We’ve all read or heard the discussion about whether a 650-horsepower C7 Z06 or the less-powerful, but just as track-capable Grand Sport is the better car to do track work with. This video might not settle that debate, but it clearly shows why a convertible isn’t a wise choice!

A YouTube video posted just the other day by jhnfrrguto drives home that fact in a rather sobering way. The Z06 is presumably owned by “Steve” as named in the title of the video. The car also appears to be one of the Hertz Z06s which were sold after their stint as rental cars throughout the US. The term “rent-a-racer” could actually apply in this instance.

As mentioned, many folks debate whether the Z-car is in fact the better car when heading out onto the open track. Even in the hands of accomplished racers, all those 650 horses simply overpower the car’s tires, and eventually, traction becomes a myth once hoped for. A really good driver can thread that needle between under-utilizing the throttle and over-heating the tires for several laps. For mere mortals, the trip is much shorter. In this case, Steve and his co-pilot are just exiting the first turn at Willow Springs, a mere half-mile from where they started, before the horizon takes a 90-degree turn and 180-degree shift through the windshield.

This video will likely wind up in the Top Ten reels of so many “crash” videos that riddle the horizon on YouTube, but what makes this video so different are the numerous ways the event was recorded. Firstly, the Performance Data Recorder was running to capture all the pertinent data such as throttle position, brake application, and steering inputs. Plus, there’s that worm’s eye view of the track as it all goes down. The next roll of footage comes directly from Steve’s co-pilot, John. Camera-in-hand, John captures the sounds and most of the sights inside the cockpit throughout the ordeal. Then, there’s the third eye behind both these gentlemen. The vantage point by which we get this gif before all the dust starts flying.

Once only the plaything of the highest-paid racing teams, the Corvettes’ PDR captures so much data when things go awry. Note several things: over 60 miles an hour, NOT pointed straight down the track, and no application of either gas or brake. LOTs of steering angle though! Also note, only .4 miles into the run!

As the video unfolds, it becomes obvious the soundtrack will drown out much of the audio. Supposedly this is by design, just be prepared for it. If you’re one of those people who can’t help but comment about music playing over the video, just “like” one of the many responses already stating this and save some time. Some of the other comments are to be expected, such as those from “Monday-morning driving instructors” or those who would NEVER find themselves in a similar situation – but I digress.

I’m sure John knew that was going to happen as he was uploading the video, and in fact, there are several lessons we can learn from the video, some of which are laid solely at the feet of Steve, the driver. First things first, we hate to see any car get hurt, let alone a Corvette, but we’re glad both gentlemen are okay. That said, here are a couple of things we can learn from this video.

1. Traction control – We know, you’re better than all that electronic gizmo-try. We’ve heard it time and time again. In our super-non-scientific research of every other Corvette-related crash (non-accident), we’ve asked folks whether traction control was on or off, can you guess the answer we hear most? Whether you’re on the track or the street, there really isn’t much reason to not have traction. We’ve asked professional racers and they leave on some traction control. Unless you’ve stared down from the top podium position into the faces of these very people, you’re not that good either.
2. Warm-up laps – In this video, the guys are wearing sweaters and jackets. As Steve gets out onto the track, he makes it less than a half-mile around the first turn and you can watch the green (accelerator position) indicator shoot to all-green the instant the rear starts to come around. The Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires on Z06s with the Z07 package are remarkably grippy when up to temp, but also notoriously sketchy when they are not. Also note that while the butt-pucker factor was likely in full swing, the driver never utilized the brakes to their full extent, as evidenced by the red bars in the PDR recording. When things can’t be fixed with further steering inputs, it’s time to go “two feet in” on the brake pedal.
3. Seat time – This one goes right along with the last point, but takes one step further back. We all know track days can be a lot of fun. But, don’t make the mistake of trying to squeeze an entire “racing” career into your first effort. The first person to ever hit the track with you should be an instructor. Proper instruction will not only show you the fastest way around the track, but it is also the safest way, building that speed as your abilities allow.
4. Even hardtops become drop-tops – If you’ve ever wondered why convertibles aren’t typically allowed on-track unless they have a roll bar, this video should help drive that point home. This was a hardtop, and the windshield frame still caved. Check out the helmets for the scratches to see another good example of why safety equipment is non-negotiable.

As mentioned, there are many comments already touting much of the same information. But, there were a few that went above and beyond. Some were rather ingenious tomes of information, such as “You need slow hands when you have traction and fast hands when you don’t”. Pretty accurate, don’t you think? And of course, what’s a comments section without a bit of savagery? This one is sure to get a few thumbs up, thanks to its spicy seasoning of wit and vivid memory, “Mark Reuss liked this video.” Ouch!