[REAL 1]

Virgil: Kudos to you! That is an amazing accomplishment. Another record in the book for Shelby Cobras. You are certainly carrying the torch well.
While Dick Smith's record was official for the time there were always nay sayers based on as I understand in large part the cars aerodynamics and whether it was possible.

Virgil's feat which was recorded and timed with modern time keeping equipment actually should eliminate any doubt with regard to Dick Smith's record. Virgil's record in a car identical in shape and similar in power ran slightly faster than Dick's time. Why would anyone now doubt Dick's feat? Dick Smith was an icon and a legend in the Cobra world and part of its lore.
Virgil, I note you also run your Cobra on road courses. Do you change diff ratio's for road work, tires, suspension etc...?

Based on your use of the car in high speed activities whether involving turns or high speed records have you thought about caging the car, 5 point restraints, HANS etc... and removing the wood dash for safety? Since I have become very involved in track events in the past couple years, attended racing schools etc... I have become very a tuned to the safety aspects of the sport and recently purchased a Boss 302 AI spec race car with a full Watson Racing cage primarily for the cage.

Cobras as much as they do offer in brutal performance they offer as little in safety in stock form.

Also I noted that you joined CC in 2006 but only have less than 40 posts. Personally I think you should be posting more as you clearly have a lot to offer the community.

Kudos again.