You like watching cobras race?

[Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB]

RAC TT 2016: (Royal Auto Club Tourist Trophy) Circuit is 3.667 miles
Race length is 1 hour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XVEXo4-VSk
Graham Hill Trophy Race 75MM (75th Members Meeting) April 2017:
Goodwood Motor Circuit is 2.4 miles. Race Length is 45 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibeg58gRLD8

AZ Bob

[Karl Bebout]

Thanks Bob. Looks a lot easier than it is. I was tired out after three 20 minute track times on a 2 1/2 mile track. Can't imagine HOURS of it.

But then again, I am rapidly approaching GEEZERDOM.

[1795]

It's not just getting tired that becomes an issue as we age, it's also, can I make it back in time before I pee my suit! I know of a couple of drivers who got stuck out on the track going slow during a double yellow at the end of the race, who were ready to burst by the time they got back to the paddock.

[Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB]

I know what you mean. I've had my Baby for 17+ years and every time I am going to get into it, I get so excited I have to tap a kidney beforehand. What other car could make you feel that way?

AZ Bob

[byronpete21]

Holy crap, those guys are really going for it. It is nice to see these cars being driven the way they were meant to be driven.

[Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB]

Notice the huge negative camber on Red #2 cobra in the RAC TT race. The ending is a bummer.
AZ Bob

[Cobrakeith]

Great racing, they really push each other and don't give an inch. Wonder how their times compare to the times of Cobra's in the 60's? The British do like Le Mans tops on their Cobra's, I don't think I saw any Cobra with the top off.

[1795]

I have heard that times are faster,which would make sense as there has been a lot of improvement in internal engine components over the years.

It is rare to see a cobra without the lemans top in British racing. I wonder to what extent it is due to an improvement in aerodynamics, and to what extent the typical rainy weather that happens there. A lot more pleasant racing with a roof over your head than in an open cockpit.

[Cobrakeith]

Yes I would expect times to be a bit faster, engine improvements and maybe tire compounds probably have a positive effect on race times. The Le Mans tops, I'd expect to see an effect on the top speed on long straights but I don't know how fast these guys are going, maybe the weather plays into it as you say 1795, the U.K. isn't known for its hot sunny weather.

[peterpjb]

the cobras in europe are usually racing with a complete safety roll cage, the lemans hardtop covers the cage, so it is for better looking in the first place

[xb-60]

My understanding is that Cobras, E-Types and TVR Griffiths have to race with a minimum weight of 1000kg. An original Cobra is under that ....so maybe they add a Le Mans top to add 'ballast' up to the minimum weight, and that also just happens to aid aerodynamics

Cheers,
Glen

[peterpjb]

Originally Posted by xb-60

My understanding is that Cobras, E-Types and TVR Griffiths have to race with a minimum weight of 1000kg. An original Cobra is under that ....so maybe they add a Le Mans top to add 'ballast' up to the minimum weight, and that also just happens to aid aerodynamics

Cheers,
Glen

would be easier to put another part of lead into the car...

but the question is:
why do all european cobra racers use full cages
and why are all the american racers satisfied with the stock or little modified rollbars and drive with open cars?

[Bartruff1]

Great stuff....I cannot imagine the value of those cars being hammered around like that.

A look back at the golden age of sports car racing for me...