First Timer at Watkins Glen
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Member Since: Jun 2012
Location: Pittsford NY
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
First Timer at Watkins Glen
Not an all out track day, everything from a Dodge Caravan to the ZR1 I had the priveledge to follow. A young man and his wife that were a pleasure to meet. I thought my base coupe was pretty fast, but this ZR1 is crazy fast. Supposed to be paced at 55 but we were the last in line, and not wanting to slow Chris down, I followed him. Due to the rubberbanding effect I once was able to get to 106 mph. I had a blast, and will definatly do it again.
#3
Team Owner
Great track to have an all out fun day with your Vette.
#4
Tell us more. Is that something you can sign up for or do you know someone?
#7
CF Senior Member
Member Since: Feb 2006
Location: Tucson Arizona
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 0
Received 20 Likes
on
19 Posts
The follow-the-leader 'parade lap' and 55 mph speed limit would be a bit limiting but for what they were doing I understand why they did it. What a classic, world-class track just to get onto....good on you! If you enjoyed this little taste of a road course I highly recommend you find some real road couse venues in your area (such as NASA or SCCA) and start learning and enjoying your car to the fullest. Most organizations start a new driver with classroom and on-track instruction, passing is regulated in the novice run groups and instructors are most always available if you want. You can learn at your own pace in a safe, legal environment (frankly, I feel you're safer on the track than you are driving to the track). You've got a great car for it. You'll meet some really good people and best of all you'll have a blast!
#8
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Member Since: Jun 2012
Location: Pittsford NY
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pay $25 for three paced laps. I know its not like racing, but it was definatly a cool thig to do. Next weekend is the last for this year.
The follow-the-leader 'parade lap' and 55 mph speed limit would be a bit limiting but for what they were doing I understand why they did it. What a classic, world-class track just to get onto....good on you! If you enjoyed this little taste of a road course I highly recommend you find some real road couse venues in your area (such as NASA or SCCA) and start learning and enjoying your car to the fullest. Most organizations start a new driver with classroom and on-track instruction, passing is regulated in the novice run groups and instructors are most always available if you want. You can learn at your own pace in a safe, legal environment (frankly, I feel you're safer on the track than you are driving to the track). You've got a great car for it. You'll meet some really good people and best of all you'll have a blast!
I agree 100% I have been looking at a local school at Trackmasters, possibly next year. This weekend just added fuel to my fire for the Track
#9
I did three laps on the Indy Speedway on my Harley back in 03. It was something I will never forget. I know what you mean about being a cool thing.
#10
Advanced
I went to the F1 races there in Oct. 65-71.
Saw the Ford GT-40 with camera mounted on hood to shoot scenes for Grand Prix. None of them were used in film. Only mention was Jim Garner throwing the trophy on a bed.
One year Ford was a sponsor and, after Sat. time trials, anyone with a Mustang could drive around the course. I hitched a ride in one and couldn't believe they'd let these drunks on the course with no supervision or tech inspection.
Saw the Ford GT-40 with camera mounted on hood to shoot scenes for Grand Prix. None of them were used in film. Only mention was Jim Garner throwing the trophy on a bed.
One year Ford was a sponsor and, after Sat. time trials, anyone with a Mustang could drive around the course. I hitched a ride in one and couldn't believe they'd let these drunks on the course with no supervision or tech inspection.
#11
Race Director<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/7k-10k.gif" border="0">
Member Since: Sep 2008
Location: Coventry RI
Posts: 10,350
Received 124 Likes
on
90 Posts
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
This is some in car video of Vintage racing at WG, Earlier in Sept. These older cars are fast and these guys have a ball.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH8B1qGbeu0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH8B1qGbeu0
#13
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Oct 1999
Location: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Posts: 40,166
Received 8,999 Likes
on
5,367 Posts
More information here http://www.theglen.com/Plan-Your-Vis...oad-Tours.aspx
Pay $25 for three paced laps. I know its not like racing, but it was definatly a cool thig to do. Next weekend is the last for this year.
I agree 100% I have been looking at a local school at Trackmasters, possibly next year. This weekend just added fuel to my fire for the Track
Pay $25 for three paced laps. I know its not like racing, but it was definatly a cool thig to do. Next weekend is the last for this year.
I agree 100% I have been looking at a local school at Trackmasters, possibly next year. This weekend just added fuel to my fire for the Track
You said your fastest speed was 106 mph. Think about this: What was your speed going into Turn 2 at the bottom of the esses? Did you tap the brakes before turning into Turn 2? Did you keep your foot hard on the throttle all the way from the bottom of the hill to the end of the back straight? Most novices will usually pick up 20 mph or more going into Turn 2 after a day of instruction, they won't be touching the brake at all since their instructors will keep harping about being on the throttle Vs the brake and they will be coaching you on the quick way through the turns while telling you more throttle more throttle. Busy, exhausting but revealing two days and when you are heading home you will realize you have a lot more to learn about how to drive.
I have been doing this stuff for 20 seasons and instructing for 7 seasons and there are guys (not pro's) who drive on that track that just amaze me how they get around the way they do and I am doing all I can to increase my skill level up to theirs.
Sign up for Trackmasters first spring school and come join the fun. Your second picture shows the entrance to Turn 7 the Toe of the Boot. Think about coming into that at about 115 and slowing to 60+ for the turn.
Bill
Last edited by Bill Dearborn; 10-14-2012 at 06:31 PM.
#14
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Mar 2010
Location: Warwick NY
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i went to the f1 races there in oct. 65-71.
Saw the ford gt-40 with camera mounted on hood to shoot scenes for grand prix. None of them were used in film. Only mention was jim garner throwing the trophy on a bed.
One year ford was a sponsor and, after sat. Time trials, anyone with a mustang could drive around the course. I hitched a ride in one and couldn't believe they'd let these drunks on the course with no supervision or tech inspection.
Saw the ford gt-40 with camera mounted on hood to shoot scenes for grand prix. None of them were used in film. Only mention was jim garner throwing the trophy on a bed.
One year ford was a sponsor and, after sat. Time trials, anyone with a mustang could drive around the course. I hitched a ride in one and couldn't believe they'd let these drunks on the course with no supervision or tech inspection.
#15
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Member Since: Jun 2012
Location: Pittsford NY
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mike,
You said your fastest speed was 106 mph. Think about this: What was your speed going into Turn 2 at the bottom of the esses? Did you tap the brakes before turning into Turn 2? Did you keep your foot hard on the throttle all the way from the bottom of the hill to the end of the back straight? Most novices will usually pick up 20 mph or more going into Turn 2 after a day of instruction, they won't be touching the brake at all since their instructors will keep harping about being on the throttle Vs the brake and they will be coaching you on the quick way through the turns while telling you more throttle more throttle. Busy, exhausting but revealing two days and when you are heading home you will realize you have a lot more to learn about how to drive.
I have been doing this stuff for 20 seasons and instructing for 7 seasons and there are guys (not pro's) who drive on that track that just amaze me how they get around the way they do and I am doing all I can to increase my skill level up to theirs.
Sign up for Trackmasters first spring school and come join the fun. Your second picture shows the entrance to Turn 7 the Toe of the Boot. Think about coming into that at about 115 and slowing to 60+ for the turn.
Bill
You said your fastest speed was 106 mph. Think about this: What was your speed going into Turn 2 at the bottom of the esses? Did you tap the brakes before turning into Turn 2? Did you keep your foot hard on the throttle all the way from the bottom of the hill to the end of the back straight? Most novices will usually pick up 20 mph or more going into Turn 2 after a day of instruction, they won't be touching the brake at all since their instructors will keep harping about being on the throttle Vs the brake and they will be coaching you on the quick way through the turns while telling you more throttle more throttle. Busy, exhausting but revealing two days and when you are heading home you will realize you have a lot more to learn about how to drive.
I have been doing this stuff for 20 seasons and instructing for 7 seasons and there are guys (not pro's) who drive on that track that just amaze me how they get around the way they do and I am doing all I can to increase my skill level up to theirs.
Sign up for Trackmasters first spring school and come join the fun. Your second picture shows the entrance to Turn 7 the Toe of the Boot. Think about coming into that at about 115 and slowing to 60+ for the turn.
Bill
I zoomed in on the HUD in pic #2, I think it says 52mph and I was accelerating but no way was I getting to 115mph.
I see your from Endicott, so was the driver of the ZR1.
#16
Le Mans Master
Not an all out track day, everything from a Dodge Caravan to the ZR1 I had the priveledge to follow. A young man and his wife that were a pleasure to meet. I thought my base coupe was pretty fast, but this ZR1 is crazy fast. Supposed to be paced at 55 but we were the last in line, and not wanting to slow Chris down, I followed him. Due to the rubberbanding effect I once was able to get to 106 mph. I had a blast, and will definatly do it again.
#17
Melting Slicks
wassup biskwik?? haven't seen you around at all..you should come down and meet us Yorktown for C&C next sunday... You know your buddy Bobafett just got a new ZR1!!... (yellow of course).
Oh yeah... btw, the Glen rocks!! That was the best HPDE I did this year by far.. I will be back (and faster) next season. Trackmasters, NASA and AUDI for sure.
Oh yeah... btw, the Glen rocks!! That was the best HPDE I did this year by far.. I will be back (and faster) next season. Trackmasters, NASA and AUDI for sure.
#20
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Mar 2010
Location: Warwick NY
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yea I talked to Bob this weekend. We were going to try and hook up Sunday but the weather didn't cooperate. Gee yellow, who would have guessed. We talked about next weekend so let's see what the weather does. I went to The Glenn, Lime Rock and Bear Mountain and that was it this summer. Put a whole wopping 500 miles on the car.