Epic brake failure! 100 mph Dodge Viper crash

When the brakes go out and your entering a corner at 100+ miles per hour, there's not much you can do. The standard aircraft emergency procedure helps. Placing your head directly between your knees to adequately kiss your hind goodbye is about the only thing that one can do in this circumstance. If this wasn't a long nosed massive motor Dodge Viper, this wreck would have been fatal. Brakes go out on race cars all the time, they lock up, blow lines, or over-heat and fade out; it's only a matter of time and when racing one should be considering an evacuation route should the unthinkable occur.

What can be done to prevent brakes from locking up? Nine times out of ten, brakes go out due to overheating. Whether that be fading or actual damage to hydraulic brake lines, heat is typically the root cause. Adding brake ducts, drilled and slotted over sized rotors, and calipers with four or six pots. Increasing the pots allows for higher brake surface pressure that is more evenly distributed, which reduces the chances of thermal lock up and brake fade while simultaneously decreasing brake distance and improving response. Brakes, although commonly neglected, are the most important upgrade in a performance oriented build.

So let's say we spend the $5,000 and go all out on a brake system. That's great right? Well, if the driver fails to use them correctly the car can still crash. Even though the brake system is upgraded, it's still not perfect. Other variables such as tire temperature and design along with track surface conditions can greatly influence your braking ability. Hot day? Sure the track is sticky but you have to remember you might get brake fade slightly sooner despite the upgraded brakes. It's amazing how many unforeseen variables can effect the outcome of a race. Pay attention to these, and you just might get to drive another day! Neglect them, and you'll quickly find yourself like this guy heading towards a wall at 100 MPH with no choice other than to accept it.

Video content: Dodge Viper wrecked into wall at 100 mph


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Source: Tampa Sports Car Examiner