sugarwood

May 20-22, I'm heading to a DE weekend at Watkins Glen from Metro NYC. I've never driven my car 4 hours. I'd like to have a contingency plan if my car breaks down anywhere during the 250 miles route from home. (Yes, I will have a DME relay, RPM/CPS sensors, extra fan belt, extra oil)

Seems like the main towns on the route are:
Newburgh
Monticello
Binghamton
Watkins Glen

Anyone know of 911 mechanics in these towns? It would be nice to have some numbers handy instead of scrambling with a dead cell phone signal.

Also, if/when someone crashes their car at the Glenn, what is the protocol?
If this happened, I can rent a car to get home, but where would I leave my car?
Is there a local body shop that handles the crash flow from the track?

And yes, I'm really fun at parties.

Frank 993 C4S

Oh Dear ...... why not just get AAA?

If you crash your car at the Glen, you will usually first need to be checked out by medical. After that you are free to take care of your car (usually that means calling AAA to get it taken to the repair shop of your choice). A couple of weeks later you will then get a bill from the track for any damage you might have caused to the track.

Are you possibly overthinking this a little bit?

BostonDMD

Someone once said "you become what you think about most of the time".......

Think positive, you are going to have a great time and will come home with a permanent smile on your face.....

JPS

Not trying to sound like a dick but if you are worried it can't make it 250 miles you shouldn't be taking it on the track. Get it inspected beforehand and have a fun drive.

Btw might want to check your route. 80-380-81 is usually pretty smooth and quick.

Sounds like you might be early in your DE career. If so, stop by. Blue 993 #227. Happy to answer any questions.

Coochas

To me the most concerning thing here is that you are worrying about the reliability on your car's first 4-hour drive! I can assure you that doing a DE is a lot more stressful on the car than a 240 mile highway trip!

As Frank said, just get AAA. Not very expensive and good to have anyway.

jlanka

First of all what car do you have?

NYoutftr

My Indy mechanic is John H., in endwell, NY.

He is about 55-60 miles before the track if you are using Rt17/I86 West. Just outside Binghamton.
He is a PCA driving instructor as well.
My car is there now getting IMS and clutch.
Less than 3 miles off endwell exit to his shop.
If you have an issue PM and I will give you his contact information.

Olemiss540

Now this is funny!

The real question is how does your car ever make it out of the garage?

Black Box

You realize in a 30 minute session you'll get about 12 lap and 8 sessions is over 300 miles. Track to and from hotel and meals I get about 500 miles in a weekend just around the track. If your car has been well maintained and passes a good track inspection you shouldn't need to worry.

alexaqui

AAA is the way to go!

I view the drive to the track as the final shakedown before the event. Better to break down on the highway than on the track.

I will be there too, assuming my engine issues get resolved in time. Silver E36 M3 sedan. Car #30.

sugarwood

Guess what the 2nd thing AAA will ask you?
"Where do you want to go?"

I'm not worried about making the 250 miles. But, every single person you've ever seen stranded on the side of the highway also was not worried about making the drive.
My car runs perfectly. That doesn't equal a 0% chance of breaking down on a long drive. If that happens, I would like to have a clue where I am, and where I can get the car serviced in the middle of nowhere.

But, now that I think about it, I can always just pay $1000 to have the car towed back home. It will be a maximum trip of 250 miles.

Slakker

1 request, 9 replies, 1 was helpful. Not too bad of an average.

Frank 993 C4S

Home! AAA Premier gives you the first 200 miles for free. No $hit! Time for you to do some research.

177mph

Thats rennlist!

RickBetterley

And that's funny
And I can't help but be empathetic to the reaction 'you're going to the track and worried about breakdowns on the way??' Oil on the track and all that.
But now I realize that the original poster, like me, plans ahead. 😀