Z06Vette.com - Corvette Z06 Forum - To frequent Glen visitors coming from Mid Atlantic area

WhosUrDaddy · 09-11-2007, 03:10 PM

The route from Washington DC to Watkins Glen looks like it would take me almost due north across Pennsylvania. There are a couple of options to do the drive - does anyone have experience with one particular route that is quick and good for trailerrs?

Advice appreciated,

undertaker · 09-11-2007, 03:46 PM

from nyc I run out rt 80 to 380 north in PA into 81 into 17

I know the ecs crew from mid/south jersey runs a different way off of 81 down, we'll usually grab food on 81 and go our own ways from there.

you headin up soon? we're goin with nasa/pda mon-tues sept 17-18 this comin week.

(well if my new motor is tuned by then, just got word its in and gettin some break-in milage as we speak) and one of the jersey guys is finally gettins his motor replaced under extended warranty to get it back friday.....we have to get a few miles on the cars just to get em on the track this time

)

WhosUrDaddy · 09-14-2007, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by undertaker

from nyc I run out rt 80 to 380 north in PA into 81 into 17

I know the ecs crew from mid/south jersey runs a different way off of 81 down, we'll usually grab food on 81 and go our own ways from there.

you headin up soon? we're goin with nasa/pda mon-tues sept 17-18 this comin week.

(well if my new motor is tuned by then, just got word its in and gettin some break-in milage as we speak) and one of the jersey guys is finally gettins his motor replaced under extended warranty to get it back friday.....we have to get a few miles on the cars just to get em on the track this time

)

Coming up next Tues, the 18th, to run with PCA on Weds & Thurs. Looking for the smartest route to take from home in Maryland. Good luck on the tune.

**DennyM** · 09-14-2007, 11:05 AM

All I can say is that I drove up last month ... mapquest gave me a route from Frederick, MD that essentially followed Rt 15 N ... had a couple 3-4 mile stretches that were through stop and go (traffic lights) but all in all didn't seem too bad and seemed to minimize the elevation changes ... tho there were 3-4 hills with "truck lanes". (And I was paying attention, as I hope to trailer up next year, so whatever you end up doing ... I'll be asking you!

)

WhosUrDaddy · 09-14-2007, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DennyM

All I can say is that I drove up last month ... mapquest gave me a route from Frederick, MD that essentially followed Rt 15 N ... had a couple 3-4 mile stretches that were through stop and go (traffic lights) but all in all didn't seem too bad and seemed to minimize the elevation changes ... tho there were 3-4 hills with "truck lanes". (And I was paying attention, as I hope to trailer up next year, so whatever you end up doing ... I'll be asking you!

)

Thanks Denny. How long did it take you?

**DennyM** · 09-14-2007, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhosUrDaddy

Thanks Denny. How long did it take you?

IIRC it was about 270 miles and took less than 5 hours. There's a decent stop going north just before you leave PA ... on the left ... kind of a "family style" Sheetz truck stop ...
Steepest grades are coming down into WG and then up from WG to the track.
Where is your tech?
Phoenix CMR teched at the Seneca Lodge ... which is also up hill and presents some challenge to those maneuvering trailers.

kmagvette · 09-14-2007, 08:08 PM

Get to 81 North via your favorite interstate. I come up via 476 when I go to Pocono. There are hills, might as well hit them at 75, well into the torque band. My trailer is super stable, I still probably roll a bit too fast

To stay on the interstates, take 81 to Binghamton, hang a left on 17 and take it to Horseheads. Take 14 N to Watkins Glen.

Your toughest hill will be going from the vibrant metropolis of Watkins Glen up to the track. Your best choice is to go up the hill at the Valero Station (329) toward the Seneca Lodge. Instead of hanging a right to go to the lodge keep going straight to Rt 16. Turn right on 16 and follow up to the track.

The other route, 414, looks nicer because it is 4 lanes, but it goes up a steeper gradient - measured by the wheezing of my truck.

From Allentown, Pa you should be within 3 hours of the track.

You wouldn't happen to be doing the Group 52 event, Oct. 8,9 - would you?

undertaker · 09-15-2007, 07:22 PM

im leavin tommorrow for this coming monday tuesday with a brand new 427 in the car with 200 miles on it now...450 by monday morning...having a buddy drive it up and im trailering his...

next event is a weekend in mid oct with open advanced on the friday......oct 18thish....sat an sun are regular format...

love to run with u guys....

AlohaC5 · 09-18-2007, 06:07 PM

Just completed two days at the Glen with PDA in the Blue (HPDE 3) Group! The weather was great and the track - simply awesome. This was my first trip to the Glen and my track times averaged 2:15 to 2:17. Met a great bunch of drivers and cars there. Definitely worth the 7 hour drive from Fairfax, VA. The town of Watkins Glen has several B&Bs, winery's and Seneca Lake is beautiful. If you like VIR - you will definitely enjoy the Glen. I should have a video or two that I'll post this Saturday. Mike

**DennyM** · 09-19-2007, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlohaC5

Just completed two days at the Glen with PDA in the Blue (HPDE 3) Group! The weather was great and the track - simply awesome. This was my first trip to the Glen and my track times averaged 2:15 to 2:17. Met a great bunch of drivers and cars there. Definitely worth the 7 hour drive from Fairfax, VA. ...If you like VIR - you will definitely enjoy the Glen. Mike

Cool beans, Mike! ... I think Jim R from LCCC was up there in his MY C5 (LS6 power) cpe. Good people up there ... would like to go next year with some folks from this area ...

See you at the Spook next weekend ..

AlohaC5 · 09-19-2007, 04:23 PM

I plan to make Watkins Glen an annual event for me. Also checking into Phoenix CMR (club) since they offer a very good price for a two-day HPDE at the Glen. Curtis Judge (Black Z06 : "CHJ In Virginia" on the Corvette Forum) does an HPDE there once a year too.

I plan to coordinate my next trip in 2008 with him and hope you can join us. There were several Z06s there - looking forward to seeing their comments! Here's a video clip of my 2:14 minute lap - 1st time at a great track and I'll be back!

WhosUrDaddy · 09-21-2007, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlohaC5

I plan to make Watkins Glen an annual event for me. Also checking into Phoenix CMR (club) since they offer a very good price for a two-day HPDE at the Glen. Curtis Judge (Black Z06 : "CHJ In Virginia" on the Corvette Forum) does an HPDE there once a year too.

I plan to coordinate my next trip in 2008 with him and hope you can join us. There were several Z06s there - looking forward to seeing their comments! Here's a video clip of my 2:14 minute lap - 1st time at a great track and I'll be back!

Sweet. Loved the place also. I just got back this morning. My best lap was a 2.13 though I was driving a C6 Z06 on PS2's. That makes your 2.14 extra good. I'll get the video for that lap and post it.

F.J.B. · 09-21-2007, 03:15 PM

It was a great time this past Mon/Tues. I was there with the VETTE DOCTORS PERFORMANCE Group and the East Coast Supercharging Group.

We all had a great experience!!!

undertaker · 09-22-2007, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F.J.B.

It was a great time this past Mon/Tues. I was there with the VETTE DOCTORS PERFORMANCE Group and the East Coast Supercharging Group.

We all had a great experience!!!

one car does not constitute a group.

kmagvette · 09-23-2007, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlohaC5

I plan to coordinate my next trip in 2008 with him and hope you can join us. There were several Z06s there - looking forward to seeing their comments! Here's a video clip of my 2:14 minute lap - 1st time at a great track and I'll be back!

WOW, a 2:14 with traffic, that must have been a very fast group you were running with. I have done a touch faster than that, but on a clear track with full racing slicks. From the video it looks like you still have speed to gain as well, especially up through the esses and the exit of 11. The Z will hold full throttle all the way up from the entrance into 2 to the braking zone for the bus stop. I don't have the stones to hold it flat from turn 1, but it is rumored to be possible.

Do the CMR eventS next year - best bang for the buck, just don't stay at the Seneca Lodge; it's kinda nasty. See Ya.