Record Performance At Big Bend Open Road Race
A 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 set a new benchmark at the Big Bend Open Road Race in Texas by averaging 173.004 mph over 118 miles. Driver John Anhalt and navigator Kelli Hughes competed on a closed section of Highway 285, tackling 60 turns each direction and achieving speeds over 210 MPH on the straights. This achievement surpassed the previous record of 172.249 MPH set in 2013 by another Corvette.
Modified ZR1 & Technical Setup
Anhalt’s ZR1 was heavily modified for the event. The car’s 6.2-liter supercharged LT5 V8, originally rated at 755 HP, was upgraded with a larger throttle body, ported heads, uprated rockers and lifters, a revised supercharger, and more. Exhaust modifications included Kooks headers with AWE straight pipes and no muffler, boosting output by an estimated 30 percent over stock. The absence of mufflers contributed to extreme noise and significant heat buildup at the rear of the vehicle.
The “Toasted Marshmallow” Meltdown
Sustained high speeds and the unique exhaust setup led to an unexpected challenge: the ZR1’s rear bumper and lower bodywork melted from the exhaust’s heat. The car, now humorously named the “Toasted Marshmallow,” finished the race scorched but intact. The incident highlighted potential airflow and thermal management issues, which Anhalt plans to address with new exhaust flow solutions before the next event.
Race Strategy & Challenges
Despite a blistering pace, fuel management was critical. The ZR1 would consume a full tank in about 20 minutes at full throttle, requiring careful throttle control to avoid running out mid-run. Both Anhalt and Hughes indicated the car held even more speed potential, having navigated the final corners at nearly 190 MPH.
The Spirit Of Competition
Anhalt and Hughes became teammates by necessity; Hughes’ own C6 Corvette was not ready in time, so she joined Anhalt for the record drive. Their teamwork, preparation, and willingness to push the limits paid off with a new BBORR record and a memorable tale of supercar endurance and resilience.
Conclusion
The C7 Corvette ZR1’s record run at the Big Bend Open Road Race demonstrates the raw capability of Chevrolet’s front-engine flagship, especially when fully unleashed and purpose-built for extreme open road competition. The event also underscores the durability demands placed on high-performance machines operating at the very edge, a reminder that setting speed records sometimes comes with literal and figurative burn marks.
