Racing the GT - is it capable ?

[Forfer8]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been thinking a lot about the Ford GT Mk1 and its performance when pushed to the limits, especially in racing scenarios having seen a lot of “stories/accidents” with them. I know it’s a beast on the road, but how does it really handle when you throw in some high-speed corners and intense driving situations?





From what I gather, the GT Mk1 wasn’t originally built with racing as its main focus. Sure, the Robertson family’s GT-R made some waves at Le Mans, but that car had a ton of modifications. So, I’m curious:


• Chassis and Suspension: Is the stock setup up to the task for racing, or would it need some serious upgrades?


• Power-to-Weight Ratio: Does the GT Mk1 have the right balance for competitive racing, or is it more suited for spirited road driving?


• Overall Race Readiness: If someone wanted to take a GT Mk1 to the track, what kind of changes or preparations would be necessary?

I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences, or any insights you might have on this!

 

[nota4re]

From what I gather, the GT Mk1 wasn’t originally built with racing as its main focus.

Is there a modern car that WAS built with racing as it's main focus? Modern "amenities" like stereos, airbags, AC, crash bars, passenger seats, catalytic converters, mufflers, EGR to name a few all detract from being a true race car. Given the value of the current cars and the scarcity/cost of replacement parts, there can be no serious consideration of wheel to wheel racing this car. To wit, your question about "competitively racing" the car is really naive. That said, a GT might be a really fun/capable car to take to a "track day" where a track is rented by enthusiasts AND where you have trust/confidence in others on the track allowing you to focus only on the task of driving. As a nanny-less, mid-engine, high-hp car, the GT DOES require some non-trivial driving skills but out-of-the box with good tires the GT can still deliver some very impressive track results.

 

[KennethClay]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been thinking a lot about the Ford GT Mk1 and its performance when pushed to the limits, especially in racing scenarios having seen a lot of “stories/accidents” with them. I know it’s a beast on the road, but how does it really handle when you throw in some high-speed corners and intense driving situations?





From what I gather, the GT Mk1 wasn’t originally built with racing as its main focus. Sure, the Robertson family’s GT-R made some waves at Le Mans, but that car had a ton of modifications. So, I’m curious:


• Chassis and Suspension: Is the stock setup up to the task for racing, or would it need some serious upgrades?


• Power-to-Weight Ratio: Does the GT Mk1 have the right balance for competitive racing, or is it more suited for spirited road driving?


• Overall Race Readiness: If someone wanted to take a GT Mk1 to the track, what kind of changes or preparations would be necessary?

I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences, or any insights you might have on this!

Without mods, the 2005-2006 Ford GT isn't that great on the track. It's heavy and getting it to turn is...difficult. That said, thundering down the straight is amazing! I've had a 2005 GT on track in NY and also in Utah. Loads of fun, but definitely a (beautiful) GT car and not a race car.

The NFGT, however, is another matter entirely. Put it in race mode and it's AMAZING! Turn in is crisp, the brakes are otherworldly. It's fantastic.

However, it's pretty expensive, too, and not that "modular". I've raced Radicals, Lotuses, and even Spec Miatas. A friend crashed his Radical in quali, it caught on fire, and the able team of mechanics had the car back together in time for the race. Don't think you could do that with either of the FGTs. I'd recommend enjoying track days with the GTs, and getting a proper race car to actually race. That way, you have a fuel cell, fire suppression system, etc. Safer and probably cheaper in the end.

 

[2112]

Why not race a GT40 replica…..or GTD …….if you can get one.

 

[fjpikul]

I suggest you watch some of the old Mark McGowan videos to answer your question. And what is a MK1 exactly? Do you mean the 05-06 cars? You might also review the Matech racing team attempts.

 

[Forfer8]

I suggest you watch some of the old Mark McGowan videos to answer your question. And what is a MK1 exactly? Do you mean the 05-06 cars? You might also review the Matech racing team attempts.

Sorry. It’s 05-06

 

[twobjshelbys]

Some privateers did take the base 05-06 and modify it for competitive racing. One team did surprisingly well. But there is no class that a straight GT can run in and the modified cars bore little resemblance to the originals.

It's a fun car on the track though. I wouldn't take mine to the "Saturday at the track day" because the skill set of the people is so varied and wrecks were common. An 05-06 is too expensive to take a chance on wrecking it. If you want a day-tracker go buy a used Z06. Relatively cheap and disposable - if you wreck it go find another

 

[PeteK]

"Miata." You can wreck one every year and still be money ahead of almost anything else.

 

[KennethClay]

"Miata." You can wreck one every year and still be money ahead of almost anything else.

One of my favorite racing jokes:

Q; How is racing a Ferrari Challenge car and a spec Miata alike?
A: It’s impossible to do $30,000 of damage!

 

[Stef]

Besides Matech Competition and Marc-DVS there was
Robertson Racing;
Third place and a podium in GTE-AM
In 2011, 24 HRS of Lemans.

Started the race in second to last position, lost two laps due to
Paddle Shift issue, still managed consistent performance.

Andrea Robertson drove the last stint. She was the first female to podium since 1931 by Odette Siko.

Exhibition by Robertsons at the
Ford Proving Grounds
during Ford GT Forum rally 10 in Dearborn. I was there in the group.

Lots of good stuff out there 05/06
Ford GT racing.

 

[Howard]

Not to mention the only husband and wife driving team to ever be on a LeMans podium.

 

[Forfer8]

@Stef thank you so much for this info. I noticed the RCR logo on their service truck. They have carbon copied the Robertson’s GT-R. Would that be a raceworthy GT ? A GT-R for racing and A GT for picking up the groceries ?

 

[2112]

A GT-R for racing and A GT for picking up the groceries ?

That sounds like a good plan

 

[Stef]

@Stef thank you so much for this info. I noticed the RCR logo on their service truck. They have carbon copied the Robertson’s GT-R. Would that be a raceworthy GT ? A GT-R for racing and A GT for picking up the groceries ?

You're welcome indeed.

The GT is way to go for the groceries!
Or dropping of the kids at school
(when it's the busiest of coarse), Beer runs or any other errands you might need to do

 

[Forfer8]

You're welcome indeed.

The GT is way to go for the groceries!
Or dropping of the kids at school
(when it's the busiest of coarse), Beer runs or any other errands you might need to do

Would you perhaps know which modifications the Robertsons mainly did to end up with a Petit Le Mans pole winner ?

 

[PeteK]

Lots of mods. Very little of the original GT is left. different body exterior panels, different suspension, different engine (not supercharged) and trans, etc.

 

[Forfer8]

Lots of mods. Very little of the original GT is left. different body exterior panels, different suspension, different engine (not supercharged) and trans, etc.

Out of curiosity. Are there any known FGT mods easily done by owners (to pick up the groceries more quickly ) ?

 

[fjpikul]

Pulley and tune adds 100 up, short throw shifter, catback exhaust or xpipe, Ahlman racing shocks, transmission cooler, GT Guy cold air intake, whipple supercharger, better fuel injectors. Just name a few.

 

[texas mongrel]

Pulley and tune is probably the best single mod you can do to your GT: No downside and dirt cheap, think it cost me about a dollar per horsepower but that was 15 years ago. After that it starts costing money. I'm at 682rwhp (thanks Rich!) but it cost a lot more than $682!

 

[dr914]

I would much rather take my 911 on the track than my 2006 Ford GT.