Z06Vette.com - Corvette Z06 Forum - First time at the track this weekend. Need advice.

PointBy · 05-11-2006, 12:08 PM

It is going to rain. Should I bail? Car is 100% stock with stock tires 3/4 tread.

I will be running with the BMW club at Watkins Glen and am really looking forward to it. However, first time out with this car (previously had a 930) but have been on this track many times. Problem is, I do not know how this car behaves in the wet.

Probably a good place to learn, but its bad enough that I won't be at home for Mothers day with the wife and kids, but to make them come pick me up because I totalled my car is another thing.

Any recommendations for running in the rain (competition mode, TC on etc...) Would appreciate any input. Thanks guys.

JiminVirginia · 05-11-2006, 12:31 PM

An instructor friend likes to say, "Things can be learned in the wet..."

Like how to be smooth....

I had the same decision last year at Summit point and I'm glad I went, on the OEM Goodyear F1SCs, no less, which have a reputation for being crummy in the rain. But they were fine.

Leave everything (AH) on, and be smooth as silk...

**wvphoto** · 05-11-2006, 12:34 PM

good advice..

avoid anything verticle and concrete..

have fun

PointBy · 05-11-2006, 12:41 PM

Thanks guys. Don't know if you have run the Glen, but the spincter factor in the "esses" can get pretty high. In the wet in a new car should be interesting. Its too bad though, I was hoping to beat up some M5's and m3's. With the wet, caution will rule the day and I'll have to point those M coupes by.

Bob · 05-11-2006, 01:03 PM

I choose not to run DEs in the wet. I just do not want to take the risk.

**mdickie** · 05-11-2006, 01:08 PM

You have been given good advice, first time I ran the Glen on the stock Y's was about this time of year and it actually snowed as we were going out on the track. Cold weather, cold tires, just work on your smoothness, learn what the car can do and how it handles.

You will still have a great time, and you can probably still show the M3's and M5's a thing or two on the back straight.

Have a blast...

Mark

**DennyM** · 05-11-2006, 02:01 PM

Follow above advice, check your ego at the gate, and leave behind any ideas of speed relative to other cars on the track! This is NOT RACING! I've been in the rain at Summit Pt, and may be in the rain tomorrow ... that's ok ... I'll just learn more about my car and myself.

thebishman · 05-11-2006, 02:03 PM

Running in the wet can be one of the very best learning experiences that you'll have at a DE. You'll learn far more about the balance of the Z06, and how to drive one smoothly in the wet than in the dry. Definitely go, and you will easily beat-up on the M cars. Leave the electronics on initially. As your comfort level rises, you can then switch to Comp. mode.
Bish

Z06 Fever · 05-11-2006, 03:30 PM

Absolutely DO NOT bail!! As the others have said, you will still get a lot out of an event in the wet. The best thing you can do is go and get the seat time in that car...wet or dry.

**blkZ06** · 05-11-2006, 03:30 PM

they will probably have you run the rain line

listen to your instructor
look ahead
let all 3 things warm up -head, car and tires

have fun, be safe

you will get a LOT of experience running in the rain, and there might just be a few hrs of SUN-always is!

Backlash · 05-11-2006, 03:55 PM

As others have said go to the event. The glen is a great track and all but one turn has huge paved runoffs now. You will have a great time, enjoy!

kmagvette · 05-11-2006, 05:13 PM

I was there (again) this past weekend. It rained on Sat for the first two sessions - no problems for the Z06.

Unfortunately I had "the second best seat in the house" when an M5 ate the Armco at the top of the esses. Like I said, it was raining - he mashed the gas, got loose, saved the first half, lifted his foot off the gas, and spun going the other way - classic. No injury except for the ego he brought onto the track.

I did my first rain event with the BWM club as well - the day Katrina came through

The Z06 will cross flowing rivers with waves if youask it nicely. As an earlier poster mentioned, be smooth.

Have a great time, you will be amazed at how fast you can safely go in the wet.

Subdriver · 05-11-2006, 09:32 PM

I've driven and raced the Z06 on the track in the rain/wet numerous times now and have never looped it in the wet. Knock on wood...

Keep it smooth, be easy with the throttle and be careful where there is concrete, more aggressive where there is not.

I suggest comp mode in the wet. It'll intervene when you don't want it to, but it may save your tail when you need it.

jnjboc · 05-12-2006, 09:57 AM

I have the same issue. I will be with TracQuest Mon and Tue. and it's supposed to STILL be raining at the Glen. My first time was last year, and it was dry. Oh the esses when it's dry.........

But I will be there. They are the only group I know that will let solo qualified drivers take along a passenger.

So finally my wife will get to see first hand what all the fuss is about, and where all that money has been going!

kmagvette · 05-12-2006, 10:56 AM

Well it looks like you will be getting a nice weather sampler this weekend. Don't be nervous, the GVC BMW Club instructors are a good bunch and they take their safety very seriously.

Make sure you have good wiper blades. I was at Pocono three weeks ago, running in the rain, and had major pooling on the drivers side at around 120 - kind of annoying when looking for your turn-in marks