THE GLEN !!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Sorry that this report has taken soooo long to get to the board, the dial up is at 14000 so slow doesn’t describe the speeds, plus at long distance exchange prices, this is all she wrote for now.

Friday was perfect weatherwise and track wise. The first runs of the day for Jim, David and I ended in what could be described as awe . . . . the track elevation changes, blind turns, and demand for power were unbelievable. NO video of this track can prepare you for the real thing. Bill was the seasoned veteran, having last years event under his belt, so in his usual fashion, was undaunted by this incredible track. Everyone left the track in one piece, at least in our dorki group. There was some real carnage and some stupid driving in the upper run groups, but all from participants that were out of Potomac’s membership. We all left Friday exhausted by the mental exercise that the track demanded, but satisfied that this would be an event to remember

Saturday, another perfect day for the weather. The 4 of us settled in a bit and started exploring the addition of some speed to the line that we were honing. Although the track, at first blush, doesn’t seem as technical as Summit Point, what I learned, because of the elevation changes coupled with the turns, was that placement of the car at certain points in the track is critical to running the track fast. The issue is momentum since none of us have 500hp, which BTW wouldn’t be enough for this track. One can navigate Watkins Glen without event placing the car in different places (not too far off line) and get around the track. There are plenty of straights or pseudo straights that the foot goes to the floor and stays there for a while. Put the car in the right spot and it’s a whole different animal. At critical times the track seems to rise up and grip your car just when you need a little more grip or . . . . more importantly a little more track. That is until you hit this nasty blind left hander that has an apex about 3/4 the way around the turn and lots of Styrofoam blocks staring you in the face as the car slides around this corner. The reward if done right, is an unbelievable feeling of speed and centripetal force. Unfortunately, this turn also claimed the front end of a beautiful light blue long nose track car.

Can’t post any pictures as this point, but will do so upon return . . . . . time for day 3, can only hope it as good as the last 2.

Glad to hear all is going well :)

Look forward to hearing the stories and pics upon the crew's return.

BTW, 14k connection speed ???? What did you do, start logging on at 3 am :lol:

Sounds like a great 4th of July weekend. I'm envious!

Just back tonight. It was a great weekend. A terrific track and a fun group to be with. We caught a real break on the weather -- no rain, and not too hot. There were a few mechanical problems here and there, some worse than others. But hey, the new Dorki shirts got nice notice.

Kudos to Marc for getting a well deserved and rapid promotion to White. The blue group is pleased we won't have to give him the passing signal any more.

Bill

I can't wait to go back next year. :D

I added some pics to the Gallery. Thanks to Lu for her camera support.

I understand now when people say that after you're on the track a while, the ARMCO just blends into the surroundings and you don't think about it too much. That is, until you find yourself spinning through a corner. :shock:

Thanks for the pics Lu :)

After seeing the pics from inside the garages I guess you all didn't have to worry about dehydrating from the sun :wink:

I just want to add that I've been going up to the Glen for this event for the last 4 years and this was the lightest turn out I've seen. I don't think there were more than 15-20 cars in either Green or Blue and on a track this long, that meant a lot of open track. My Blue student and I could go 3-4 laps in a row without passing or being passed. It was a great opportunity to get some open track and really get a nice rhythm going. For those that missed it, you should definitely plan to come next year.

Karl

Jim? Did you find yourself spinning thru a corner? Do you have video??

Yes.
Yes. Coming to a theatre near you...