va122

Hey, in case you missed it I lost my mind and traded my GT3 for a Radical SR3 1500cc ...I already miss my GT3

Now to the radical... Gulf Livery Championship winning car, 1500lbs w/driver 200bhp to the wheels!

The race prep is done, track support arranged, PO present for an orientation. First impressions, this car is LOW 50mm off the ground and 2 feet high. I can reach out the side of the car and touch the ground! Fired up the car and WOW this thing is loud, high idle too. Water temp good, oil pressure good. The PO takes it for a shake down with my fat *** as ballast. Wow this thing is quick, I thought my head was going to rip off in the corners.

My turn , oh no! I cant reach the pedals! I'm shorter then the PO but I have broader shoulders. Track support got right on it. Nose came off and they moved the pedals back 2 in. ok better. Ready to go. Select 1st, left paddle. Engage clutch, stall, repeat...ok I got this finally. Damn the throttle is sensitive, and boy does she rev quick! Off the line...3k, 5k, 7k, 10k! right paddle 2nd...shift lights are going off like Christmas lights 3rd, 4th seamless acceleration, microsecond shifts this is incredible! First corner, brake OW MY *****! gotta loosen the crotch strap...damn this thing stops HARD I felt my neck protest. back up through the gears *grin* repeat. Weird, with the open cockpit it literally feels like you're flying. Your helmet feels like it's gonna get ripped off your head at speed. Cornering...2.5 G's!! this thing is like a go-kart only faster! This thing just sticks. The PO is urging me to go faster. faster = more grip. Ok time to turn up the wick. Going into the sweeper in the GT3 I'm doing 85 now I'm doing 120. Sick! it sticks. Turned in early next turn back end steps out. Counter so easily. In the GT3 I would have spun 3 times already. I love this thing. Ugh oh water temp low...pit.

The mechanics look over the car, and tape up the radiators. Back out. Solo this time. WOW taking 180lbs out of a 1300lb car is significant. The thing is a rocket now. Lap after lap I increase speed, the steering is telepathic, no body roll to speak of and the acceleration is seamless with the sequential. full throttle upshifts and hard braking clutchless auto blip downshifts, fantastic. The closing speeds are insane, thank God for the blue flags as I approach a lotus at a 50mph differential he moves left-right as he looks in his mirrors. Hard brake! Don't try to help idiot! Stay on your line!! Pass over, heart rate back to normal. I lap a Z06 twice and couldn't wipe the grin off my face.

I can write on for days but as I'm sure you all want to know... What were your times? I don't know, sorry. I couldn't figure out the racepack dash's lap timer. I'll do more testing and get back to you guys. Per the PO the radical is like 15s faster per lap then the GT3. Damn.

Time for beer

va122

Pic

MTB

Nice write up! It is fast. Remembered seeing a video that this rocket set the production car record at the "ring".
My favortie color but I like it more in a Porsche

rlips

They are a hoot. Is that picture at Spring Mountain? I was there 3 weeks ago, if I lived closer I would already have an SR3

micahbones

Great description, sounds like an absolute blast! When's your first W2W race?

Darkstar1

Great play by play, should be years of fun. Nice paint on any car...

aussie jimmy

nice one, vic! it will provide hours of entertainment, and a steep learning curve to boot.
the program is good too, with alot of track time and racing support.
although, seeing a pic of your 6 3 on the new keeper's thread, reminded me of how bad-assed
it looked. would have been ideal to keep both....but, hey, one can't have it all....and be truly happy.
congrats, and enjoy!

mjb

That is a thing of beauty! Nice write up - the Radical just seems ridiculous...in all the right ways

SH || NC

That is f'ing awesome; great write up. Strap a camera and some data on there; the vids will be incredible I am sure.

LVDell

Wow, SMMP has changed dramatically since I used to run there. Have fun Vic!

va122

Yea, SM has certainly changed over the years, I remember when there was nothing there at all. The facility is great and caters to the radicals. The shop is on site, as is the engine builder. So all work can be done without trailering the car to the shop like the GT3. I keep a garage there true arrive and drive.

I wish I could afford to keep the GT3, I'll miss her dearly. It was weird not to see her in my garage. The radical in there made me feel better though

As far as W2W, I need to hold off on that until I learn the car.

jrgordonsenior

Where else can you run with other Radicals? I' see them occasionally but not enough. I think they're fabulous cars......

FFaust

Thanks for sharing.

Conekilr

Congrats and enjoy...They are a ton of fun...

How sore were you after your first day..

mooty

very nice.
congrats. now go wipe your self.