It’s not easy making a vehicle equipped with independent rear suspension quick and fast. Because of the inherent functionality of an IRS system, in which each rear wheel moves independently of the other upon launch, getting the power to the ground is far more of an issue than making the power. Adding to that, IRS setups are more prone to failure than a traditional than a typical straight axle rear end, creating a whole new challenge on top of trying to plant the power and torque.

But that hasn’t stopped a slew of Corvette, Camaro, Mustang, and yes, even Dodge Viper owners from pouring the coals to their respective rides in the pursuit of IRS supremacy. And over the weekend, record holder Sal Patal stopped the rest of his challengers dead in their tracks when he charged to a new all-time IRS record of 7.11 seconds at 201 MPH at the Maryland International Raceway.

Patal’s 1999 Viper GTS has steadily chipped away at the ET and MPH clocks the last few seasons, thanks to it’s twin turbocharged V-10 powerplant. To keep the suspension and rear end together, Patal utilizes a Mark Williams spool and half shafts, but because little in the way of aftermarket parts exist for a Viper, virtually every other rear end component is a stock part from Dodge for the Viper. Pstal accomplished this feat weighing in a 3,695 pounds on a set of Drag Radials in a car that is legitimately street legal. To say this pass is mind-boggling is a bit of an understatement, and if Sal keeps this momentum rolling, the rest of the IRS contingent may never catch up to him.