12.97@107.7

Meister · 11-19-2006, 04:15 AM

An outstanding M&G was the appropriate prelude to our long-awaited sub-13 second quarter mile last night.

With temperatures in the low 60s, fall has finally invaded the Sonoran Desert. On the fourth pass of the evening, with a gorgeous late-model Corvette appropriately poised in the left lane, the Christmas tree seemed to come down in slow motion. At full bloom of the second amber, plus a tad, I launched, leaving slightly ahead of the 'Vette, but not too early.

I'd roasted the DRs for a full 4-second count and they grabbed and held and my sweet C lunged like a quarter horse who'd just felt a cattle prod. The shift into second was extremely firm, head-snappingly so, and I was pleased to see the pretty 'Vette falling further behind. Shifting to third at exactly 6000 rpm, the shift, again, was a head snapper, though milder than the 1-2 shift had been. Nearing the traps, the Hemi in full howl at both ends, I observed the 'Vette continuing it's slow fade to the rear, a very satisfying observation given his aerodynamic advantage at elevated speeds.

I took the second exit and hustled back to the time slip shack, knowing full well that I had likely broken into the long-sought 12s, a time I didn't even dare hope for 9 or 10 months age when one Reverend Hammer had the audacity to predict that my sweet C would be the first normally aspirated 5.7L Hemi to break the barrier and get into the 12s.

Thankful both for having remembered to bring my reading glasses, and for the crystal bright LEDs in the overhead map light housings already at the ready, I quickly removed the timeslip from the timekeepers outstretched fingers and gave it glance as I bounced along the return lane. OMG!! - is that my lane?! Car 65, right lane, YES!! That is my lane! And my 12.....

The numbers were 12.7@109.5 mph - no wait, those are the sea-level-corrected numbers

The outright numbers were 12.97@107.7, with a 60' of 1.944.

First to celebrate with me was the fueler, dutifully still minding the store 3 plus hours after track opening. Giving him my last $11 we added 1.4 gallons of 101 octane to the remaining 91 octane in my near-empty tank and celebrated. I'd known him longer than anyone else at this quaint little country race track and it just seemed appropriate somehow.

Turns out not only had a number of LXers from the M&G observed the race, but one had even captured the entire race and the times on video, so I have that treat to look forward to as well. I believe BobF will be doing the actual posting. Thanks to both the photog, who Bob will hopefully introduce to us, and to Bob, in advance.
So here you go, Scott, this 12s for you.

DSIGNR · 11-19-2006, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meister

An outstanding M&G was the appropriate prelude to our long-awaited sub-13 second quarter mile last night.

With temperatures in the low 60s, fall has finally invaded the Sonoran Desert. On the fourth pass of the evening, with a gorgeous late-model Corvette appropriately poised in the left lane, the Christmas tree seemed to come down in slow motion. At full bloom of the second amber, plus a tad, I launched, leaving slightly ahead of the 'Vette, but not too early.

I'd roasted the DRs for a full 4-second count and they grabbed and held and my sweet C lunged like a quarter horse who'd just felt a cattle prod. The shift into second was extremely firm, head-snappingly so, and I was pleased to see the pretty 'Vette falling further behind. Shifting to third at exactly 6000 rpm, the shift, again, was a head snapper, though milder than the 1-2 shift had been. Nearing the traps, the Hemi in full howl at both ends, I observed the 'Vette continuing it's slow fade to the rear, a very satisfying observation given his aerodynamic advantage at elevated speeds.

I took the second exit and hustled back to the time slip shack, knowing full well that I had likely broken into the long-sought 12s, a time I didn't even dare hope for 9 or 10 months age when one Reverend Hammer had the audacity to predict that my sweet C would be the first normally aspirated 5.7L Hemi to break the barrier and get into the 12s.

Thankful both for having remembered to bring my reading glasses, and for the crystal bright LEDs in the overhead map light housings already at the ready, I quickly removed the timeslip from the timekeepers outstretched fingers and gave it glance as I bounced along the return lane. OMG!! - is that my lane?! Car 65, right lane, YES!! That is my lane! And my 12.....

The numbers were 12.7@109.5 mph - no wait, those are the sea-level-corrected numbers

The outright numbers were 12.97@107.7, with a 60' of 1.944.

First to celebrate with me was the fueler, dutifully still minding the store 3 plus hours after track opening. Giving him my last $11 we added 1.4 gallons of 101 octane to the remaining 91 octane in my near-empty tank and celebrated. I'd known him longer than anyone else at this quaint little country race track and it just seemed appropriate somehow.

Turns out not only had a number of LXers from the M&G observed the race, but one had even captured the entire race and the times on video, so I have that treat to look forward to as well. I believe BobF will be doing the actual posting. Thanks to both the photog, who Bob will hopefully introduce to us, and to Bob, in advance.
So here you go, Scott, this 12s for you.

Jim,
A much deserved congratulations to you mate, from the land down under!!

HealeyRick · 11-19-2006, 05:33 AM

Thought I heard a sonic boom yesterday. Congrats, Jim.

**Northern Rider** · 11-19-2006, 06:09 AM

A momentous occasion for sure, Jim.

Congrats!

HEMI~C~ · 11-19-2006, 07:54 AM

Well Meister, my hats off to you sir. That was a tremendous run which was truly well deserved. I loved the write up and can't wait to see the video.

To be honest, after yesterday's tauntingly close 13.15 I was secretly hoping to beat you to the punch by stuffing a cam in mine, taking advantage of the nice cold air here.

mjr5150 · 11-19-2006, 08:41 AM

Knew it would only be a matter of time Meister . Way to continue to set the bar and inspire the rest of us to maximize the potential of these beauties .We feel pretty confident with you in charge of our R & D deptartment...even if you didn't realize we bestowed the title to you....

We took a secret forum vote and everyone was there........there were chips and dips....and.....J/K !!! Safe to say we are all enjoying your results ...

-Mike