wheels??
     
    Threeofnine likes this.
  14. INTMD8

    INTMD8 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jun 10, 2007
    6,833
    Lake Villa IL
    If I had a well sorted TR I would absolutely do this and wouldn't try to limit the speed or rpm.
     
    Threeofnine likes this.
  15. dsmith

    dsmith Karting

    Aug 3, 2022
    53
    Greer, SC
    Full Name:
    David Smith
    First, read the rules. If this is your first event, you cannot exceed 140mph at any time and your max target time (fastest class you can run) is 125mph.
     
    Threeofnine likes this.
  16. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
    Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner Social Subscribed

    Dec 1, 2000
    64,543
    Southlake, TX
    Full Name:
    Rob Lay
    @FarmerDave and @DIGMAN52 have done it.

    #1 First time you would probably be in 100 mph class on a street car.

    #2 Each speed level going up there are more and more experience and car safety requirements.

    #3 Not sure brakes would be the highest priority, not much braking.

    #4 Alignment and perfect highest speed rated tires would be my priority.

    #5 PPF or tape up the front.
     
    Threeofnine and Jedi like this.
  17. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    449
    Birmingham, AL USA
    Full Name:
    Jarrod Heath
    #17 Threeofnine, Oct 23, 2025 at 1:05 PM
    Last edited: Oct 23, 2025 at 1:15 PM
    Yes. I actually just read through their rulebook. It appears that as a first time driver, and in a street car, I would be limited to 124 mph. To go faster more safety equipment is required for each class. To go 170-180 I would basically need a full roll cage, fire suppression system, fuel cell etc so that’s pretty much out of the question. I am still interested in possibly attending, honestly my Mondial might be a better fit for this event.
     
  18. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    449
    Birmingham, AL USA
    Full Name:
    Jarrod Heath
    I am actually planning on changing these wheels. I don’t particularly like the style, they were installed by the previous owner. I thought about maybe trying to go up to 512TR wheels, would you recommend this or would set of forged wheels be better? The factory 16‘s no longer fit.
     
  19. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,335
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    Factory uses very good wheels. Get 512 wheels.
     
    Threeofnine likes this.

Share This Page