When are we going to run out of superlatives to describe the 2025 Corvette ZR1? Tarmac-tearing, remarkable, astounding, mind-boggling, revolutionary… how many different ways can enthusiasts and journalists describe this 1,064 horsepower monster? As expected, the Internet is buzzing with excitement after Chevrolet dropped its latest 2025 ZR1 video, where the [insert another creative superlative] ZR1 trampled 5 track records on four infamous U.S. racetracks. [Author’s Note: This article is FREE and not behind a paywall. If/when any popups occur, please click to make them disappear and continue enjoying the article. One requires two steps–first, the arrow on the left, then the x on the top right.]
One of the more remarkable facets that jumps out is the record-breakers behind the wheel are all GM drivers used for development, not professional race car drivers. My favorite quote in the first video Chevrolet dropped (located below each track video) was from Chris Barber, the Lead Development Engineer for the C8 ZR1:
“As development drivers, we don’t do this stuff that often...”
Can you imagine what will happen to these times when the professional drivers are at the helm? And I’ll be another one to yell, bring on the ‘Ring and the Mustang GTD! Now, without further ado, here are the new production-car lap records, ranked by the margin of the beat down.
#5
Watkins Glen
Record Beat By: 1.34 seconds
GM Driver: Bill Wise, Chassis Control Engineer/Corvette ZR1
New ZR1 Record: 1:52.73
Previous Best: 1:54.07
Top Video Comment: “With a pro driver this will EAT the GTD(junk) on the Nürburgring.” @Goat-vy2bi
#4
Road Atlanta
Record Beat By: 2.03 seconds
GM Driver: Chris Barber, Lead Development Engineer/Corvette ZR1
New ZR1 Record: 1:22.85
Previous Best: 1:24.88, 2019 Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Top Video Comment: “WOW! 117 MPH at the Apex of T12 , 99 or so apexing T1, 127 max through the Esses, 180+ at the end of the backstraight! That’s proper downforce racecar speed.” @francoisrivard893
#3
Virginia International Raceway (VIR), Grand Course
Record Beat By: 2.60 seconds
GM Driver: Aaron Link, Global Vehicle Performance Manager
New ZR1 Record: 2:32.30
Previous Best: 2:34.90, 2019 McLaren Senna
Top Video Comment: “GOOD LORD thats faster than a SENNA folks. V.I.R must be renamed ZR1 I.R. Aaron Link is still recovering from the G forces, and we wish him a speedy recovery.” @thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921
#2
Road America
Record Beat By: 5.24 seconds
GM Driver: Brian Wallace, Lead Vehicle Dynamics Engineer/Corvette ZR1
New ZR1 Record: 2:08.56
Previous Best: 2:13.80, 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Top Video Comment: “187 into the braking zone at T1, 182 into T5, 117 at the apex of the kink and 172 before braking for Canada Corner. These are insane numbers for a car with airbags and a radio.” @Petrol_and_Cabernet
#1
Virginia International Raceway (VIR), Full Course
Record Beat By: 8.56 seconds
GM Driver: Aaron Link, Global Vehicle Performance Manager
New ZR1 Record: 1:47.74
Previous Best: 1:56.30, Mustang Shelby GT500
Top Video Comment: “187 on the back straight, braking at 3.5… not to mention all the perfect use of the friction circle. What a driver, what a machine.” @bbzracing1680
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