Watkins Glen laps (video)

[WhosUrDaddy]

I visited the Glen with a PCA chapter from up north and found an awesome track and perfect weather. The facilities were great and the track personnel professional and interested. The track itself was in great condition and faster than anything I've been on before. The armco & tire walls were scarey in a few places, though if you dial back your pace - you get used to it fast (its a wide track) and can transit safely. There were no incidents either day.

I thought I would eat brakes, though it was easier than expected. I went through the final 1/4th of a front pair of Hawk HPS's on day one and a 1/2 of stock pads on day two. Surprisingly, I found the OEM's to have better feel and better overall bite when hot. Too bad they would be so expensive to use in the long run as they wore twice as fast as the Hawks.

I stayed in the Radisson in Corning as suggested by some others, which was just fine - clean is my only requirement. The trip up was some of the best scenery that the US has to offer. Highly recommended trip.

I did a couple 2.13 laps in the morning of my 2nd day, then hooked up the vid just before lunch. So I didn't get my fast laps on tape, but here are a couple of 2.14 laps if you want to see how the track works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14WDkFU6r6E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14WDkFU6r6E

[MSiska]

That's Awesome Stuart! You sure had those runflats screaming!

[DennyM]

Thanks ... I'll check it from home (can't here)
Can you post up your driving and lodging experience here?
To frequent Glen visitors coming from Mid Atlantic area
Hope we can form a group for next year ... :idea:
I plan on running with Phoenix CMR again unless someone convinces me otherwise ...

[mjustmike]

I've heard from more than a few that Watkins is real nice, fun track. I'm like Denny and have to check out the vids later...but looking forward to that!!

[WhosUrDaddy]

Originally Posted by MSiska

That's Awesome Stuart! You sure had those runflats screaming!

Those were PS2's. They screamed differently then at Summit Point or VIR. Don't know why. Altitude?

[DennyM]

Originally Posted by WhosUrDaddy

Those were PS2's. They screamed differently then at Summit Point or VIR. Don't know why. Altitude?

Now that you mention it ... my Nitto 555RII's "sounded" different at the Glen vs. VIR. I think the surface at the Glen is "tighter" ... or "newer" ... sound is different.

BTW ... I'm keeping an eye on the new Toyo Proxes R888 (replaces the RA-1 and more $ ... :eek: ... front fitment not available ATT for my front 17" 's ...
And they're limited in 19's for your std fitment too ... more are to be released in the next several months.

[TryNkeepUp]

Nice videos! Looks like we missed you by one day.....a bunch of us were up there 9/17 & 18. IMO, just an incredible track!! I had two of the best track days I've ever had. I found that line and never left it......just kept picking up speed - outdrove just about everyone in the white group and finished out my two days in the blue group with PDA!!

Can't wait to go back!!!!!!

[WhosUrDaddy]

Originally Posted by TryNkeepUp

Nice videos! Looks like we missed you by one day.....a bunch of us were up there 9/17 & 18. IMO, just an incredible track!! I had two of the best track days I've ever had. I found that line and never left it......just kept picking up speed - outdrove just about everyone in the white group and finished out my two days in the blue group with PDA!!

Can't wait to go back!!!!!!

Cool! Lap times ..........?

[DennyM]

Originally Posted by TryNkeepUp

... I found that line and never left it......just kept picking up speed - outdrove just about everyone in the white group and finished out my two days in the blue group with PDA!!
Can't wait to go back!!!!!!

Ha!!! Hell hath no fury like a woman denied a "point by" ...
Perhaps next year "Mid Atlantic" and "North East" can meet at the Glen :idea:

[ZO6 AL-X]

Cool video. Different sound at different track? Maybe track conditions or temp? Thanks for sharing.