The C6 Corvette Zr1 is already known for its blistering performance, but recent drag strip results have cemented its place in history. At a private drag rental event, the ZR1 achieved what are believed to be the quickest quarter-mile times ever recorded for a stock production car available in the US.
Driven by experienced racers, the C6 Corvette ZR1 demonstrated its raw power and sophisticated engineering. Incredibly, a completely bone stock ZR1 on factory tires clocked an astonishing 10.851 seconds at 129.89 mph in the quarter mile. This run showcases the ZR1’s exceptional capability straight off the showroom floor.
Further pushing the limits, the same C6 Corvette ZR1, when fitted with stock-sized drag radial tires, achieved an even quicker time of 10.730 seconds at 132.46 mph. This run, piloted by the skilled driver “Ranger,” highlights the ZR1’s potential when paired with tires optimized for drag racing.
This impressive performance builds upon previous outings where the ZR1 demonstrated its prowess. In a prior event at the same track, similar runs were achieved, with a best of 11.05 seconds on stock tires and 10.98 seconds on drag radials. The latest event, however, benefited from slightly better weather conditions, with cooler temperatures and favorable atmospheric pressure, contributing to the record-breaking times.
The focus of the recent event was initially on maximizing the stock tire performance. Incremental improvements in driving technique, particularly launch control and shift points, led to progressively quicker times. The 10.85-second run was the culmination of this effort, demonstrating the driver’s growing familiarity with the car and track conditions.
Switching to drag radials in the afternoon, “Ranger” took the wheel and immediately delivered a series of consistent 10.73-second passes. His best run of 10.730 seconds at 132.46 mph stands as a testament to both his driving skill and the ZR1’s inherent capabilities. Even a subsequent run, showing a slightly slower top speed likely due to heat soak, still resulted in a very quick 10.73x time, highlighting the consistency of the performance.
These results indicate that the C6 Corvette ZR1, even in factory form, is a true drag racing contender. While acknowledging the already exceptional times, those involved believe there is still room for improvement. Refined shifting technique on stock tires and optimized launches on drag radials could potentially unlock even quicker quarter-mile times, possibly dipping into the 10.6-second range. The C6 ZR1 continues to impress as a remarkable feat of automotive engineering, capable of delivering supercar performance straight off the production line.
