This would be my second HPDE track day at Willow Springs in my 2012 GT500. I signed up through Speed Ventures and was excited to join them as they have a specific Mustang group, Mustang Drivers Club. Willow Springs is known as "the FASTEST ROAD in the west" and is the same track the Ford GT was tested on the movie Ford Vs. Ferrari.
I started in the beginner group as I have no ego when it comes to track driving. My car is a 2012 GT500 with a few modifications: JLT intake, smaller supercharger pulley, Ford Racing Throttle body, Lund Racing Tune, Ford Racing lowering springs, 6 piston Baer brakes front and rear, and since I am on the track, no CATs.
We got to the track early and set up our pit.
The morning was a little chilly, perfect for boost, and I warmed up my engine as I waited for them to call my group. My 2012 GT500 was dialed in, and I thought about all the track prep work I did to get here. I rolled onto the track and started out slow on the first lap as I tried to remember the driving line. The suspension was doing its job, keeping the car tight through the turns, and throttle response was steady. Engine temps looked good, and I wasn’t pushing anything too hard.
After a few solid laps, I started to accelerate at WOT and heavily braked into turn 1 and 2. Turn 3 would result in disaster. Luckily, the photographer was able to grab a photo of me.
Braking into turn 3 was aggressive and as soon as I was pointed uphill towards turn 4, I gave full throttle. My car immediately went into limp mode and my car had no power. I tried to pull over to the side as much as possible and had to stop on track. The cars behind me were swerving around and I was in panic mode. I turned off the ignition and restarted the engine. The engine was no longer in limp mode and I was able to drive around the track and into the pits.
I had an issue years ago where my engine would go into limp mode when I accelerated at WOT. The problem ended up being a faulty throttle position sensor so I thought for sure it had failed again.
I used my Bluepoint OBDII scan tool to check the freeze frame data. I found a P2111 code which is Throttle Control Actuator System - Stuck Open. My initial thoughts were correct in thinking the problem was in the throttle body. I quickly searched online and found a local auto parts store down the road with the correct throttle position sensor. We removed the throttle body to replace the sensor and to inspect the internal gears. I thought maybe the gears could have a broken tooth causing it to bind.
We got everything back together in time for the next heat. I started out slow again as I was nervous the problem would come back. I made it through two laps and started to drive harder. I drove through turn 3 and it happened again! Engine was in limp mode and I had to stop on track to restart the engine. I sadly drove back to the pits and knew my day was over.
The only other part on the throttle body that could have failed is the actuating motor and I could not find the correct part at any local stores. I was disappointed that I couldn't continue the track day at Willow Springs so we loaded the car back on the trailer and headed home.
I browsed the internet to try to find a solution to my problem and didn't find anything convincing. I did find a few posts of people having similar problems but this was during extreme heat and they mentioned the actuator motor would overheat and cause the engine to fail into limp mode. I did not want to risk this problem again so I purchased a new Ford Racing Throttle body from American Muscle and a throttle body heat sink from VMP Performance.
My initial test drive was good and my GT500 never went into limp mode. The true test will be when I get back to Willow Springs for another track day.
If you’re into high-performance driving and want to push your car to its limits, I highly recommend signing up for an HPDE event, like the one hosted by SpeedVentures.com. It’s the safest environment to experience what your car is truly capable of without the risks of street driving. Whether you're new to track days or an experienced driver, HPDE events provide the perfect setting to refine your skills and enjoy your sports car in its element.
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