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152 Posts
most cars ARE faster than bikes
i put this in a previous post, but it's so big now it's probably lost. But i thought i'd put it up again to put things in context for some of you. sure we have better acceleration than most cars, but corner speed is where we lose it all
2004 Road America lap times
American le Mans series:
P1 class: 1:51
P2: 1:58
GTS: 2:00
GT: 2:07
AMA Superbike Miguel Duhamel: 2:13
2003 Brazilian Grand prix in Rio (F1 hasn't raced there this year yet)
Formula One: 1:13
MotoGP Val Rossi pole: 1:49
Donington Park
British Touring Car Chamionship (2003): 1:14
MotoGP Val Rossi pole: 1:28
British Superbike (2003): 1:32
***so against the piddlier race cars, we could win. but anything in the big boy classes, no way. these aren't biased opinions, these are validated qualifying times.
and For those who need a refresher on the American Le Mans classes:
....................................................................................................................................................................................
LMP 1:
Premiere high-tech Le Mans prototypes feature exotic purpose-built race cars such as the Audi R8 or Riley & Scott, Panoz LMP1 or Lola. Minimum weight must be 900 kilograms (1980 pounds). These ultra sophisticated racing machines are capable of reaching speeds well over 200 MPH and can achieve upwards of 750-800 horsepower. All LMP 1 cars feature red race position lights on the ALMS lights system and red numbers.
........................................................................................................
LMP 2:
Smaller and less powerful of the prototypes. Minimum weight must be 750 kilograms (1653 pounds) with top speeds of 180-200. Engine horsepower capacity can be in the 550-600 range. These prototypes are capable of the overall win because of the clear advantage in terms of power to weight ratio as well as fuel economy and tire wear advantages if set up and driven properly. All LMP 2 cars feature blue race position lights on the ALMS lights system and blue numbers.
........................................................................................................
GTS:
Production-based, two-wheel drive highly modified cars such as Corvette, Ferrari 550 Maranello, Dodge Viper and Saleen. With horsepower ratings in the 550-600 range, GTS race cars are almost as quick as prototypes with top speeds of 180-195 MPH, but cornering and braking abilities are below the prototypes. All GTS cars feature green race position lights on the ALMS lights system and green numbers.
........................................................................................................
GT:
Production-based cars only slightly modified such as Porsche, Ferrari Modena 360, Lamborghini and BMW. These race cars can reach 170-180 MPH with horsepower capacities of more than 450. All GT cars feature yellow race position lights on the ALMS lights system and yellow numbers.
i put this in a previous post, but it's so big now it's probably lost. But i thought i'd put it up again to put things in context for some of you. sure we have better acceleration than most cars, but corner speed is where we lose it all
2004 Road America lap times
American le Mans series:
P1 class: 1:51
P2: 1:58
GTS: 2:00
GT: 2:07
AMA Superbike Miguel Duhamel: 2:13
2003 Brazilian Grand prix in Rio (F1 hasn't raced there this year yet)
Formula One: 1:13
MotoGP Val Rossi pole: 1:49
Donington Park
British Touring Car Chamionship (2003): 1:14
MotoGP Val Rossi pole: 1:28
British Superbike (2003): 1:32
***so against the piddlier race cars, we could win. but anything in the big boy classes, no way. these aren't biased opinions, these are validated qualifying times.
and For those who need a refresher on the American Le Mans classes:
....................................................................................................................................................................................
LMP 1:
Premiere high-tech Le Mans prototypes feature exotic purpose-built race cars such as the Audi R8 or Riley & Scott, Panoz LMP1 or Lola. Minimum weight must be 900 kilograms (1980 pounds). These ultra sophisticated racing machines are capable of reaching speeds well over 200 MPH and can achieve upwards of 750-800 horsepower. All LMP 1 cars feature red race position lights on the ALMS lights system and red numbers.
........................................................................................................
LMP 2:
Smaller and less powerful of the prototypes. Minimum weight must be 750 kilograms (1653 pounds) with top speeds of 180-200. Engine horsepower capacity can be in the 550-600 range. These prototypes are capable of the overall win because of the clear advantage in terms of power to weight ratio as well as fuel economy and tire wear advantages if set up and driven properly. All LMP 2 cars feature blue race position lights on the ALMS lights system and blue numbers.
........................................................................................................
GTS:
Production-based, two-wheel drive highly modified cars such as Corvette, Ferrari 550 Maranello, Dodge Viper and Saleen. With horsepower ratings in the 550-600 range, GTS race cars are almost as quick as prototypes with top speeds of 180-195 MPH, but cornering and braking abilities are below the prototypes. All GTS cars feature green race position lights on the ALMS lights system and green numbers.
........................................................................................................
GT:
Production-based cars only slightly modified such as Porsche, Ferrari Modena 360, Lamborghini and BMW. These race cars can reach 170-180 MPH with horsepower capacities of more than 450. All GT cars feature yellow race position lights on the ALMS lights system and yellow numbers.