[OldTee]

I have been looking for some informaiton about the Shenandoah circuit at Summit Point. There is a write up on the Potomac Web but it doesn't give much information. A layout and discription would be helpful.

[Chopper Dropper]

That is because its use as a DE circuit is in question. It is supposed to be evaluated by Potomac region and a decision will be forthcoming. It has (I have heard) been turned down as a DE venue by a number of neighbouring PCA regions. Cancelled as a race venue by all sanctioning bodies. It may unfortunately end up as a training circuit like Jefferson. Pity, but the run off areas are very small, with many concrete Jersey barriers to catch you from a small mistake at speed.
Dirk

[Chopper Dropper]

Well the official word is in, no Shenandoah this year. Potmac region checked it out last week and though there were a few problems that will need to be addressed before it is used, the time factor before this upcoming event along with the possibility it would have to be cancelled because some ancillary logistics were not in place, made it a no go for now. Apparently it was liked and will be on the schedule in the future.
Dirk

[Jim Richards]

Dirk (and anyone else that's driven the SC), what is your impression of the track, thinking from the standpoint of a student (Green / Blue)? Thanks!

[Manny Alban]

It seemed to be a very technical track with lots of late apex turns and many were blind. It also didn't seem to be a horsepower track, but rather one that rewarded smoothness and momentum (I'm sure the S word is something greenies are very well versed with). As a racer, I would love to give it a go, but then again, I'd be happy racing in a parking lot if it meant competition

[Vicegrip]

Sounds like my kinda track! This is what Bill S was saying he wanted to build, a track that rewarded low times to the driver more than the car.

I was invited to go last weekend and test but had to demo the basement instead. (She will pay for this one)

[Doug E]

Interesting feedback Dirk given the negative reviews that had surfaced over the past month or two.

Given that my SC is horsepower challenged it might just work out to be my kind of track

[VaSteve]

It seems that the people that own the track spent a lot of money and time (!) building this track. Since it seems many will not DE on it, is there the possibility that they might take time to reconfigure it for DE use?

It seems to me kinda silly from a business standpoint to have two training tracks (Jefferson and this one) in the same locale.

[Jim Richards]

Steve, I think the comment was that some of the PCA regions turned it down as a DE track, and PCA Potomac would like to see some adjustments made to the track and resolution of a few logistical issues before it will add the SC to the DE schedule. At least that's how I'm reading it.

[Chopper Dropper]

As someone said, its a bit like trying to put a 5 gallon bucket into a 2.5 bucket. The track snakes around on itself a lot which mandates barriers so no one crosses the medians. Unfortunately barriers need to be pretty solid so there is very little room for even minor errors near the limit ( wherever that may be at the stage of experience). Even concrete or styrofoam ala Glenn can do a number on your body work. I did not get to see it this time nor run it in the configurations that may have been used. In my unofficial runs and talks with BSR instructors I also thought it would be a very challenging and interesting track to drive (no passing in the Karousel Manny). There are also a lot of blind corners which will require more than the usual number of corner workers(lets hope they are not dozing too deeply). I accept that there is a risk driving a DE at any track and bent body work can and does happen more than any would like, I hope the adjustments can be made at Shenandoah, and I will drive it with an open mind. Ialso questioned the logistics as has been mentioned. The Paddock is tight and may limit numbers as much as cars per mile formula that restricts run group sizes. I also did not have an opportunity to see how false and hot grids would work. Mind you a tight technical track may keep the monster fire breathing 935s and 996 cup cars with their city on wheels motorhomes from clogging up the track etc.
Dirk