Changes at the Glen

[Phokaioglaukos]

Today was my first day with Trackmasters and my first day of open track. From 8:30 to Noon and from 1:00 to 4:30 you go out when you want for as long as you want. Trackmasters did give me a check ride before trusting me with this grop. I managed to burn 1-1/2 tanks of gas today. There were a couple of things that were different about the day. The weather was gorgeous, brilliant sun and cool temperatures in the high 60s. Just wonderful. Entering and leaving a hot track was new for me--warming up and cooling off while others are at full speed was a treat. There are also lots of fast cars and drivers, including some 996 cup cars, 997 GTs, race trucks (fastest F-150s I've ever seen) and a variety of single-seat Radical-like cars. I gave lots of point bys. Everyone here, even the slower drivers, seems to be an instructor. There is really something to be said for the excellent experience and training I've received with RTR. It shows in my driving, and I sure need some more, so thanks to all the instructors who have driven with me.

Back to the subject of this thread, though. T1 is smooth and all-black asphalt. It's probably my imagination, but the turn feels stickier and I have less need to apex over the surface-level rumble strips that I used to use. It's probably just that I'm slower. T5 (outer loop) is a vast expanse of feature-less asphalt. No concrete patch to guide one to the apex. That said, if I load the car properly and hold a constant radius the apex just appears. Magic. I took some video and will take more this weekend. Maybe I can edit it so I look better than I was and share it with you all. T5 also got low, FIA-curbing. Last year I tagged the curb (too tight at the apex) once. Now that would not be a problem. All in all, the Glen is still here (no Glen Club, though) and it's wonderful. Great flagging staff. A real pleasure to be here.

(Many full course black flags, though, but nothing serious.)