2020 Best Driver’s Car Contenders Performance at WeatherTech Raceway
Find out how this year’s Best Driver’s Car contenders performed at iconic WeatherTech Raceway.
Track Performance: A Key Component
One of the key aspects of the Best Driver’s Car competition is track performance. Enthusiasts who invest in top-tier sports cars often take them for track days. While lap times do not solely determine the final rankings, they serve as a vital point of comparison. Consequently, having reliable data necessitates consistency, for which professional racecar driver Randy Pobst is instrumental.
Insights from Randy Pobst
Randy has been part of the BDC for the past ten years, not just because of his championship-winning background, but also due to his ability to articulate what a car does well or poorly during laps. As we dive into this year’s results, let’s examine the performances of the contenders, including a new SUV lap record set by Randy himself.
2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo
Time: 1:40.27 – New SUV lap record!
Randy Says:
“It’s like hot lapping from the grandstands because the seating position is so high, but I don’t have a sense of much body roll. The turn-in is fantastic. If we frame it as an SUV, it’s utterly incredible. I had a lot of confidence, which is a real compliment to something that weighs almost 5,000 pounds. This all-wheel-drive system is very effective and beautifully balanced off the corner.”
2020 Chevrolet Corvette Z51
Lap Time: 1:37.83
Randy Says:
“It’s a whole new millennium for the Corvette. It handles well, with slight entry oversteer that points it towards the apex. However, it feels a bit too nervous off-throttle. The braking wasn’t quite as effective as before; the C8 could benefit from lessons learned from the 911.”
2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4
Lap Time: 1:36.14
Randy Says:
“The most racecar-like of the bunch, making it a joy to drive. The shifter is light and fast, allowing for a neater driving experience. In the right gear, it rocks, providing power oversteer that I hadn’t felt in a Cayman before.”
2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Lap Time: 1:33.84
Randy Says:
“Ford Performance has done a terrific job of setting up the chassis to transfer power effectively. It comes off the corner confidently, offering a bit of drifty fun if desired. Its braking ability is commendable despite its hefty weight and power.”
2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S
Lap Time: 1:32.97
Randy Says:
“The grip from the street tires felt fantastic. Although the PDK transmission had occasional slow shifts, the overall handling was stable without much understeer. This model carries over more performance traits from the GT3, enhancing its overall dynamics.”
2020 Lamborghini Huracan Evo
Lap Time: 1:32.85
Randy Says:
“This car proves to be much faster than its torque rating would suggest. The cornering grip and steering response are tremendous, giving a planted feel in the back. I appreciated the ability to prompt rotation, making it engaging to drive.”
2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo
Lap Time: 1:32.27
Randy Says:
“This car demands precision to drive fast. It can become challenging to handle under power in lower gears. The advanced stability control helps, but it still requires effort to achieve optimal braking performance.”
