Rivian R1T on the F1 Track Circuit of the Americas! ? (with pro diver Blake Fuller)

[Pixelshot]

So, a friend and R1T owner (Robert Powell) recently sent me some amazing footage he recorded at the Circuit of the Americas - an F1 track - where he had pro driver Blake Fuller (and Pike's Peak EV record holder) drive at top speeds around the track - twice. The footage was so cool that I asked him and Blake to do an interview with me and give me a play-by-play of what was happening. This is the resulting video. I also combined the three camera angles into one video of just the raw 8 minute recording (below). But, the interview is really worth a listen. We do a play through of the helmet cam footage with commentary and then I ask some more technical questions. For example, Blake goes through a full description about traction control late in the video which is very interesting. Hope you enjoy!!




Raw footage:

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[COdogman]

Great video. That second lap is very impressive, especially after he just decides to go straight through every twisty section. That Porsche is almost always in view up ahead!

 

[Donald Stanfield]

That’s a cool feeling when you see a pro race car driver talk about how impressive and fun the vehicle you own is while he’s beating on it on a race track.

 

[Dirtcom_AJ]

This was a great video. Thank you for putting it together. I can definitely agree that this truck has exceptional handling offroad and I can't wait to take it on a track like that.

 

[pricedm]

which Yokohama tires were used?

 

[Ripped]

Summer update; Low profile Carbon Fibre wheels, with Nitto tires, and a track mode setting, maybe a low-mass battery for weight savings ;-)

 

[Ralph]

Thank you. I especially appreciate the edited content with comments from Blake.

I'd love to see him drive the R1T at Pikes Peak.

 

[Chewy734]

I hope he turned off regen. I can’t imagine doing this with 1 pedal driving.

 

[iansriv]

Brilliant set up and interview. Thank you! Never thought something that weighs >7k would be good on track. I suppose this is the post pandemic new normal they were talking about.

 

[zefram47]

I hope he turned off regen. I can’t imagine doing this with 1 pedal driving.

On the contrary, regen works nicely on track. But you're honestly needing so much more braking in many corners that you just go for the brake pedal anyway so it doesn't matter. I autocrossed my electric MINI for a season and regen was the least of the issues...bigger was just learning how to drive fast with tire noise being your only feedback. Normally engine noise / rpm gives you information about the surface and you don't get that in an EV.

 

[1T2022]

very impressive R1T on the race track!

 

[TheIglu]

I'd been harrassed by two track managers to take my R1T out on the tracks I frequent, but after seeing someone else's R1T tires after two hot laps, nooooo thanks. Until I hit the lottery, those tires are WAY too spendy to shag that quickly.

 

[Pixelshot]

Brilliant set up and interview. Thank you! Never thought something that weighs >7k would be good on track. I suppose this is the post pandemic new normal they were talking about.

Thanks! I know, its a lot of weight. The first time I did a launch in the R1T I thought "that just doesn't feel right." (meaning that much weight jumping up to speed that fast!)

 

[Pixelshot]

I'd been harrassed by two track managers to take my R1T out on the tracks I frequent, but after seeing someone else's R1T tires after two hot laps, nooooo thanks. Until I hit the lottery, those tires are WAY too spendy to shag that quickly.

Yeah, my guess is that the AT tires won't last anywhere near the "expected" amount. People are already seeing significant wear at as little as 15 k miles.

 

[Pixelshot]

On the contrary, regen works nicely on track. But you're honestly needing so much more braking in many corners that you just go for the brake pedal anyway so it doesn't matter. I autocrossed my electric MINI for a season and regen was the least of the issues...bigger was just learning how to drive fast with tire noise being your only feedback. Normally engine noise / rpm gives you information about the surface and you don't get that in an EV.

I'm bummed I didn't ask him about regen and how he liked the pedal system of the truck (brakes, one-pedal, etc) on the track. Next time.

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