Unleashing the Beast: Hennessey's Venom F5 Eyes More Than Just Speed Records
As the automotive world perpetually hankers for ever-faster cars, one name consistently reverberates through the halls of speed: Hennessey. This powerhouse of performance is not content with merely rewriting the rulebook of top speed records; it's on a relentless pursuit to dominate track records across America with its latest marvel, the Venom F5.
Last year's buzz around Hennessey's Venom F5 breaking speed records was palpable. A public highway in Texas was under contemplation as the stage for this breathtaking spectacle. Sadly, plans stalled – but not the ambition. Speaking with Nathan Malinick, Hennessey's design director, it's clear: the dream is very much alive, with record attempts on their radar, including the fabled top-speed runs and, intriguingly, track records.
But why the delay in the speed record attempt, you may wonder? Malinick's light-hearted retort involves construction timelines and the not-yet-completed highway, a fitting stage for such a high-speed endeavor. Indeed, the vision is grand, but the readiness to pursue those records on a fully prepared stage underscores Hennessey's strategic patience and its longing for the right moment to showcase the Venom F5's prowess.
However, the company's ambition isn't tethered solely to straight-line speed. The mention of racetrack records sets hearts racing, with the Nurburgring – the holy grail of automotive lap times – emerging as a tantalizing, albeit challenging, frontier. Hennessey, though, hasn't previously braved a Nurburgring lap record attempt. The addition of Brian Jones, a seasoned veteran of lap record achievements, to Hennessey's team, signals a stirring intention to make that leap. Jones, bringing his experience from projects like the Mercedes-AMG One and Ford GT, could be a game-changer for Hennessey in their quest to conquer the 'Green Hell'.
But reality casts a tall shadow on aspiration. Malinick is transparent about the challenges a small company faces in attempting such a colossal feat. It's not just about having a fast car; it's about building a satellite operation, garnering the right resources, and, ultimately, executing flawlessly. This daunting reality guides Hennessey's gaze towards more attainable goals – seeking to outpace rivals on American turf.
The story takes a promising turn with Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, appearing on their radar. Surpassing the record set by the Czinger 21C at COTA would be a significant feather in Hennessey's cap. And their ambitions don't stop there, with Laguna Seca and potentially Pikes Peak also in their sights. David Donohue, an American racing champion with victories at prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Pikes Peak, now is in the driver's seat of the Venom F5. With him, Hennessey envisions a future rich in record-setting glory.
Yet, for all its ambition and prowess, Hennessey remains acutely aware of the risks and challenges inherent in breaking records. It's a complex dance of preparation, opportunity, and, crucially, safety. Malinick emphasizes the importance of considering the human element and the unpredictable nature of record attempts. The Venom F5 is primed, the team is ready, but they tread carefully, aware of the stakes involved.
As the automotive world watches with bated breath, Hennessey continues to push the limits of what's possible. With the Venom F5, Hennessey isn't just chasing records; it's redefining them. And in this quest for supremacy, it's not just about being the fastest but setting new benchmarks for achievement in the automotive realm.