what does a new track need to be great

What's the status of the road course at Rausch Creek? I thought it was pretty much dead in the water. Also, the guy that ran the VIR project is running the Thunderbolt project in NJ. Hope they can pull it off!!!

As far as what makes a track great:

Natural elevation changes
Lots of safe runoff room
Good, adequate paddock (one that could accomodate 350 - 400 cars).
2.5 - 3 miles (or more)
Aspects that exploit hp/speed as well as braking/handling


My idea of a great track, a modern-day Bridgehampton!

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MARRS #25 ITB Rabbit GTI (sold) | MARRS #25 HProd Rabbit
SCCA 279608
 
Let me add one other characteristic: raciness. And no, I don't mean it has hot NASA chicks flashing skin.

I am blessed to live 1 hour and 30 minutes from VIR and run there (racing and club days in my street car) probably 8-10 times a year. I LOVE the track, and the setting. I can't imagine a better overall track experience EXCEPT....

The one dark secret (in my view) is that VIR, and Barber which is its equal in terms of facilities and close to it in my opinion in terms of the track itself, isn't very racy. Very few places to pass....end of the front straight....MAYBE going into NASCAR....from there on it, it's tough until you get to Oak Tree and the back striaght, and there's no passing in Roller Coaster for equal/nearly equal cars.

So, unless you have huge nads or HP, very few passing zones for such a long (3.27 miles) track.

A lap at VIR is intense, but sometimes it can turn into a big long parade.

Compare and contract to that road course/autocross course bastard Carolina Motor Sports Park. Nearly every corner is a passing zone. When I run there, I feel like I'm in a war every lap. The track has a high speed part, and a slow part, and each type of car is a little better than others in different places.

Roebling is kind of the same way. A big momentum track that has, for its size, at a decent amount of places to RACE.

So, add that to the list. Take that, Motorsports Country Clubs!

All that said, don't ever miss an opportunity to come to VIR. Facilities. Workers. Track. Paddock. FOOD. All as good as it gets.
 
I would like to have the NTC reconsider acquiring land and building a track in the area of Sanford, Maine. In the past I was told that this area was too far away to attract racers, and therefore not to be considered. I say that this is not true as the area is easily accessible from I95 and not more than 30 minutes further than NHIS for those coming from the West. If LRP goes to 20K/day, that 30 minutes might be cheap driving.
NTC please look at this area - I believe a track could go there.
Best Regards -Bill Miskoe NER ITS #26
 
I would like to have the NTC reconsider acquiring land and building a track in the area of Sanford, Maine. In the past I was told that this area was too far away to attract racers, and therefore not to be considered. I say that this is not true as the area is easily accessible from I95 and not more than 30 minutes further than NHIS for those coming from the West. If LRP goes to 20K/day, that 30 minutes might be cheap driving.
NTC please look at this area - I believe a track could go there.
Best Regards -Bill Miskoe NER ITS #26
 
Well put. Personally, I believe there are driving tracks and there are racing tracks.

Driving tracks are gads of fun for a DE--very technical swoopy things happening, and lots of chances to explore different lines absent another car.

Racing tracks are invariably characterized by long straights leading into corners which lead to another long straight--a few au rouge wrinkles excepted.

If drivers are not concentrating on launch and braking, it's just a parade.

G
 
Good point, I want a track with lots of good passing areas.

I don't feel 30min farther north is a problem at all. A track in ME would be closer than LRP for me.

The guys coming from out west, say NY, I don't think would mind. If they make the trip to NHIS I'm sure they would make the trip to a real road course in ME.

I'm going to the glen next year.

Lets say the glen was NHIS and 30min extra drive was the glen. I would drive the extra 30 min for the better track.

This is all just my opinion.

But as they say location, location, location. A track in western mass(in our dreams), southern NH, or CT would be far better. BUT is it going to be possable.

Is there any other spots in southern ME? I would think ME would have the cheapest land and lots of different areas to look at. If the site is close to 95 that saves alot of travel time and would be a big + on attracting people. The MASS pike is an easy drive. Say LRP1 is where it is now, and LRP2 is 30 min father away, but right of the MASS pike. Both tracks being identical I would probably go to LRP2. HWY miles on tow vehicle. Probably use the same amount of gas. Probably get there the same time can travel faster on HWY vs back roads. Easier drive.

What about southern VT?



[This message has been edited by 0100 (edited November 29, 2004).]
 
Hey, if Maine is as easy to "permit" a track as they are registering cars, then we should jump on it before they come to their senses!

Note the plates on my trailer...CT gave me hours of BS about not having a title for a 15 yr old trailer, Maine said "Send a check, we send a registration plate!" Deal!

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Jake Gulick
CarriageHouse Motorsports
ITA 57 RX-7
New England Region
[email protected]
 
More from the Dragon:
I drive through the Sanford/Alfred area quite often. There is car racing going on there. Mostly small oval track stuff. It doesn't look to me as though this is a place where people are sniffy and reject the idea of having fun with cars.
I also believe that it is an area where some input of $$ will be welcome. Don't forget that this region went all out to have a casino built there.
But the statewide referendum on the idea failed.
Not to say that a well thought out club race track would ever bring in the $$ that a casino could, but rather to suggest that this is an area where car racing could do well.
Anyone want to take a drive up and look around with me?
Best Regards - Bill Miskoe
 
Originally posted by Bill Miller:
What's the status of the road course at Rausch Creek? I thought it was pretty much dead in the water. Also, the guy that ran the VIR project is running the Thunderbolt project in NJ. Hope they can pull it off!!!
Click to expand...
Bill, Rausch creek is still viable as all permits,approvals, and plans have been done. Only need $$$$ to complete. I believe NJ is just starting the paper fight. T Weaver


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Tom Weaver: Logistics & Technical Support Manager IE truck driver for 1980 RX-7 ITA #63
"Hemi Haulin' Rotary"
 
Tom,

I looked at the RC website, and saw the last article on the road course was over a year old. I know the dirt bike/quad racing is doing well. I thought they were going to use some of those funds for the road race track?

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MARRS #25 ITB Rabbit GTI (sold) | MARRS #25 HProd Rabbit
SCCA 279608
 
MidOhio is over $30,000 for Sat and Sunday and no test days, which doesn't include everything. You have to be off the track by 5PM, not a minute later and off the property period on Sunday by 6pm. You have to go through their 'school'. Listing all your track wants is kinda like wanting tv, definitely not cheap or even reasonable or free, like everything on a list that makes a track "great". I'll take the few clean showers at Nelson compared to the slime at MidOhio showers or the cold water at LimeRock along with the paid attendant.
 
Originally posted by Bill Miller:
Tom,

I looked at the RC website, and saw the last article on the road course was over a year old. I know the dirt bike/quad racing is doing well. I thought they were going to use some of those funds for the road race track?
Click to expand...
Bill, email me at [email protected] when you get chance. thanks T W



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Tom Weaver: Logistics & Technical Support Manager IE truck driver for 1980 RX-7 ITA #63
"Hemi Haulin' Rotary"
 
Since I dont race yet, Ill talk about a few simple things that would make watching fun...even if it is just for families.

1) a nice terraced hill that way clownboys with their mobile homes in a bag dont get into your view.

2) How about some bbq pits and picnic area? that would be great after a good race!

3) A good scoreboard minimum PA second (though not as important if not a spectator track)

as for the track itself:

wide, long straights, NO CHICANES, a couple good elevation changes, a blind turn or two, a good full out turn (bank it a bit if necessary), a long pit lane and even paddock, a few garages for tech (or barns...steel buildings are cheap right?), a classroom, a modest facility (couple showers, clean bathrooms). Good access (since itll probably be in the boonies).
 
Considering the discussion above, this may be of interest to many of you (and please pass it on):
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Copied from www.autox4u.com:
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Thunderbolt public hearing 12/13/04

There will be a final public hearing on December 13th in Millville City Hall on the 4th Floor at 6 PM in front of the Planning Board. The NJ Audubon Society plans to Cross Examine the professionals who spoke on behallf of Project Thunderbolt. We need at least as many green flag members and supporters to attend that hearing, as we expect the Planning Board to be in a position to vote on the project. Jane Galetto has informed the press that she will speak out that evening on the project.

Please rally your friends and family to attend one of the single most important evenings in the history of Millville and Cumberland County.

For more information regarding Thunderbolt Raceway visit: http://www.njmotorsportspark.com
 
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