Michael Riley's Blog: Hemmings Find of the Day

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Hemmings Find of the Day – 2010 Radical SR8

In 2005, a Radical SR8 driven by Michael Vergers lapped the Nuerburgring Nordschleife in 6:55, setting a new record for a production (albeit a limited production) vehicle. By way of comparison, the fastest Dodge Viper (a 2010 Viper ACR) produced a lap time of just over 7:12, while the fastest Corvette (a 2012 C6 ZR1) lapped in just under 7:23. Variants of the SR8 can be made street-legal (in some countries, anyway), but the beast is essentially a race car at heart, and perfect for events like the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. This 2010 Radical SR8, for sale on Hemmings.com, was driven by racer Dominic Dobson to an Unlimited Class win at Pikes Peak in 2015, and has been specially modified to meet the event's competition rules. With a full steel roll cage, an FIA-approved fuel cell and an increased-thickness floorpan, it's almost ready to run the event in 2016 (after fitting the mandatory head restraint-equipped seat), but it's also well suited to track days and time attack events. From the seller's description:

This is a chance to purchase the 2015 Pikes Peak International Hillclimb Unlimited Class-winning GoProMotorsports.com Radical SR8 as raced by Indy car driver Dominic Dobson.

The SR8 RX is Radical's proven V8-powered sports racer and it provides the definitive driving experience. Physics-defying grip, relentless acceleration and powerful brakes add up to a two-seater track car that can lap most tracks in the same time as a Formula 3 single-seater – but at a fraction of the price. The SR8 RX's styling and chassis have been developed to comply with FIA CN class regulations, homologating the SR8 RX for international competition well into the future.

RPE's acclaimed 2.7-litre RPX V8 engine develops an incredible 430bhp and powers the SR8 RX through a unique RPE/Quaife six-speed transaxle. Coupled with the RPE paddleshift system and auto-blipper, flat upshifts and clutchless downshift are part of the package. This was the same specification used by Michael Vergers to set the production car lap record around the fearsome Nürburgring Nordschleife in August 2009. This longstanding flagship of the Radical range is the most thrilling yet easily manageable track and racing car available.

This unique example was delivered new to the Western US Distributor – Radical West – in 2010 and was prepped by the shop before becoming a track car for their management. It has never suffered any serious crash damage and has always been maintained professionally by the Radical West staff. It has a total of about 150 hours on the chassis and a total of 35 total hours on the engine, with about 6 hours since a total overhaul by the authorized engine rebuilders for Radical West. Additionally, the gearbox was fully rebuilt and also has only 6 hours.

Most recently, the car was prepared for the 2015 Pikes Peak International Hillclimb to be driven by 7-time Indy and LeMans racer Dominic Dobson. Dobson, at his first-ever appearance at the world famous event, took the GoProMotorsports.com Radical to an astounding win in the Unlimited Class and also won the coveted "Rookie of the Year" award.

The Pikes Peak rules required some special modifications to the standard SR8. These include the installation of a full steel roll cage, an FIA-approved fuel cell, a new floor pan of .125" thickness, and the installation of an aluminum seat with a built-in head restraint. The roll cage and floorpan remain, however the seat has subsequently removed and the standard seat re-installed, although it is included with the car. A full AIM data acquisition and camera system is also included and installed on the car.

This fast and agile car is race-ready for the 2016 Pikes Peak and is a potential class winner again! Dobson attributed his success to a large extent to the cars amazing combination of handling, grip and power. "…the radical was a breeze to drive and handled the many tight corners with ease. The acceleration was excellent and the brakes worked flawlessly, even entering the sharpest hairpins" Said Dobson after the race win.

The car includes one additional set of wheels, some spares and extra tires. It is a turn-key entry into the 100th running of the Pikes Peak Hillclimb in 2016…the 2nd oldest race in the US and will be a very strong contender for another race win in the Unlimited class!