I think the comparison of the Shelby GT500 to the Porsche GT3 is a bit misleading, as the two cars are driven by drivers of unknown (to me, at least) capabilities. I wouldn't be surprised that the lap time for the GT3 from the link Dueller posted is well below what the GT3 can actually do.

My post (above) of the race qualifying time at VIR for the 2010 GT3 is also misleading, as this is a full-on race effort. The GT500 is fielded by a Ford tuner. Still, I thought it was interesting to compare it against the 3.01.8 for the 2006 GT3 and the 2.58.48 for the 2011 GT500.

I agree, Jim...lap times can be misleading in such a venue...but they sure can make for fun posting board chat! Using the same (hopefully skilled) driver on the same day would be the best way to do such comparisons.

Indeed. :)

Was that on the same course configuration?

@pwd72s: I agree, the Mustang is a great bang for the buck today. Heck - the GT500 is knocking on the Corvette Z06's door! If I weren't so involved with all things Porsche, I would seriously consider the GT500 (or even a plan-jane GT 5.0) for a track car... :D

-Z

No, it was 11th fastest...D-Oh!

But really, it's okay to be a Porsche loyalist...I was one, for more years than you've been on the planet.

Unknown, Z. The TRG GT3 lap time was on the 3.27 mi configuration.

There's a dot following a course map during the video...I'm not familiar with VIR, so is this "grand west course" the long or the short course?

(edit) "There is also another, seldom run, long configuration called the "Grand West Course" that uses the other two short connecting sections between the "Full Course" and the "Patriot Course."

It's not one of the short courses. It's not the long course. It must by default be the "Grand West". As an aside, I love VIR. Not only is it a terrific layout, it's quite scenic.