Police interceptor crown vic action at Roebling Road Raceway, Savannah Ga

[lemansz]

Took my new 2003 Crown Victoria Ex-Texas Highway patrol car to Roebling Road raceway in Savannah Ga. this past friday.

To a seat time track day, www.seat-time.com.

The crown vic is a "P71" Police interceptor model, fresh off the Texas beat, with 83k miles on it. I did a basic service on the car, oils fluids filters, torqued the lug nuts and set the tire pressure. Loaded the toolbox and headed to the track.

A great time was had by all, that day. The car got a good many interested lookers, including two ferrari 575 owners!

The first two sessions I warmed myself up to driving the track, and the car. I built a little more confidence in the sled and on the last two run sessions i let it eat ...

I was told by Jon Krolewicz, the event organizer that the time to beat was a 1:36. A record set by a Georgia State Patrol driving instructor in a P71 crown vic.

Here are my lap times in the beast on the last two sessions .. timed by patrick b.

Session 3:
1:48
1:36
1:35
1:32

Session 4:
1:33
1:33
1:32
1:32
1:33

The car started running out of gas on the last 3 laps of that session.

I think with a decent set of stock tires, a front end alignment and a warmer sunnier day.. a 1:29 is possible in this old American Iron. The car ran flawlessly all day except for trans temp getting up to about 210 after 5-6 hot laps. Not bad for a car that has already been retired once because of wear and old age.
I was really impressed with the car overall after learning the limits and driving it pretty close to that limit. I can say that this car might not be "FAST" but if driven properly it would be tough to get away from.

Cant wait to do it again!

You guys should hit up one of these seat time events this spring, they really are excellent track days.



Videos:

(disclaimer: the in the vids it says itss a vid of a 1:32 LAP.. thats nto correct , i rean a couple of 1:32's but 1 of these vids was taken in the second session.. and is prolly a high 1;30)


forward dash cam

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/5...7d015aa933.htm

driver cam

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/e...7d011550d7.htm

passed by 2 z06's going into the last turn, 400 rwhp cars with race tires.

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/a...7d0135708e.htm

pics and vids by kevin pope