Emelia Hartford’s Twin-Turbo C8 Corvette Crushes World Record!

Emelia Hartford pushes her 1,000+ hp C8 Corvette to record-breaking levels in quarter-mile run. 

We’ve been fans of Emelia Hartford for quite some time. The California-based car builder and racer has consistently delivered some of the most interesting Corvette content online. Of particular interest is Hartford’s journey to build–and rebuild–her 2020 C8 Corvette. But all that hard work has definitely paid off. Recently, the driver claimed the new record for the world’s fastest C8 Corvette in a 9.41-second quarter-mile run at Fomoso Raceway.

Hartford is now one of only two C8 Corvettes to break the 9-second barrier; an incredible feat by any standards. Previously, the record was held by Extreme Turbo Systems with a 9.95 run. That was the time to beat. And Hartford–alongside her stellar team–did so in a truly spectacular fashion.

This win was well earned following months and months of hard work. Hartford’s Corvette has had a fair share of trials and tribulations to contend with along the way. After taking ownership of the 2020 Corvette, she started building it to dominate the dragstrip. Last year, her first attempt to turbocharge the 6.2-liter LT2 V8 was a bit of a literal bomb that resulted in a cracked piston.

Undeterred, the crew continued rebuilding. Modifications continued to the twin-turbo set up including a Texas Speed LT2 with forged pistonsPrecision Turbos, nitrous injection, meth port injection, Peitz Performance controller, a Holley Dominator ECU system, dual-clutch transmission with Dodson Motorsport clutches, new Forge Line wheels, and lot of tuning. It is a certified beast.

Hartford and crew arrive on track day just a few weeks after the ‘Vette hit 1,022 horses on the dyno. The first few runs are good, but not there yet. She pushes for more. What follows is a compelling look at Hartford skillfully balancing the demands of the car and track with her own resolve to actualize the C8 Corvette’s might.

We won’t give away everything, because this is a video you should definitely watch. But after breaking into the 9-second class she runs a 9.90 at 133 mph, officially grabbing the record. Her crew is ready to celebrate with a bottle of bubbly, but Hartford says hold the cork.

“We have the world’s fastest C8 Corvette,” she says, smiling. “We’re not done yet. The air is getting cooler, the temps are getting better … we’re going to see exactly how far we can go.”

And does she ever. Hartford sends it, and it roars down the strip setting a time of 9.47 mph with a trap speed of 144.75. So what does she do after this savage run? Well, many suggest it’s time to put the Corvette on the trailer. But Hartford goes one more time. That last pass delivers a jaw-dropping 9.41, the new record for the fastest C8 Corvette.

Big congratulations to Emelia Hartford and the whole crew. Hartford is a joy to watch. She is unwavering in her determination, enthusiasm, and a healthy dose of humor. One thing about dreamers is that they hold on to their vision despite all the voices telling them ‘no.’ It is the story of Corvette; from the rebels who built, designed, and redesigned generations of Corvettes, to the skilled drivers and techs who continue to master and perfect its performance.

Photos: Emelia Hartford

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