Cobra Crash Willow Springs Raceway 130 MPH

[@TheSqeeek]

Glad you're still around. Forever ago my family had a cobra, was built from parts of 3 other cars that had all killed their owners. These things are no joke.

[@richardjenness838]

Cars don't kill their owners

[@terrypursley7432]

1

[@paoaiipi5580]

@@richardjenness838 yes they can

[@mariapires7170]

@@richardjenness838 What kill their owners is his head and his hands for the proper and ability to drive a Cobra or any racing car! Absolutly agree with you!

[@mrcontroversy222]

@@paoaiipi5580 you must also think guns kill people, and spoons make people fat.

[@Thra5her]

i need to know what broke to initiate this horrible crash. I have mad respect for you taking your cobra out there and running the shit out of it!

[@fuckyomamafuckyosisterfuck6136]

Probably a flat tire

[@jlolmos83]

Looks like that driver's side hoop did its job!

[@RDMash]

Are you kidding? His head was no where near the rollbar!! His seatbelts looked to be very loose. I watched this video 1/2 dozen times from his few laps prior to his crash and you could actually see his seatbelts weren't tight enough. I raced Nascar sanctioned circle track and my belts were so tight, I could barely move, and that's the way you want them. Freeze it at 6:21, his head was about 3 foot forward of the rollbar. The man is very lucky to be alive.

[@jlolmos83]

I didn't say "looks like the seatbelt did it's job," I talked about the head hoop which did not break or bend. The seat belts, that's another story...

[@hkguitar1984]

Congrats on surviving this and thank you for sharing. Two things come to mind; #1, impressive camera mounts #2, with a couple retraining cables you could utilize the trunk lid in much the same way NASCAR has the anti lift-off flaps that keep the vehicle from going airborne when traveling backwards at a high rate of speed. Again, glad you're OK As far as the car, its a race car, it lived and ended its life as many do.

[@gpcirillo]

When track days become this competitive, it's time to go racing for real, with roll cages, HANS devices, arm restraints, and fire suppression. The only difference between this miracle and horrible tragedy is luck.

[@gtracer6629]

From the video, it looks like he as much safety equipment as any Cobra would have had when original Cobras raced in the '60s and '70s. Plus he even had a full face helmet which even Shelby factory drivers lacked, And what are all those sedans doing clutering up the track? It looked like another day on the beltway.

[@martinmoffitt4702]

No, more like GOD!

[@sportbikejesus]

@@martinmoffitt4702lol “god”

[@sportbikejesus]

“If you’re gonna drive fast might as well add the risk of car-to-car accidents to” 🙄

[@mbird65]

First and foremost, I am glad to see that you walked away unscathed. I have seen many crashes with Cobra replica's, most of them seem to be Superformance cars. They have the best fit and finish of any replica manufacturer I have ever seen, but their handling is like that of a school bus. I won't give my name, but I have been under many of them, and have set a couple up for the track. The company is very good about addressing weak places when they are pointed out, so kudos for that. One car that I worked on had a true 427 side oiler in it, and no front anti sway bar, but a huge one in the rear. Who does that, I have never seen such an ill handling car in my life. So I outfitted the car with a front anti sway bar, then went about reducing the size of the rear, and it performed a lot better. I also lowered the rear and raised the front each by 3/8 inch, and that balanced it better. I have an Everett Morrison, running a C4 Corvette suspension, so I have no problem keeping pace with the newer cars, like the C6 or C7 with the Z51 package, and Vipers, but not the last ACR they made, that car actually makes downforce, which is something my car does not do. For the most part I think that the Superformance is a pretty safe car, a friend spun on the street and clipped a tree at about 80 mph, and only received a collapsed lung. I would like to compete, but I do not know what class I would need to enter. I did meet a guy at the Detroit Autorama some years back, and he raced his, but I don't know what hoops he had to jump through, to have his car accepted in to the antique class that he claimed he was in. Sorry, I didn't spell check or proof read. Now I am ready to hear everyone who owns a Superformance, call me a jackass, and this and that, even though I didn't really knock the car, just the handling. I can make it handle much better than they do when they are first delivered to you, but I don't want to open myself up to any liability, so I will keep the F/R weight bias, and the front and rear wheel alignments to myself.

[@xDivinitysCreaturex]

Handling seems to be the last on anyone's list on these cars (in general not talking about this video). Idk why. Race cars are designed around the tyres and traction. I know shiny engines and ridiculous hp levels are cool. But power without control is weakness imho. This was a mechanical failure which I'm sure can happen to anyone. I'd love to talk to you about your setup. Tuning suspension and handling takes more time and knowledge than bolting in huge engines. So mad respect to race teams that do all that work. The one I built was forced to have too many compromises by my co-builder. For racing anyway. His standard was "does it start?". Does it stop is my first question. And how does it stop.

[@RizzyDrizzyNewSiNN]

Thank God you’re ok, I’m so sorry this happened but thank you for sharing this. Helped me with finding the proper line through turn 4 🙏🏽 I hope you recovered well and are back doing what you love! God bless!

[@RizzlePdizzle]

Wow! I cant believe how lucky you are! What an incredible crash and thanks so much for sharing the video. As a fellow cobra owner and sometime track day driver, that's very sobering. I'll definitely be checking things over very well next time I go out!

[@rossco289]

Bloody frightening mate, I used to build Cobra's had a lot to do with them in the late 80s , had a crash in 98 caught up in the marbles on a corner hit a retaining wall shattered the front cowling into pieces all over the place luckily the engine started the radiator had sprung a leak I drove it back to the pits. Heard of a bloke who went through a fence got garrotted, fence wire came up and over windscreen cut his head off. There's been more people killed in Cobra's than any other make of car ever produced, a wheel barrow with a v8, the back wants to pass the front. Just how good were those race drivers back in Shelby's days, RIP Ken Miles. Got that bloody Porsche felt like I was in the drivers seat for a second. Great video very glad driver survived. Note : to the rest of you would be's, if you're not a skilled race car driver don't do it stop the ego stuff you'll live longer.

[@js4187]

More people killed in cobras than any other car produced ? Thats simply a stupid statement .

[@audiomez]

At approximately 5:52 was the single piece of debris glancing angularly front to back noticeable to you? It's apparent inertia makes it seem more than cardboard or paper.

[@keith90102]

Glad you're okay. I'm surprised that they let you on the track with your harness improperly mounted. I work in the off road spectrum of racing and that would NEVER pass tech inspection. Hope you get it going again....and mount the harness correctly!

[@MOAB-UT]

you caught that too

[@redbay8527]

Great racing. So glad you survived. I got run off the road once at about 80 mph, did a lot of skidding and spinning, and not once did I feel like my Cobra was going to flip. It really stayed upright. A strong chain link fence stopped my Cobra when it snagged on the rollbar(car was going backwards), saving me from a probable head injury. The fence surrounded a drainage ditch that was about 15-20 feet deep! Sorry about the lose of your Cobra....

[@rolux4853]

The reason it flipped is willow springs.. The bumpy sandpits make even modern cars with super low center of gravity flip because the car digs in and gets thrown around. The track is wildly unsafe but so much fun!

[@mavericklane6206]

Did you find out what exactly broke in the front suspension or steering on the Cobra?

[@AS-zn6wp]

I have a backdraft roadster and every time I think about gassing it this exact scenario plays in my head.. I imagine flipping and getting my head chopped off lol Glad to see you came out alive brother!

[@kanmudhog]

I watched the video all the way through once, broke my heart but I'm glad you okay, I watched up untill the 6 minute mark about 20 times. What a machine !

[@descobarser]

Glad you're okay. I must ask... What kind of camera mount do you use?

[@bronc076]

Wow, glad you are okay, and nice job on the video. Did you ever figure out exactly what piece failed, a tie rod perhaps?

[@slickster3211]

Great to see that you're okay. So sorry about that gorgeous car. I hope you've gotten, or will get another to enjoy.

[@h8rd1ng]

#1 and most important glad you are alive and I hope you are safe. Couldn’t keep watching after the crash. #2 and also important, sad to see that beautiful car go.

[@johngalt3614]

You have better luck than me my friend for two reasons. 1.You owned a badass track car. 2. You survived crashing it.

[@VsixtyFive]

A. Friend of mine died in a similar kit car in NC a few years back. He bragged about having the single roll bar added and putting seat belts in it. I am glad you came out of that with your life. Good luck with your next car!

[@AlanAttack]

Aw man, thats the one car that you dont wanna crash :(....thank god your ok brother.

[@pavlins123]

Right before the car spins I see a steering correction to the left but absolutely no change in car's trajectory. Was the brakes on and wheels locked at that time or the steering was lost ?

[@redbay8527]

Every time I see this I have to comment. You are one lucky man to walk away from this accident. I hope I never have the same experience with my Cobra clone while I'm racing. I've road raced it a couple of times and have had some minor spin outs, but NOTHING compared to what you went through. I drag race mine, and have had a couple of people wreck on the track - always at top speed near the end of the race. It's scary, and there's really nothing I can do about it except try to stay clear of the debris and fluids. So far I've been lucky. Thank God you're OK.

[@damonhumphreys4303]

Lucky to still have your right arm too! Could have been an extremely painful accident. Did you ever find out what caused the steering loss?

[@vettezl1]

Glad that you are OK. No scratches on the helmet. Why is there no explanation of the cause to date? What Kit Was it?

[@richardlewis8203]

Only liked because you put it out there. Heart breaking stuff to a car Lover. As a Cobra lover of that caliber i'm devestated for you. :(

[@mrthunder8190]

Every drivers nightmare...a suspension or steering part failure at speed. Glad you survived it! Really scary incident...

[@xDivinitysCreaturex]

Glad you survived! This is scary to watch. I've worried about the strength of roll hoops but this video seems like proof they do offer protection with 3 points - they didn't collapse or bend much. From materials science, fibreglass is stronger than the same weight of steel. Imagine what this would have looked like in a steel body. Your chassis was pretty strong. I'm watching to make my own journey safer - so thanks for sharing this vital footage. Can't have been easy to go through. But this video helps others including me. I'm adding ABS to my Cobra, because I've seen too many lock wheels. I want to change my chassis to the XCS 427 with patented constant camber and anti roll suspension. Double roll hoops. Probably going to upgrade the doors too. Thank God you're OK. That harness and helmet sure did their jobs that day. Tysm 🙏💪💛

[@Matp345]

Cars can be replaced. Glad you walked away. Very surprised track didn’t require arm restraints

[@wisegreyback]

thank GOD, you are safe !!! A french fan...

[@franciscopierinelli9081]

Hallmanm

[@Retired152]

I think it takes a helluva lot of stones to post this the way you did. Most of us would be licking our wounds. Good for you.

[@j.muckafignotti4226]

Cars can be replaced, that was a spectacular rummage sale! Now, WTF broke? Did your left rear tire blow? Nice to know the roll bars work in the Cobras.

[@MustangMedic]

Sorry about your crash grateful to God you are alive

[@ClayLoomis1958]

God obviously wanted him to crash, or he wouldn't have. Not sure I'd be grateful about that.

[@cobber427]

Most of that will polish out......... Glad to see you walked away, sounds glourious and looks like you were having fun before the crash.

[@stewartw.9151]

Breaks my heart to see a beaut Cobra banged up! I built one of these here in South Africa and drove it daily 1992 -2002 with a Windsor 302 motor. Not so powerful but still great fun and sometimes a handful! Sorry I sold it though. Glad you survived all that.

[@charlesfoster141]

I have driven two sports cars 130 mph or more on the Interstate when there was zero traffic. One was a Porsche 911S racing a Hemi Barracuda (smeared him with ease) and the other was a 1966 Jaguar Series 1 XKE that was much quicker than my Porsche 911. Got stopped both times, tickets both times and paid for my crime both times. But those experiences qualify me to say that this was a good driver, far advanced from the average bear. His handling of traffic was responsible, he was patient and he knew how to nail it to catch up when the coast was clear. I found his run thrilling and entertaining. The crash did not appear to be his fault at all, appeared to be a structural failure of some kind. That is a problem weekend racers have; no pit crew to check their car from stem to stern for preventative maintenance. Some of the components in these cars are not race car quality. Shock absorber ends, ball joints, etc may not be up to the loads imposed by these cars. I want to buy a Superformance Cobra before I die but even back in 1964 I suspected the AC Shelby Cobras likely were loose snakes on the tracks. They sit too high in the rear, are too light in the rear and lack the suspension compared to the two cars I was driving. If I buy a Cobra I will not often drive it over 80mph, especially since I am now in my mid 60s!

[@damianadams7101]

Nasty stuff......still gotta love the cobra. Glad you walked away

[@SuedeStonn]

Murphy was your co-pilot but you came out ok, glad you're alright ;}

[@Catsscratchfever]

HOLY SHIT...You are sooooo lucky...Glad you made it to play another day...

[@k5guy]

That cobra was putting the hurt on some flashy cars out there. Nice driving glad to see you were ok.

[@kevinfrederick8553]

At 140 MPH the Cobra with the aerodynamics of a brick and the up lift, the car weights 16 lbs. At VIR I was drafting a 996 Porche , popped out from behind him the car just turned sideways. The old saying is" The cobras going to bite its just where and when."

[@billymanilli]

WOW.... I agree.. THANK GOD you came out of that in one piece... Really sorry about the car, man. That was a SWEET looking Cobra

[@smithjones3548]

At a buck thirty, you'd better be praying if the steering goes out! You did the right thing.

[@swedespeed1]

I was there racing when it happened and yes pete extremely lucky to be alive. Klaus

[@kamikazeyamamoto4545]

The big block 427 Cobra is probably one of the single most dangerous cars to drive. I remember reading a book about Cobras and famous Cobra driver Ken Miles was perhaps the best of all Cobra drivers. He had developed a most unique driving technique. When the tail started losing traction in a corner (i.e., oversteer) and the normal response would be to take your foot off the accelerator, Miles would instead slam his foot on the accelerator, and the car would simply realign itself bringing the rear end back in line. Very few drivers could drive the Cobras to 9/10 of their capabilities. Miles could and always did.

[@joshmiller1928]

With the help of Shelby.

[@briandonaldson9657]

Lifting at the onset of more than just a little oversteer in a light, overpowered car quickly brings it all the way around.

[@taylormzalewski]

AC Cobra, the widow maker....my dream car, but this is why I would never track it..i don't have the balls. Even with modern technology on this car, there is just that element of craziness that is a blessing and a curse. Thank god everything came out alright for you. Out of curiosity, who made this one?

[@RoccoHorvath]

Holy $h!t that was so much more violent than I was expecting! Glad you're ok!

[@camcuber]

So thankful to see that you walked away from this. I will be going to big willow for my second time tomorrow and this video is a good reminder that even the best drivers can experience mechanical failure. Best of luck to you!

[@reachasteb3]

I had an E36 and the rear driver side suspension (bushings) gave out as I was making a turn and totalled the whole passenger side but at least I came out with only a few bruises and scratches. Glad to see you came out ok!!!

[@lesslisilverman]

Lucky you.

[@dickjones6159]

wow that was intense. I hope to see that you were ok even after the shock wore off. I have had a crash or 2 myself. And it is unreal how adrenaline can power your mind and body to get up or out depending if its a bike or car and you walk away as soon as you come to a stop. Then only a few steps later you find out when the rush goes away you have some bad damage. So first and foremost I hope you are still ok and havent thrown in the towel so to speak. God speed to you and you road racing.

[@joewicked1]

Wow man, saw this posted on Talk Cobra. Glad you are ok! The rest can be rebuilt.

[@geoffgarford5315]

What an epic drive, been round there in my cobra 3 times a scary track indeed, nice to watch it done in stile ! Respect

[@oscaracosta6976]

My condolences to your Cobra. What exactly broke that caused the crash?

[@crazyjoecola9538]

Snake bite! There a handful at the best of times . Was it a backdraft cobra?

[@TheRoguelement]

Believe it or not the frame & suspension geometry of most the high dollar replicas are better engineered . ride quality & handling greatly improved from the originals but don't garner anywhere near selling prices of original Cobras ..that was an IRS rear ? it appeared as if something let go in the rearend ?

[@193322009]

So sorry about your accident. At around 6:19, when you counter-steered a little, it looked like you also hit the brakes (watch the right knee). That would have brought the rear end around to your left side. Do you remember doing this? Good luck in your future driving. (from an old race driving instructor).

[@samjohnson1676]

im surprised they let you out without arm restraints of some sort

[@craphittingthefan9445]

Did you ever figure out what happen?

[@Curveball]

It sucks you lost the car, but it's great you're alive. Cars can be replaced, you cannot be.

[@dandavis497]

Curveball nope

[@geoffmcnew5863]

LOVE the Seat Belt attachment theme here...who let this thing on the track???

[@jims6614]

Looked like your seat belt was loose as you are flying around a bit. Lucky your arms didn't get torn off. What broke?

[@curtispaul9717]

Was that a Superformance MKIII chassie or some other brand? Seemed like maybe ball joint gave out, looked to dip to the left a bit?

[@Evil0perat0r1]

Curtis Paul it's reminding me a lot of a backdraft racing rt3 roadster

[@johna965]

Wish the camera was pointed forward

[@idriveandridevintage8580]

I know this car, but not the owner. It was a my brother BMW shop in Gardena. It's a Backdraft Cobra with BMW e36 suspension. Scary crash, glad he is ok.

[@McNabbula]

I drive and ride vintage Do you know what broke?

[@FordSierraIS]

WOW, being alive is one thing, but keeping the arm?! like winning the lottery twice

[@stevegarcia9098]

sorry you lost your beautiful car. glad you survived. i have a cobra roadster myself and push it kinda hard on a straight line on occasion but i can tell it's not really meant for road racing.

[@Guy-mx4fb]

Even with the modern upgrades, the car is just dangerous, glad you respect the dangers of this car, to not get crazy

[@johnkimble9689]

did you have a sore neck after that?

[@georgelalama8154]

God blessed you again with an extended life and I say again God bless you for that I'm so sorry for your losing your car that was a great example of what an AC Cobra should be, but I'm much more thankful for your well being. God bless you man.

[@NellisNelson]

Glad you are okay sir!

[@Formaldehydex]

My first impression was “why is he wearing a firesuit at a DE?” My second was “ Oh that’s why. This is a fire breathing monster and he likes to go really fast.” My third was “I don’t like how that shoulder harness is attached to the roll hoop with the much thinner metal bar one bit”. My fourth was “Fortunately, it was strong enough”.

[@joshmiller1928]

He ran over something on the track that was small but big enough to create tyre damage. Listen at 6:07 or near,and watch the car bump up a little,as if it had ran over something. Track debris. That man can drive! Glad he's alive!

[@poisedforduty]

he's also lucky, more luck than anything...

[@juvmol]

tis video shut have lot more views , due to great editing job , just because of the great loss of this great sport car and also the moracle of u sufering only minors scraps and brushes, thumbs up

[@sleebanger]

left rear suspension/ corner failure, LR squats and pushes car to the right. when there is a failure on the front end, the car will be pulled to the side of the failure.

[@redbay8527]

God, I'm glad you survived.....

[@k.w.churchill4397]

What ever company built that kit is great!!..Thing kept you alive~!

[@McNabbula]

K. W. Churchill Backdraft

[@rickyv2193]

Hey, boy I enjoyed the ride, I`m just glad that it was your cobra instead of mine...

[@mdemers767]

With all of the comments below on what parts might have failed, racing vs house parts, what type of suspension... I have to ask the most pertinent equipment question of all... What high quality brand of underwear were you running that day, because I didn't see the brown stain on the back of your nomex suit at ALL...

[@jonstephan2103]

Hi Guy, A m a z i n g that you lived to tell. Was the car a glass fibre one or was the shell a proper aluminum body >? . Thx. for answering. Be good Regards Jon

[@malcmo]

Any time something doesn’t feel quite right is the time that you slow down take it to the pits and check over it thoroughly 🤘🏼🚘🤘🏼

[@jl456]

Brake line collapsed causing the sudden hard turn???

[@nathanl157]

Glad your OK, sorry for your loss

[@mike1o66]

dude, is that your St. Christopher medal flying around in the early frames of the accident?

[@cruyeda]

If it left a gouge in the track, did a wheel come off, did a spindle fail?

[@gkess7106]

Is it missing or is that the camera?

[@cdwag23]

just glad you're alive. scary shit

[@popdog75]

What make of replica was it?

[@prowordsmith]

Glad you were okay.

[@AwesomeBob]

So did you find out what went wrong? Wheel loose? Flat tire? Aero?

[@gregtaylor6146]

Is that an AC MkIV ??

[@curtishill6490]

Whoa that thing started to come apart before it left the wheels!! Tie rod break? What is that black spot in front of the 🌞I can fix it my dad's a tv repairman and has some awesome tools😂😂😂glad your ok sir💯

[@McNabbula]

Curtis Hill Damn dude that’s wrong. Lol

[@nitrozack3062]

Dam dude your lucky that was unreal.. thankfully you are ok

[@revinkevn]

@6:46 looked like a tie-rod end bouncing behind you?

[@Z06RFan]

That is exactly what failed. On any car that is tracked one must go through the suspension components as tracking puts a lot of stress on everything.

[@Eidrian111]

Which brand is that replica? factory five?

[@wj3438]

Wow. Glad you are alive and well. Surprised. Not much protection

[@leeryan1969]

What's that black spot in front of the sun?

[@kmn9115]

Go Pros have a problem filming the sun, just look up "direct sun overexposure"

[@colehara]

Any clue as to what caused this?

[@jarenyardley5440]

Damn good driving dude! Glad you didn't get seriously hurt or killed. Scary stuff.

[@panther8580]

dude are you alright!!! jesus that was crazy !!!!

[@sam_dah_doggo4370]

Was it a kit car?