k0bun

To all my experienced RR brothers and sisters. I am planning on attending my first HPDE event. There are two tracks available at NJMP, Lightning and Thunderbolt. Depending on which day I go, I can run either of these tracks. For those who have ran both, or one of these, which would you recommend for a first timer?

Thanks

ps:I will be running in my H/C/gear'd, full street set up(tires, brakes, etc.), daily driven C6.

http://www.njmp.com/tracks.html

Short-Throw

Look for member Steve Landstra to chime in. He instructs there quite often and can give you good insight. I sent him an email to reply/

Mike

argonaut

I've done both several times and prefer Thunderbolt. I've talked with others who like Lightning better, so its a mixed bag. TB is a little longer and a little more interesting. Lightning is a little faster and has an awesome banked right hander. For first time HPDE I'd go with Lightning, it flows better and is a relatively simple layout.

OZ51

Can't go wrong with either but my preference is Thunderbolt. I think its a great first time track for a variety of reasons, including good visibilty everywhere, realatively simple to learn the basic track (not too long, not too many turns, relatively little elevation change), decent passing zones and decent runoff everywhere (just in case). Its a fun track for a vette.

95jersey

I will go opposite on this one. I have driven and instructed at NJMP quite a few times and for a Novice 1st timer I would recommend Lightning as I think it is less complex and easier to learn than Thunderbolt.

Thunderbolt is the more complex/technical of the two which makes it a bit more fun for those with experience. Don't get me wrong Lightning is technical as well, but the Octopus can really leave a novice scratching their head.

So for a first timer, I think Lightning will be funer and a bit easier.

SLandstra_Z06

I totally agree that Lightning is the track for the first time driver. Thunderbolt is much more complex and technical. Lightning is a faster, but more flowing course. Start at Lightning, you'll be happier. The Octopus on Thunderbolt is a real head scratcher until an experienced instructor shows the line.

Have fun. NJMP is a great facility and both tracks are fun in their own way.

Steve

TheKomoman

100%

And Steve I need you to show me the line through the Octopus... Frank tried but I never did get it through my thick Irish skull.

Wicked Weasel

Love Thunderbolt and think lightning is ok but I am agreeing with others - lightning is a great track to get out and try HPDEs.

We will probably be doing both tracks with SCDA later this year.

BTW - Frank we will be doing Thunderbolt with trackdaze in June. It is a weekend so if you want to come down I can show you around and probably get you out as a passenger in my car and explain some of the stuff you need to be aware of around the track.

Bob

Wicked Weasel

Luckily Frank and I ran a full session right on top of each other so I got to learn the Octopus. Where I thought I was left enough coming out of the Octopus, Frank made me move over another few feet. That made a big difference for setting up the esses.

NOSLO6

I had the same question last year and would emphasize that there's no bad decision here-- both will be tremendous fun your first time out. Try one and then commit to trying the other your next time out.

sothpaw2

What do you think of the banking on Lightening? It had me worried about running a stock oil pan without accusump.

k0bun

Someone had brought up that same concern to me. Any thoughts on this?

SLandstra_Z06

I've been there for well over 20 days and have yet to hear of anyone starving an engine for oil in the lightbulb. I have an '09 Z06 with the upgraded, 10.5 quart dry sump system.

You'll have to be your own judge on that one. I don't think it will be an issue from what I've seen.

Steve

k0bun

Thanks guys. Lightning seems to be the popular choice, the only thing concerning me now is the banked turn and my stock oiling system. I'd still like to hear more opinions on this please.

Not sure if this was directed towards me or the other Frank.

argonaut

The banking on Lightning is no where near as steep as turn 1 at Pocono. Lots of Vettes seem to do that one without problem. Plus, its a right hander - from what I understand we have issues with left hand sweepers. Last year on Lightning I didn't think about the banking to be honest. This year I have installed an Accusump.

Wicked Weasel

It was directed at you k0bun.

Wicked Weasel

First couple of months opened a new Honda starved and blew the engine. I have not heard of any vettes.

OZ51

I think that the most important concepts for a first timer to understand on a track are things like safety and situational awareness. One could argue that coming over the blind crest of 1 or the reverse camber pitch of 5 on Lightning is equally unsettling for a first timer as the complexity of the octopus. You'll probably be focusing on basic track skills more than correct lines for a couple of sessions, at least untill you feel comfortable on the track. Things like monitoring the flag stations, watching the track, basic car control, body posture, etc... take some time to learn and you can learn those skills on either. The LS3s have issues with high G left hand sweepers so you should be okay in the lightbulb. Go where you think you'll be most comfortable. NJMP is a nice facility whichever side you choose.

Wicked Weasel

On stock tires and your first time out I think you will be fine.

NOSLO6

For what it's worth, I took a little poll on this topic by reaching out to a few of the serious road racing shops and got unanimous feedback that street tires + stock suspension = fine.

Add sticky tires OR serious suspension and that's when you need to start worrying or slowing down.