My Shelby GT500's Return to the Track: Second Chance at Willow Springs
Returning to Willow Springs was exciting, especially after my last track day ended with a throttle body issue that cut the experience short (as detailed in this blog post). With that problem resolved, new suspension adjustments in place, and exciting tools to capture onboard data, I was eager to see how my Shelby GT500 would perform this time. This post chronicles the highs, challenges, and personal milestones during my "second chance" on the iconic track. Let’s dive into the details!
Fixing the Throttle Body and Suspension Adjustments
In my last blog, I explained my Shelby GT500 throttle body fix and how I replaced it with a new Ford Racing dual 65mm throttle body. This was the same part I already had so there was no need for new tune. I also added a heat sync that was purchased from VMP performance.
While prepping my Shelby GT500 for its return to the track, I decided to tackle some track suspension tuning using Vorshlag caster/camber plates. I set the camber to about 3 degrees negative and opted for the middle adjustment on the caster plate. Adjusting the camber is straightforward—you simply loosen the top four nuts and slide the top of the strut in or out. This adjustment can even be made at the track without fully disassembling the suspension.
Caster adjustments, however, are a bit more involved. They require removing the strut, taking out the countersunk Allen bolts, and reinstalling them in the desired notch to achieve the target caster. But why increase positive caster? By doing so, the outside wheel gains negative camber during cornering, while the inside wheel gains positive camber. This helps optimize the tire contact patch for improved grip and cornering performance.
After everything was back together, I took the car out for a quick test drive. The adjustments felt promising, but there were still a few more things to finalize before I was fully ready for the Willow Springs track day. These suspension tweaks, combined with other upgrades, set the stage for improved performance and handling during my next outing.
The Equipment Upgrade: Capturing On-Board Videos with OBDII Data
After my last track day at Willow Springs was cut short due to throttle body issues, I decided to level up my track day tools and incorporate on-board video equipment with OBDII data tracking. My goal was to collect accurate performance data to help troubleshoot and improve my driving experience in my Shelby GT500. I watched this video and here’s how I did it:
Racechrono IOS app
I explored various track day apps, including Track Addict and Harry’s Lap Timer, but chose RaceChrono for its ability to export sessions as .vbo files—ideal for advanced lap time analysis software. While I don’t yet have the software, this feature adds future flexibility for deeper insights.
APEX Pro Phone Mount
This sturdy mount, branded as “motorsports-ready,” securely holds my phone during high-speed laps. Its reliability ensures uninterrupted video recording while tracking performance data.
Racebox Mini GPS
Standard iPhone GPS receivers operate at only 1Hz (one sample per second), which isn’t sufficient for accurate data capture on the track. The RaceBox Mini GPS, with a 10Hz receiver, provides precise positioning and integrates seamlessly with the RaceChrono app for detailed tracking.
OBDLink MX+ Bluetooth Scanner
To gather essential OBDII data tracking metrics like speed, RPM, and throttle position, I used the OBDLink MX+. It connects effortlessly to RaceChrono and doubles as a diagnostic tool for reading fault codes.
Together, these tools enable me to capture high-quality, integrated video and data, making every lap in my Shelby GT500 a step toward better performance. Below is the video of my best lap of my first session.
Comparing My Heat Times with RaceChrono
After my first morning session, we couldn’t wait to review the video and data from my Shelby GT500. The video quality from my iPhone exceeded expectations, even though I had to mount the camera to the right of my rearview mirror to keep my field of vision clear.
The RaceChrono app provided detailed insights into my track day lap times, highlighting my fastest lap and top speed. One of the app’s standout features is its ability to divide the track into sections and compare your best times for each segment against your current lap. This feature proved invaluable for tracking driving progress and identifying areas where I could improve.
While reviewing the data, we discovered a key issue: I was shifting into 4th gear after completing Turn 4, which resulted in slower acceleration out of Turn 5. This unnecessary shift became a habit I needed to break to optimize my lap times.
Check out the video below showcasing my fastest lap from the next session, where I worked on correcting this mistake and refining my performance.
Building Confidence on the Track: From Nervous to Comfortable
At the start of the day, I was definitely nervous. The thought of my Shelby GT500 breaking down again lingered in my mind, but as the day progressed, those fears faded. My car was performing better than ever, and my confidence steadily grew.
With each session, I became more in tune with my Shelby GT500, and my lap times consistently improved. Using the RaceChrono app to capture every detail, from lap times to data overlays, made the experience even more rewarding. Reviewing the videos was exciting, but they don’t fully convey the speed and intensity of being on the track—it felt like I was flying out there!
By the final session of the day, everything clicked. My driving felt smooth, my lines were cleaner, and it was the most comfortable I’d ever been behind the wheel of my Shelby GT500. It was a day of building confidence on the track, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end it.
Check out the video below of my best lap from the final session—my personal highlight of the day.
Surprising Lap Time Results: Why I Felt Faster but Was Only 1 Second Quicker
In my final session of the day, I felt like everything had clicked. My Shelby GT500 felt smoother, faster, and more responsive than ever. Despite rising ambient temperatures, I kept a close watch on my intake air temperatures displayed on the RaceChrono app. I was confident I had shaved significant time off my previous laps and even predicted I had broken the 1:40 barrier.
After reviewing the footage and data, I was surprised to find that I was only one second quicker than my previous personal best. While initially a bit disappointed, this experience highlighted an important lesson about lap time improvement—seconds on the track are hard-earned.
This realization reinforced the value of small gains on the track and the importance of practice. Progress in track driving, especially with a car as powerful as the Shelby GT500, is a journey of refining skills, analyzing data, and accumulating seat time. The day’s results motivated me to focus even more on consistency and technique for future sessions. Every fraction of a second matters, and I’m excited to continue pushing the limits of my car and myself.
Analyzing Lap Times with the RaceChrono App
The screenshot below showcases the RaceChrono app in action, displaying the lap times from my session. The app automatically highlights the fastest lap of the session in blue, making it easy to identify peak performance.
One standout feature of the app is the "Opt" lap time displayed at the top. This optimal lap time combines the best sections of your driving into a single theoretical lap. It’s a fascinating tool that gives insight into what your best possible lap could be if all your best sector times were strung together.
This feature is invaluable for analyzing your track driving progress, helping pinpoint areas for improvement while providing motivation to bridge the gap between your actual and optimal lap times. The RaceChrono app proves to be more than just a timing tool—it’s an essential resource for refining your skills and chasing those elusive seconds on the track.
Conclusion: Gearing Up for Future Track Days
Returning to Willow Springs with my Shelby GT500 was an exhilarating experience. From resolving throttle body issues to fine-tuning the suspension and incorporating cutting-edge tools like the RaceChrono app, each step contributed to an unforgettable track day. While shaving just one second off my lap time may seem modest, it underscored the value of small gains on the track and the importance of continuous improvement in Shelby GT500 performance driving.
This journey reinforced that track progress isn’t just about the car—it’s about the driver honing skills, analyzing data, and striving for consistency. I left Willow Springs more confident, motivated, and excited to push both myself and my GT500 to new limits in future sessions.
If you enjoyed this blog and want to support, click the button below to request a free AMSOIL catalog. AMSOIL products are what keep my Shelby GT500 running at its best—whether it's on the track or off it. Your support means the world and helps fuel future adventures.
Additionally, if you’re inspired to track your car, I highly recommend checking out Speed Ventures at speedventures.com. They offer incredible events and opportunities for drivers of all levels to experience the thrill of the track.
