[Goggles Paesano]

I pretty much know my personal answer, but curious to see what the peanut gallery thinks. Considering going to Pitt Race for the first time (since my work schedule allows it finally). Do instructors usually sign up to instruct on new to them tracks??? I feel like I would be learning the track myself and wasting a student's time until I got comfortable with the line. I know there are vids and tutorials, and there is more than just the line to instruct, but...

Any opinions?

[mlytle]

I would if the organization would assign me a first timer. there is so much for them to learn, the specifics of the track are not as important.

but, for the student and my own survival in the instructor group, I would spend a lot of time beforehand reviewing other's incar videos.

[Goggles Paesano]

Good thinking. If I do decide to go, I will check with the CI’s and see

[Chakka]

See if you can do a ride a long with an instructor that knows the track. I did that at mid Ohio, very helpful!

[Doc_S]

When we first did Pitt Race a few years ago, no one had any experience on it. We were the first group on the new layout so no videos to look at it either. You can do the orientation laps and ask the CIs to go out in white with another instructor to show you around. You’ll be fine. You should do it. It’s a fun track to learn.

[Doc_S]

Oh, and ask where the coyotes are.

[Dr K]

Denis, it's such a great track--you have to do. The "old track" is super easy to learn, but you have to be brave on Turn 1. The newer part of the track has a very steep downhill, 180 degree turn into a steep uphill--you have a lot of cars, so bring one with some HP for that hill. Then it gets fun. If you've driven Mid-Ohio, very similar to the turns that start with Madness. They're too far apart to be esses, but too close to be turns and straights so it's a dance. When you get it, it's very rewarding. NJMP Thunderbolt has a section similar but not as much fun as Pitt Race or Mid-Ohio.

[rbpeirce]

Originally Posted by Dr K

but you have to be brave on Turn 1.

I find T1 less intimidating than T16.

[HoodPin]

Denis,
FWIW, if you've never been to a track, probably be best to try and sign up with a newish Green student. As mentioned, an initial ride-around with someone familiar with the track will show you the basics. With a Green student, you're working on fundamentals, which you already know. So deep knowledge of the track not as important. Whereas a Blue student, on the verge of promotion to White, may or may not be as enthusiastic about learning a track at the same time you are. Not that you couldn't navigate the weekend with a Blue student, but Green student is more likely easier on you.

See you at Pitt!

[Chopper Dropper]

Definitely Dennis, I have instructed on never been to tracks Lime Rock, VIR, Mosport and Mt Tremblant with 0 experience or videos of those tracks. Asked for Green Green student, go out on our orientation laps and with an instructor in White, Red and Black Green comes later so you will have a pretty good idea. Fun track for DE.
Dirk