favorite turns [Archive] - Northern Virginia Corvette Club

C5inWV

09-12-2004, 10:45 PM

I was talking to RW the other day about an article I thought I saw in GRM, concerning the top turns in roadracing. I now know that the article was in Septembers issue of Automobile. It was entitled Playgrounds of the Gods and featured drivers choices of tough turns. Mario Andretti called them pucker factor corners.

Here is the list of the turn, track, and driver:
1. Porsche Curves, Le Mans. John Morton
2. Puke Hollow, Langhorne, PA. Parnelli Jones
3. Eau Rouge, Spa, Belgium. Derek Bell
4. Flugplatz, Nurbring, Germany. Boris Said
5. Tunnel Turn, Pocono, PA. Mario Andretti
6. 130R, Suzuka, Japan, Pedro de la Rosa
7. Woodcote, Silverstone, Great Britain, Emerson Fittipaldi
8. The Kink, Road America, Wisconsin. Scott Pruett
9. Turn 1, Winchester, Indiana. JJ Yeley
10. Signes, Paul Ricard, France. Gerhard Berger
11. Turn 2, Laguna Seca, California, Bobby Rahal
12. Esses, Rouen, Normandy. Dan Gurney
13. Turn 1, Indianapolis, IN. Kenny Bruck

We probably wont get the opportunity to see for ourselves how most of these are, but we may be able to get to a few of them. Road America is a classic that I would like to visit. We get a couple of chances to go to Pocono every year. Laguna Seca may be a reach, but the track has been reconfigured anyways so we wont experience what Rahal did.

urtoslo

09-13-2004, 01:46 PM

I picked up a goal from a former member (George Skalkeas) to run as many world famous tracks as I can before I croak. Sebring, Watkins Glen, Nelson Ledges, VIR are on my done list, as are Summit Point, Pocono North, Gingerman and ODS. Road America, Road Altlanta, Lime Rock and Mid Ohio are definitely on my take-my-car list.

Heck, the Giant's Despair hill climb I did in July was the oldest continuous automotive event in history. It has been ongoing since 1906, and while it doesn't compare to some of the tracks on your list, it makes my list. Next year I'm taking the Vette to try to capture the BSP record for it. I currently hold the Spec Miata record!

In my opinion, all the tracks on your list are doable. I went to Sebring this past January. I may go there again this coming January, or I may fly out and do something at Sears Point or Laguna Seca. Winter sucks around here and you have to give yourself a winter treat. Temps were 10 degrees Farenhiet when Stewart and I left for Sebring, it was in the 70's when we hit Florida and we were in our shorts the whole time.

I also want to go and do Nurburgring in a rented AMG Mercedes (or a C6).

Does any of this interest you (or anyone else)? All you have to do is plan for it, then DO IT! [:D] [B-)] Come on, winter is coming fast! Let's talk!

Woods977

09-13-2004, 11:51 PM

Dre, I going to take a driving course this winter. I thinking Bondurant, or something. I'm up for any new track

C5inWV

09-14-2004, 02:20 AM

AB
I think I could swing a flight to the west coast and rent a car for some training. That would break up the winter.
Mike's idea of a school may be the way to do it.
We have a little time to research, petition for a group rate.
[B-)]

Black396

09-14-2004, 05:29 AM

If we don't go absolutely balistic, I would be interested.

wazzzup

09-14-2004, 12:41 PM

I would be interested in that also! I think even VIR has one of those schools, or Lime Rock. I looked into them before, but they were pretty pricy for single patrons. Did the RP racing school at Charlotte a couple of times. That was a blast, but needed some right hand turns. My fastest lap was an average of 158 mph.

jbeaupre

09-14-2004, 07:19 PM

Just in time for Spook, one of my clients who I did a big favor for bought me a gift of a half day Jim Russell/ESPN school at Sears Point (Infineon Raceway) for next Tuesday. I will let you all know how it goes.
Wondering how I am going to fit in one of them open wheel cars? But really looking forward to it. Multiple grins! [:D]

Black396

09-14-2004, 07:31 PM