There is nothing more satisfying than kicking off your season with a spring visit to Watkins Glen International (WGI) Raceway. It’s rich racing history is partnered with a charming, quaint and rustic lakeside town making it an ideal getaway. For several years now, GTM has joined HookedOnDriving to celebrate the coming of spring and opening weekend at WGI.
Before we recap this past weekend, I want to roll back the clock to last years event. Watkins Glen by mid-April is generally sunny, trees and flowers are in bloom, tourist season hasn’t quite started, and there is still a slight Canadian breeze keeping temps in the 50s.
Spring 2017, Watkins Glen.
But as we all know, this years winter on the East Coast has been one for the record books. Some of the coldest “cold” on the books, and winter has definitely exceeded its “best by” date. Even Punxsutawney Phil was way off. For 2018, Watkins Glen treated us with 30 degree temps, high winds, heavy rains changing to sleet and finally snow.
Spring 2018, Watkins Glen.
I think it goes without saying, conditions were “less than optimal” for this event. Due to some administrative decisions on the part of WGI, it was decided that “the show must go on” and therefore the “brave and the bold” set out to get their laps in despite the conditions.
Veteran coaches will say “always keep learning” — use every opportunity to advance your skills. Driving in these types of conditions definitely ramps up your learning curve. To quote member Kerwin W, “…I thought I knew, but I now know what having ZERO grip feels like.”
Driving in the rain requires patience, constant assessment, planning and above all “being smooth.” Longer braking zones and careful application of the throttle will get you around the track safely even in trying times. Without the proper rain tires you won’t be able to drive 8-tenths, but 6-tenths with street tires and a dash of risk every now and again will get you around the course without disappointment. I have to say it rather amusing to see a front-wheel-drive (or hot hatch all-wheel-drive) keeping the higher horsepower rear-wheel-drive cars at bay. Rain is the ultimate equalizer.
Admittedly, our story takes a bit of a tragic turn towards mid-day on Day 1. Since the late-2016 repave of WGI, the track surface has changed. The previous version of WGI included different grading, added camber, flatter curbing, etc. The new version of WGI (much like other recently repaved tracks) now includes crowning for better drainage, less camber, taller and freshly painted curbing. Despite all the of changes, you cannot remove WGI’s large elevation changes and water will always travel on “the path of least resistance” which means during a heavy storm large pools form around apexes, a lake forms between T9 and T10, and strong undercurrents start to form down the straightways, as well as a small river across “600-hp-Hill” (between T7 and T8 in the sole of the boot).
Member Doug T was the unfortunate victim of the “Hilltop-River” between T7-T8. While under acceleration, his Lancer EVO started to hydroplane and then went into a spin. Catching a wheel off track in an attempt to save the car in an area with little runoff meant a slight chance to not catch some Armco. Unfortunately, even in dry conditions grass is an accelerant – now add water – and there is no stopping a vehicle unless something stops it for you (in this case, the wall).
Dougs EVO before (left), during (center), after (right).
Once Doug pulled the EVO into the garage the GTM crew went into action, with help from Members: Eric M, Sam H, Kenny E and Kerwin W, the EVO didn’t miss a session and was back on track for a shake down run. We’re happy to report that the EVO only suffered cosmetic damage and spent time on track the rest of the day.
Doug’s new front splitter works great as a lawnmower.
By the end of Day 1, the track conditions had worsened with Heavy Fog and Sleet rolling in, and drivers were pulled in early and activity was halted. Many left the paddock with hope that “tomorrow will be better.”
Waking up the next morning to snow fall, WGI made their decision by 8:30am to keep the track closed since temperatures were not forecasted to rise much above freezing, making track conditions perilous. Disappointed, folks began to pack up and head for home. HOD handled the situation masterfully and offered drivers a possible “make up date” or the option to reappropriate their event fees to another weekend later in the season.
You can never predict the weather… and sometimes, we just have to remember what Kenny Rogers told us: “…You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, Know when to fold ’em, Know when to walk away, And know when to run…” — remember to always use your judgement before going on track, don’t be pressured to go out in conditions you’re not comfortable with, know when “enough is enough” and come off track. And above all #safetyfirst.
We’ll continue wait for the weather to change in our favor, and hope to see many of you at a sunnier event very soon!
