C7 Corvette ZR1 Sets 173 MPH Average Over 118 Miles — Melts Its Own Rear Bumper in the Process

Behind the wheel of his 2019 Corvette ZR1, Anhalt set a new course record with a blistering average speed of 173.004 mph across those 118 miles. According to Anhalt, the car even reached a top speed of 213 mph during the run. The feat didn’t come without consequences — the Corvette actually melted parts of its own rear bumper from the extreme exhaust heat.

A Supercharged Monster Built for Speed

Under the hood, the ZR1 hides a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 pushing a factory-rated 755 horsepower. But for Anhalt, even that wasn’t enough. He modified his car extensively before race day, boosting output by roughly 30 percent over stock performance. The upgrades included a larger throttle body, custom ported cylinder heads, enhanced rockers and lifters, and a reworked supercharger system.

Anhalt affectionately refers to his high-powered ZR1 as the “Toasted Marshmallow,” a nod to its slightly scorched rear end after the record-setting run. Co-driver and navigator Kelli Hughes, who teamed up with Anhalt for the event, explained that the Corvette now runs on Kooks headers and AWE straight pipes, ditching the mufflers entirely. The result? Thunderous sound, immense power, and enough heat to melt body panels. Hughes joked that her ears were still ringing days later.

Hitting the Limits — and Saving Fuel

Although the team clocked an indicated 213 mph on the straights, they believe the car still had more potential left. Their biggest limitation was fuel. At full throttle, the ZR1 burned through its tank in roughly 20 minutes, forcing the duo to ease off the gas occasionally to ensure they could complete the full distance.

Despite the blistering performance and melted plastic, both Anhalt and Hughes consider the run a huge success. Hughes initially planned to race her C6 Corvette Grand Sport equipped with an LS9 engine but joined Anhalt’s crew after her car wasn’t ready in time. The last-minute collaboration turned out to be a winning move.

Corvette Dominance at BBORR

The Corvette’s legacy in the Big Bend Open Road Race continues to grow. Before Anhalt’s impressive run, the record was held by Tom Whalen, who achieved an average speed of 172.696 mph in his 2002 Corvette back in 2013. Now, with the C7 ZR1’s raw power and aerodynamic precision, that record has been officially eclipsed — and in the most dramatic way possible.

What’s Next for the “Toasted Marshmallow”

Anhalt is already working on investigating the cause of the heat damage to ensure the car is ready for another attempt at the 2026 BBORR. With some exhaust system redesign and further refinements, he hopes to push both the ZR1 and his own driving skills even further.

The C7 Corvette ZR1 remains one of Chevrolet’s most remarkable engineering feats — a mix of supercar performance and American muscle heritage. For Anhalt, it’s not just a collector’s item; it’s a machine built to dominate the open road.