What’s the one objective attribute all cars can be measured by to separate the good vehicles from the great ones? Speed! At its core, a lap time encompasses more than just the ability to go fast. It also encapsulates a car’s cornering, braking, and accelerating ability and embodies a car performing at its peak limits—all bundled into one neat little metric. This is precisely how we evaluate Lightning Lap contenders each year to determine which vehicles rank ahead of the pack. As you may know, we divide the cars into five classes, LL1 through LL5, based on price to evaluate the vehicles in the fairest way possible. Then it’s time to hit the track.
Coming October 19
For the past 17 years, we have taken on the 4.1-mile, 24-turn Grand Course configuration at Virginia International Raceway, one of the U.S.’s most challenging tracks, to conduct this ultimate test of speed. This year, we’re offering our readers the opportunity to join us at VIR and see everything that goes into Lightning Lap testing firsthand. Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 19, because you won’t want to miss this!
Observe editors trackside as they go for the best lap times, chat with editors about the testing process, get a close-up look at the Lightning Lap contender vehicles, enjoy lunch at the clubhouse, and race go-karts on VIR’s 5/8-mile, 24-foot-wide paved kart circuit.
For a taste of what to expect, take a look back on the results of every Lightning Lap testing since its inception in 2006. 2024 Lightning Lap results will be published in the February/March 2024 issue of Car and Driver, but attendees who join us at VIR will get a sneak peek at lap times months before the issue is published. Spots are limited for this exclusive editorial experience, so don’t wait to register. We hope to see you at the track this October.
For more ways to experience Car and Driver editorial testing, check out our invitations to Car and Driver’s 10Best, plus Road & Track’s Performance Car of the Year.