A 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 set a new record at the Big Bend Open Road Race in Texas, averaging 173.004 mph across a 118-mile stretch of public highway. The run came at a cost, however, as the car’s rear bumper reportedly melted from the heat generated during the high-speed pass.
An Extreme Test on Public Roads
The Big Bend Open Road Race closes a stretch of Texas highway to public traffic twice a year, allowing participants to run vehicles at extreme speeds in a controlled but still inherently risky environment. The event has drawn a wide range of entries since 2021, including stock cars and even unconventional entries like a Kia Sephia, though high-performance Corvettes have consistently dominated the results.
The Cost of Top Speed
Reaching that kind of sustained average speed put significant stress on the ZR1’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8 and its bodywork, with the rear bumper reportedly deforming under the heat generated during the run. The record stands as a notable achievement, even if the car didn’t come away from the event fully intact.
Next Event Set for 2026
The next Big Bend Open Road Race is scheduled for April 2026, with entry fees starting at $650. Given this year’s results, future entrants attempting to challenge the ZR1’s new record will need to weigh the trade-off between raw speed and the physical toll extreme velocity can take on a vehicle.