Whats the track like

billy · #1 07-12-2006, 09:00 AM

It's fast, really fast. You don't realize just how fast till you look down during braking and there is still a 100mph on the clock at 100 feet for T5. It didn't feel that fast though when you were driving but most were doing around 130-140 to T5 and 120ish to T1 in 'normal' cars. There was talk of a 160mph down the straight earlier in other threads but I just can't see it except in a 400-500bhp car or a full out race car that doesn't brake for the kink. Normal cars will get to 130ish on the straights (into T1 and T5).

Most corners have plenty of run off. That said, at least a couple of the wrecks, a Vette and the CGT looked to try to keep it on and then it hooked and it's off to the inside wall. Plenty of run off applies for cars with less than 300bhp/3000lbs. I reckon above that number, and depending what happened, it's in to the tire walls you will go because of the speed you'll be carrying. The cars tend to skate over the gravel until they slow enough to sink in. The 996 didn't have any wheel marks in the gravel on entry, the only wheel marks visible were where it settled and where it was hauled out.

The elevation changes are fun but after a couple of laps they became uninteresting and were then just another visual reference for braking, turning etc.

Where to improve? Lots of places, about 10mph too slow on most corners. Never got through the kink faster than 80mph/out at 95/100, Brett managed 95 in, 115ish out.

That said, if you screw up on the kink thats it. Car is history so for a HPDE, the 80mph speeds are just fine. I'd focus on other areas of the track before tempting fate there.

Turn 5 has a big section of track if you go in too hot. It has about 4 overlapping tires wells which can be slalomed through or driven through

It's a really enjoyable track. Lots of nice corners. The carosel brings back MAM memories. You can take it at around 68mph (GPS) comfortably, faster guys, better tires take it at almost 80.

Basically, it's enjoyable. Best track so far. Go if you get the chance.

Lobo6 · #2 07-12-2006, 03:23 PM

Drool.

Fast corners

More drool.

jstecher · #3 07-14-2006, 11:00 PM

Bottom line, bar none the best track I have driven on in my life. I disagree with Billy that the elevation changes become uninteresting. To me it makes the track very hard to drive correctly lap after lap as a lot of the elevation changes are in braking zones or just before then making the dynamics of the car very interesting over some of the crests.

Lobo6 · #4 07-14-2006, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jstecher

Bottom line, bar none the best track I have driven on in my life. I disagree with Billy that the elevation changes become uninteresting. To me it makes the track very hard to drive correctly lap after lap as a lot of the elevation changes are in braking zones or just before then making the dynamics of the car very interesting over some of the crests.

In that case John, LCMT will be a real eye opener.

Warpedcow · #5 09-26-2006, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jstecher

Bottom line, bar none the best track I have driven on in my life.

Again, newbie here catching up with things... I definitely want to drive RA sometime next season! Do you folks know yet when you're going?

billy · #6 09-26-2006, 04:54 PM

We're going back when Nordstern has its RA events next year, I think I'll probadly go twice there. John is the problem next year as he can't run his DSR with Nordstern but may be able with the Chicago PCA so we'll see.

jstecher · #7 09-26-2006, 08:02 PM

I plan on running with the SCCA there next year but more than likely wont do a DE. I am probably going to limit my DE's to one at BIR with either Donnybrooke or Slowpokes and then LCMT and the Glen/Mosport.

Conan · #8 09-27-2006, 08:56 AM

I agree with John: The elevation changes may seem "uninteresting" if you aren't going very fast, but if you are trying to turn in good laps, they become VERY interesting to say the least. The toughest one is 13a, under the Bill Mitchell bridge. If it feels like no big deal, then you are probably losing a lot of time there. You should feel the car get light and squirrely just after you pass under it. You have to be ready for it.

billy · #9 09-27-2006, 09:51 AM

I don't think I was driving slowly given I caught and passed John and yep getting faster under that bridge was the next goal before the christmas lights came on in the car on the second day which forced me to wrap it up. Actually, looking back at the video, I think I can hear a bolt loose in the transmission on the video. You can hear it on the 14->1 straight.

Anyway, improvements need to wait till next year and I'd be happy with a 2:49 or 2:50 next year (I did a comfortable 2:53 this year) which should be doable without any heroics through the kink. A little more speed through the carosel (low 70s instead of high 60s), the two bridges especially 13, maybe 90mph thru the kink instead of 85, turn 7 (earlier throttle) and there's my 3 seconds. The car with hoosies is probadly good for low 40s but the odds of wrecking are too high for a HPDE for me so 50 it is. Can I live with leaving 5 or 7 seconds on the track? Damn right I can, let the racers race.