JP66

Just like everyone else I need to pick my DE days carefully since free time is at a premium. I'm planning 10 or so DE days at LRP, but I'd like to try one new track this summer. So I can either spend 2 days at NJMP or 2 days at WG. This is only my second season and so far all my track time has been at LRP.

Is one location better than the other for a novice?

Just wondering what the forum thinks.

So far I've heard excellent advice that I can drive at my own pace so both can be equal in that sense, but again just wondering what other folks experience was trying "new" tracks.

MarcD147

I haven't been to WG yet (in 2 weeks) but at njmp they have two tracks. Some events feature a day at each.... The tracks are very different from each other so if you want to experience variety that's something to consider

Nizer

Nothing wrong with NJMP but WGI because WGI.

jdistefa

From a pure skill development and pace standpoint probably 'better' to go to NJMP.

But... go to WGI. Because, as Nizer said, it's the Glen. And it's a beautiful setting which cannot be said for NJMP

DTMiller

I'm still waiting for the list of tracks you have to drive before you die that includes NJMP.

Veloce Raptor

For real. This.

linzman

NJMP has more run-off room in most places, but Watkins Glen is pretty much on everyone's top 2 or 3 list. Lime Rock has a few places where there's not much room for error too, so if that's what you're worried about, don't overthink it. **** happens at all tracks. Plenty have done their first ever track day at the Glen and lived to tell about it. You'll have an instructor to keep you in check.

If you're really hooked, you'll eventually make it to all the "local" tracks. WG, VIR, NJMP, LRP, Palmer, Thompson, Summit Point, Mid Ohio, and even the Canada tracks, so do the one that fits in the schedule the best, i.e. the Glen

LuigiVampa

I like NJMP but its not even close - WGI FTW!

Gary R.

Watkins Glen, no comparison at all (and I love TBolt). Mr. Chicken for lunch and go after Memorial Day and you get to visit the Tiki Bar too!

RickBetterley

WGI is a great track with great history in a beautiful area.
NJ is a nice enough track but it's not in the league of Watkins Glen. Few tracks are.

JP66

Well that certainly makes for an easy decision!! Thanks everyone!!

white924s

NJMP has more runoff area, so the penalty for medium mistakes isn't as bad (bruised ego and some high speed farming vs. trimming the blue hedges...). WGI is also a farther drive from the NYC area, so you need to make it a weekend to be worthwhile. On the other hand, as others have said, WGI has awesome history and tradition, and it's an awesome track.

Can't go wrong either way, but definitely try to get some variety in tracks as you're learning - for the same reason you wouldn't learn how to shoot a basketball from just one place on the court

Yellow996

WGI is to tracks as Augusta National is to golf courses.

cheechs

Great track is summit point West Virginia the main track or shanodah for lots of turns ( favorate track)

Frank 993 C4S

This!

Either track at NJMP is safer given the run-off areas but WGI should definitely be on your bucket list.