argonaut

I'm putting together my DE schedule and looking for a Jun event for the northeast - not finding too much except at NJMP. Mazda Drivers will be at VIR running the Grand Course configuration Jun 12-13. I've done the normal VIR track 4 times and love it...but what about this Grand Course, is it worth the 6 hr drive from central PA?

Thanks, Brad

RaleighSS

the grand course is fun no doubt but ya cut off your back stretch I can not remember how many extra corners but it by all means keeps you on you toes. Worth it yes (once) but personally I like the fewer turn Full course. At times I got stuck and could not pass some slower cars. My buddy in a Miata on the other hand prefers the Grand as he does not benefit from the flat out runs like we do on the straights.

I am sure others will chime in ....

davidfarmer

I backed out of the one event I was going to do there, since I kept hearing semi-negative comments. Most are similar to above, it's good, but it's not as good as the full course.

If you NEED an event, I think it would be good, but it isn't better than the full course just because it's bigger.

AU N EGL

Everyone should do a grand course ONCE.

Too many corners, and too few passing.

Clubs use grande course so they can get more cars on track at the same time. You get about 4 laps per 25 min session on Grand

But then again being on track is better then not being on track

Good Luck

CHJ In Virginia

I agree with the above comments. I am definitely going to run the Mazda event this year. The grand configuration incorporates the Patriot section with the rest of the track. It adds some extremely challenging sections with a lot of elevation change. The long back stretch is cut in half but you still can get major speed on the pit section. Typical run group is 5-6 laps per session due to length of course.

danbo56

The Grand course is great! This will be the 3 yr in a row I've done it with the Mazda guys. It cuts the back straight in 1/2 with a hard right hander into the infield course. It is more technical than the Full course. I think there are more passing opportunites on the Grand. It is 4.2 miles long -vs- ~3.7 for the Full. It's well worth the 6 hrs from Baltimore!

71corv

I have attended the Mazda event and like the Grand East. While you don't get the thrill of the speed on the back straight, the Grand East offers you more turns to perfect your driving and shifting skills. I feel this is one of the best courses for someone to learn to handle their car.YMMV

Gene

Glennm27

Here is the Grand Course

RaleighSS

some likes and dislikes here :-) maybe ya should run it and let us know what ya think :-)

danbo56

Hummm..... I think the long back striaght is kinda boring. Slam a few gears, put your foot to the floor, pick my nose a bit, get some air at the crest and wait for the left hander.... Yeah it's very fast, but after a few laps the speed becomes relative.
Oh well... different stokes for different folks

RaleighSS

See I like the back straight .... I run to about 125 or so ... check my mirrors let others by, stretch my fingers, glance at gauges, then back to business :-) .... I would pick my nose but cant get it up there with gloves and full face helmet :-) ha ha ...

Just poking fun here ... thats the good thing about Vir North / South / Full / Grand there is something for everyone.

argonaut

The video is great. ZR1

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like its worth doing. I'll probably be signing up.

Gray Ghost GS

The Grand East Course configuration is definitely my favorite!! So much fun and lots of work - I wish more clubs ran this course.