[Anchorman]

I just signed up for my next DE event - Watkins Glen on May 16 and 17, organized by TracQuest. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> Anyone care to join me?

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[Jason Judd]

Anchor,



I would, but, I'm due to have shoulder surgery on April 28th...that leaves me out of it for about 12 weeks...mid July!



I'm trying to convince myself that I'll be OK and won't freak out after 6 weeks...My wife is taking the kids on a trip to Italy and Greece around the time I'll be the most miserable...smart girl! I wouldn't want be around myself either!



Enjoy it for us all!



Jason

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[Dave]

That's a track I need to get to. Cutting back on DE travel a bit this year.



That's not as bad as it sounds, because I will be one of the many 968's running around in F-Stock (finally)!



Keep the shiney side up!

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[Jim Child]

[quote name='Dave' date='Mar 25 2005, 11:23 PM']That's a track I need to get to.  Cutting back on DE travel a bit this year.



That's not as bad as it sounds, because I will be one of the many 968's running around in F-Stock (finally)!



Keep the shiney side up!

[right][post="2364"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]



Simple solution - run the WG club race there in June 3-5. WG is a long way from Chicago, but trust me, its worth it. Where are you planning to race this year?

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[Dave]

Hey Jim,



I would love to run there in June, but I don't think car / driver will be fully ready. I'm going to stick to some of the local familiar tracks until I learn to drive the car all over again.



I will run my first rookie race(s) at Gingerman over July 4 weekend, may try to squeak in Putnam, then onto Road America. Car goes into the shop tomorrow for new suspension, still trying to schedule the cage install.



I plan some track work at Blackhawk, Gingerman, and RA in the spring to get things all sorted out. Really looking forward to finally taking the F-stock plunge.



I hope to see you at one of these. From what my HWFM friends Mike and Eric say, I get to try to chase them, while they all try to chase you. Honestly, if I can stay out of the way for a while and get a bit of a rhythm this year, I will be more than happy.

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[Jim Child]

[quote name='Dave' date='Mar 26 2005, 04:05 AM']I will run my first rookie race(s) at Gingerman over July 4 weekend, may try to squeak in Putnam, then onto Road America.  Car goes into the shop tomorrow for new suspension, still trying to schedule the cage install.[/quote]



I definitely understand the scramble to get the car race ready, BTDT. I also understand the desire to start out racing on a familiar track. I made sure to run my rookie race at Putnam Park, one of my most familiar tracks, and I'm glad I did. Gingerman is probably the best place to learn to race if you're already comfortable driving there. I won't be at Gingerman, but I'll be at the Putnam race, and I'd be happy to provide some go fast tips. Look me up if you're there.



Consider the WG race for next year. It really is worth the drive. I've driven Road America, and I drive Mid Ohio all the time, but I think Watkins Glen is more fun. Going flat out from turn 1 to the Bus Stop is a rush that you won't find anywhere else.

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[Anchorman]

Jim, I assume there's some gear changing going on in that stretch. What speed/gear are you in before braking for the Bus Stop?

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[Jim Child]

[quote name='Anchorman' date='Mar 28 2005, 09:37 PM']Jim, I assume there's some gear changing going on in that stretch.  What speed/gear are you in before braking for the Bus Stop?

[right][post="2473"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]



I'm at an indicated 137-138 before I brake for the bus stop. I take turn 1 in 3rd gear, I then shift to 4th before turn 2, and take turn 2 flat in 4th gear. I then shift to 5th in the esses, and carry 5th all the way to the bus stop.



A word of caution - you shouldn't attempt to take turn 2 flat in 4th without track tires and suspension mods. Without them you'll need to lift a little bit before turning in for 2. Going slower through turn 2 will mean that you don't need to shift to 5th until you exit the esses onto the back straight. Shifting in the esses shouldn't be attempted until you're driving at the advanced level.

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[Anchorman]

WOW - that's quite a difference from where I was at for my first-ever runs. I don't recall everything. I know, though, that I felt pretty good when I got near 120 before braking for the bus stop - and I think that was at about red-line (maybe a little higher - the rev limiter never kicked in and I saw nearly 7000 rpm a couple of times) in 4th. Once or twice I shifted to 5th along the straight before the bus stop, but that didn't seem to be worthwhile at that point. I think I was pretty much one gear below what you describe. Probably a combination of factors - first time, unsure what the car (and I) could do, wanting to be sure I could drive the car home, etc. It'll be interesting to see how I do in May.

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[RS Barn]

    I plan to have my 968TS/RS at Pocono May20-22 for its break in. If there is any delay in getting it ready (and there may be) I would love to come up to the Glen with my NA-968RS.

I usually just do PCA events. I'm an instructor for PCA. Does Trackquest have the same format in offering instructors to students.? How many run groups are there.

Pete

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[Jason Judd]

Pete,



Yes, Traquest does have similar format styles as regular DE's...although you get much more track time!



I hope to have my 968 TS ready for August at Watkins Glen with Metro NY.



Jason

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[Anchorman]

Pete, Tracquest has three run groups. I was (and, until I get a roll bar, always will be) in Yellow - that's novices (which is me) and cabs without roll bars (which also is me). I don't have the information in front of me about what distinguishes the other groups, but it's probably on the Tracquest web site. If you want more info (I've done one Tracquest DE event at Watkins Glen last October), ask away.

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[RS Barn]

Do you have a dedicated instructor for yellow group? Can they let you solo? PCA has five groups at most events and the first two must have an instructor in the car at all times. The instructor has the ability to let you solo when he feels comfortable.

Pete

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[Anchorman]

As a yellow group participant, you have your choice of instructors. During the first day, I went out with one instructor twice, and then once each with two other instructors. After my first run on the second day, I was cleared to "solo".

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