[Chopper Dropper]

Originally Posted by RedOctober

I just took a look at the schedule for this weekend and admittedly I have not been to WG with PCA before, but is it normal to only have 3 sessions per day?

5 run groups, need to split the time up as evenly as possible. If 4 groups shorter sessions and way more time spent on warming up out lap and cool down 25 minute run groups on Friday, 30 minutes Saturday and Sunday.
Dirk

[Handlebar]

I am excited - I was disappointed there wasn't more track time, but completely understand why it has to be what it has to be.

"Man, You are going to LOVE the Glen!" Has nearly been the word-for-word reaction to news of a first time trip there.

[Eric S]

Originally Posted by RedOctober

I just took a look at the schedule for this weekend and admittedly I have not been to WG with PCA before, but is it normal to only have 3 sessions per day?

Yes, for large events at long tracks.

Originally Posted by BikePump

It has to do with the shorter track hours. At SPM we get 4 session of about 23 min but the track is hot until 6pm. At WG with the track closing at 5pm the math doesnt work for 4 unless they get really short

We typically get about seven hours of hot track/day at each track we rent unless we buy extra hours ($$$); Watkins Glen is 3.4 miles long, and that is a major factor in running three sessions. We want drivers to get a reasonable number of hot laps in each session.

Originally Posted by Chopper Dropper

5 run groups, need to split the time up as evenly as possible. If 4 groups [sessions] shorter sessions and way more time spent on warming up out lap and cool down 25 minute run groups on Friday, 30 minutes Saturday and Sunday.
Dirk

While considering multiple variables, one of Potomac's primary goals is maximizing quality track time, and over the years the scheduling process has been well refined. In general, fewer sessions = longer sessions, less time lost on warm-up and cool-down laps, where possible we use hot swaps between sessions, and one less schedule break necessary to allow instructors time to get to their student's cars. The choice is often four 20's (80 total minutes with additional warm-up/cool-down or three 30's (90 total minutes).

[BMAN]

More time than you can imagine goes into trying to find more track time at PCAP events. Our goal is 4 session but often this isn't possible or practical. In the case of the Glen we bought as much extra track time as they would allow us to buy, which wasn't much. They are having a bike race Saturday night on track which wouldn't allow us to extend our time. Friday we were able to get an extra 1/2 hr but this is going towards orientation/parade laps to start the weekend.

[thelittlemrs]

FYI - we are in Garage 24, and since there is no "official" happy hour feel free to wander over to our garage (24) when the track goes cold. I have a bunch of stuff leftover from other events. All the cool kids will be there.

Did I mention we are in garage 24?

[ausgeflippt951]

Btw, have I mentioned how much I appreciate the new addition of the parade laps? I know I was one of the original proponents, clamoring for its addition but I'm very appreciative that you guys added them.

I got to see the fruits of that effort a couple weeks ago at Shen: my student was a double-zero and told me later in the weekend how much she appreciated being able to go out together during those parade laps, before all hell broke loose.


Also, many thanks to all the PCAP volunteers who help make the schedule what it is. Looks great, can't wait.

[ausgeflippt951]

Also: I will be giving a brief "seminar" of sorts on data acquisition. It's currently looking like it will take place on Sunday.

We will be announcing it over the PA and the drivers meetings once we get a better feel for where to squeeze it in. Of course, feel free to find me and ask for additional details as well.

[Eric S]

Originally Posted by thelittlemrs

FYI - we are in Garage 24, and since there is no "official" happy hour feel free to wander over to our garage (24) when the track goes cold. I have a bunch of stuff leftover from other events. All the cool kids will be there.

Did I mention we are in garage 24?

Awesome! I am in garage 25 so I won't have far to walk, er, stumble...

[BikePump]

More like slots than independent garages...one big happy family

[BlackTalon]

Originally Posted by ausgeflippt951

Also: I will be giving a brief "seminar" of sorts on data acquisition. It's currently looking like it will take place on Sunday.

Collin, lease stream this for those of us who cannot make the Glen