Based on current criticism, in regards to that area of the track, I'm sure changes are being implemented to deal with this. It would be disastrous for NJM if this was to be repeated again. DE or pro race ...........

 

More images:

 

wow, Scott is a very fortunate man.

 

wow,

the car did its job, look how it stayed together in all the right areas to protect the driver. I wonder what type of g's he had on impact. Great job to whoever constructed that car!

 

Yeah, Scott's a great guy.

But dude, your avatar is just offensive, I say that as a Gulf War Vet.

 

Yeah, VR! Please replace your avatar with this one instead (sure beats Joe Biden!):


Sarah Palin, Miss Alaska Runner Up, 1984
Republican VP Nominee, 2008

 

You have a choice. Choose not to be offended.

Thank you for your service.

 

I agree. DPs may not be the ultimate, no-holds-barred race car, but they're a great combination of safety, some speed, relatively simplicity and reasonable cost. That's why you see MORE team rolled out every year, multiple manufacturers and good drivers.

I only wish that there wasn't such a gap in speed between the DPs and GTs. It makes things kind of dicey.

 

I think that last turn can, and probably will be revised, but I really didn't view it as overly dangerous. Over the two days of the Schattenbaum event, I experimented with that turn and ultimately decided on clipping the concrete rather than getting the car up on the mound.

I didn't see any problem with the "Octopus" . . . just a matter of learning what works there. And, there will be different approaches to Octopus. My only criticism with that section of the track is that it breaks up the "flow" of what would otherwise be a very fast track (and it is a fast track). But, this is also true of many of the tracks that we drive (e.g., the carousel at SP, turn 6 at Mosport, "madness" at MO, VIR's Oak tree hairpin, etc.).

I seriously disagree with your "narrowness" observation. Thunderbolt isn't narrow at all. To my eye, there are an adequate number of 3-abreast sections on this track. To me, Thunderbolt seemed somewhat wider than the Lightening track. Some corrections are needed; but, overall, I like both circuits at NJMP.

Richard

 

I went to Thunderbolt today and watched part of the races. Fun of course and a couple of observations...

- they have extended those stand-up dividers (whatever those flex sticks are called) by another 200 feet separating the pit-in from the turn-in to the front straight.

- most cars were going 4 wheels on the giant white turtle

- 2-3 wide on the front straight did not seem like a problem

 

I suspect these tracks seem narrow to some due to the lack of anything close to the track in many places (for visual reference) when compared to other tracks in the region. Three wide was not a problem in a number of places on Lightning.

 

IIRC the track is wider than VIR.

 

I thought it was the same, but you are likely correct.

 

Precisely, Smithers!

Richard

 

I dunno, maybe it's an optical illusion, but areas did seem narrow to me. Maybe it is the new blacktop surrouded by dirt. BTW, I know a way to get that 'track time photso' off your avatar, pm me.
c