A Shelby GT350R, a racetrack incident, and a Cabernet

So in today’s episode of “what to do in Northern California in November”, we took a trip to Sonoma Raceway and Napa Valley. 

The Shelby GT350R was the car of choice today. I've had it for a few months now, and I have had it out to Sonoma Raceway for a few track sessions, then to Thunderhill Raceway at a slightly higher level of "push", and finally again to Sonoma Raceway to almost take it to its limits (more accurately, to MY self-imposed limits). So now with 1,000 miles on it, the tires are already toast...

The outside edge of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s are subject to lots of wearing in stock format, even just while street driving, due to a lack of negative camber, so they look pretty worn on the outside edges after just 1000 miles and a few track days. Darrell Anderson at AV8 Supercars will be installing camber plates so that we can dial in a bit more negative camber for better turn-in and less outer edge wear. So we drove the "Orange-a-Stang" (nickname credit to my friend Robin) to Darrell's shop at Sonoma Raceway. A short 40 minute drive from home to the track took us across the bird-full marshland along Highway 37. 







We watched some local track action as I dropped the car off. While there, I got to inspect the damage my friend just did to his blue GT350R. This is what happens when you get on the power just a tiny-bit too abruptly in turn 8 at Sonoma. No bueno. Keep in mind, this is a driver who is accustomed to a GT3RS and a Formula Mazda, so he knows how to drive. The Shelby R is a beast, but demands respect. 





We moved into the family sedan and headed out to pick up wine at a few wine clubs we belong to. First stop at Walt in Sonoma Square. In addition to a few little tastes, we got fed and picked up our latest wine club allocation. A magnum of Walt “Bob’s Ranch” Pinot Noir would be perfect for thanksgiving turkey, but we already have enough Pinot Noir!





Next stop, Del Dotto historic wine caves on Atlas Peak. The fires last year came very close to this great facility. Picked up some limited member-only Zinfandel and Sangiovese. Go here, folks. Tour the wine caves. 







Then we headed up north along the Silverado Trail... the best route through Napa Valley, IMHO. The grape leaves are turning yellow post-harvest. Great time to be up here. 



Twenty minutes later, we arrived at one of my favorite tasting venues... Duckhorn Vineyards. 



Today was Winter member pick-up, and we were grabbing some Howell Mountain Cabernet and Stout Vineyard Cabernet. Both excellent, but hard to beat the 2011 “Discussion” Cabernet they poured us...and the “Ten Degree” Pinot Noir from their sister winery Goldeneye. A good day at Duckhorn. A must-stop if you come here to Napa. 









After walking off my few tastings, and having a fantastic plate of pasta carbonara at Pizzeria Tra Vigne in St. Helena, we headed home. As the sun slowly descended on this magical valley, we vowed to be back soon. If the weather is right, next time we will bring a drop-top.