I sure love Watkins Glen...
#46
Burning Brakes
#47
Race Car
I didn't necessarily think that Watkins Glen and Sears Point were similar. It's possible to compare dissimilar things, right?
I get to drive Sears Point and Thunderhill quite often and used to ride/race bikes at Laguna Seca and Buttonwillow quite a bit as well. The farthest east I have been on a track is Las Vegas.
Sears Point is the most interesting and rewarding track I have driven on and was curious as to how Watkins Glen fared in comparison. One thing that has become clear to me over time is that top speed is overrated. I'll take technical over fast anytime as long as that technical isn't obnoxious and tedious. Sears Point has a wonderful flow to it.
Anyway, I was just curious....
Thanks,
Scott
#48
IMHO, Sears would qualify as one of the best tracks in the country with Rd America and The Glen were it not for that final turn. Wide, slippery, slightly off camber, slow- enough to bunch everyone up for the mad dash past the stands (and sound meter). Mickey Mouse for what is otherwise an unbelievable track.
When you have a track that requires big technical skills and big *****, you have a winner, unless there's one turn on the track that ruins it.
When you have a track that requires big technical skills and big *****, you have a winner, unless there's one turn on the track that ruins it.
#49
Race Car
IMHO, Sears would qualify as one of the best tracks in the country with Rd America and The Glen were it not for that final turn. Wide, slippery, slightly off camber, slow- enough to bunch everyone up for the mad dash past the stands (and sound meter). Mickey Mouse for what is otherwise an unbelievable track.
When you have a track that requires big technical skills and big *****, you have a winner, unless there's one turn on the track that ruins it.
When you have a track that requires big technical skills and big *****, you have a winner, unless there's one turn on the track that ruins it.
Scott
#50
I guess that I see it as a 'stadium' turn in what otherwise is a great natural road course. The elevation changes there have to be experienced sometime, especially that rise where your heart is pressed against the roof of your mouth.
#51
Race Car
The rest of the track is certainly glorious!
Scott
#52
Rennlist Member
Having driven both, I would say that the Glen features great rhythm, whereas Sears is more cut and thrust. Both are among the very best road circuits in the country.
#53
GREAT reference laps! Nice Turn 6 entry and patience, among other things.
https://youtu.be/W_7Nox-PRXI?t=1m8s
Sweet.
https://youtu.be/W_7Nox-PRXI?t=1m8s
Sweet.
Right around 1:14 in the video ?
#55
Rennlist
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But more than that, not DECISIVELY turning in (like Cory does in this video) and ASKING the car what to do here, instead of TELLING the car what to do.
Also, the fact that as you progress towards the apex, the grip improves and you can add more...
One of my FAVORITE turns of all time.
I wish...
__________________
-Peter Krause
www.peterkrause.net
www.gofasternow.com
"Combining the Art and Science of Driving Fast!"
Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
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-Peter Krause
www.peterkrause.net
www.gofasternow.com
"Combining the Art and Science of Driving Fast!"
Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
Consultation Available Remotely and at VIRginia International Raceway
#56
Rennlist Member
Hmm... doesn't really seem similar to me. SP is more technical and slower (even in its fast parts).
Here's some in-car from the 6 Hour practice session last year. My first time driving the car:
First laps in the ESM Tequila Patron Ferrari 458 Italia! - YouTube
-mike
Here's some in-car from the 6 Hour practice session last year. My first time driving the car:
First laps in the ESM Tequila Patron Ferrari 458 Italia! - YouTube
-mike
#57
Rennlist Member
#58
Rennlist Member
The first track I ever drove and a love story ever since. From that first look at the glorious soaring view of Turn 1 as I approached the front gate. (oh my god) I have loved this track. Every turn has something special. Which turn is my favorite? Thats like picking your favorite child.
I have nicknames for each turn:
The Esses: Joy (and Sex)
Turn 6: Ballet, perfection and sex
Turn 10: Glorious..Insanity (and hot monkey sex)
Turn 9: Sex
Turn 11: More Sex
OK - a common theme here. And that is the fun.
The various surfaces made it so much fun and it was by far my favorite rain track: Rewarding an understanding of changing track surface, color, light, temperature and more.
I guess I will get used to the new pavement.
I have nicknames for each turn:
The Esses: Joy (and Sex)
Turn 6: Ballet, perfection and sex
Turn 10: Glorious..Insanity (and hot monkey sex)
Turn 9: Sex
Turn 11: More Sex
OK - a common theme here. And that is the fun.
The various surfaces made it so much fun and it was by far my favorite rain track: Rewarding an understanding of changing track surface, color, light, temperature and more.
I guess I will get used to the new pavement.
Last edited by dan212; 04-27-2017 at 08:00 PM.
#59
Gary