First off, I wasn't going overly fast and had the traction control on (I turn it off when goofing). The roads were icy in the morning, but at 11:30 things had warmed up a little. I was on my way back from the chiropractor enjoying the sunny drive. This is what happened:
It's a 90 degree right hander that's basically flat. As I hit the apex of the turn, there was a large patch of gravel from the morning. The ass end starts to slide out to the left. I ease off the gas, car corrects exiting the turn (moving to the right) and just as I get square there is a patch of ice about 10' long where a tall tree had shaded the road. Hit the ice, ass end slides further right. The moment my tires hit dry un-graveled pavement, traction control hooks the tires and I shoot straight into the ditch at about a 45 degree angle.
Rolled once and stopped. Engine still running, everything in the car is all over the inside of the car. I put it in park, shut off the motor, open the door and assessed the damage.
Roof didn't touch nor did the passenger door. Clean roll, I guess, or the ditch helped with clearance. I will go by the body shop and get some more pictures. But from the sound of the ajuster on Friday it will likely be a total loss due to parts availability for a 19 year old Corvette.
The roof is destroyed by my overly large head and I have a nice lump on the side of my head from the upper door frame. No other injuries except my pride. I do think the traction control is what helped kick my ass. Had it been off I could have drifted the corner a bit better, maybe hit the field across the street rather than the ditch on the far side.
I was actually planning to sell it this Spring to finish the truck. Not sure if I will use the insurance money to replace it, buy it back to part out for the truck as originally planned (I bought it to cut up at first), or just get something different all together.
Teh suck.
It's a 90 degree right hander that's basically flat. As I hit the apex of the turn, there was a large patch of gravel from the morning. The ass end starts to slide out to the left. I ease off the gas, car corrects exiting the turn (moving to the right) and just as I get square there is a patch of ice about 10' long where a tall tree had shaded the road. Hit the ice, ass end slides further right. The moment my tires hit dry un-graveled pavement, traction control hooks the tires and I shoot straight into the ditch at about a 45 degree angle.
Rolled once and stopped. Engine still running, everything in the car is all over the inside of the car. I put it in park, shut off the motor, open the door and assessed the damage.
Roof didn't touch nor did the passenger door. Clean roll, I guess, or the ditch helped with clearance. I will go by the body shop and get some more pictures. But from the sound of the ajuster on Friday it will likely be a total loss due to parts availability for a 19 year old Corvette.
The roof is destroyed by my overly large head and I have a nice lump on the side of my head from the upper door frame. No other injuries except my pride. I do think the traction control is what helped kick my ass. Had it been off I could have drifted the corner a bit better, maybe hit the field across the street rather than the ditch on the far side.
I was actually planning to sell it this Spring to finish the truck. Not sure if I will use the insurance money to replace it, buy it back to part out for the truck as originally planned (I bought it to cut up at first), or just get something different all together.
Teh suck.
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