Re: WHAT?? It can\'t be!?!?!?!?!
Hi Andrew,
You did run very well at the Glen last year. I am assuming that you were running Hoosiers and that was why you ended up in the Unlimited class. Many of the cars in that class have extensive engine and suspension modifications along with the respective drivers posessing some serious seat-time. If you had used the Michelins and ran a 2:28.248, you would have been Third in Super Modified, First in Modified, Third in Prepared, Fourth in Super Stock, or Third in Stock II. Not bad for you first time out!
Most of the drivers in the Unlimited class would be typically found in the White group. If you were running in the Green or even Blue group, your time would have appeared much higher in either of those groups because you would have been mixed in with more cars in lower classes. Whenever you check your progress, you need to consult all the run groups while looking for anyone who happens to be in your class.
The object in the Michelin Challenge is not to pass other cars, but to run fast laps, When you have to make a pass you almost always have to slow down. If I find myself coming up on a car and nobody is behind me, I'll give up one lap and hang back to let the other car get a real good lead and just make sure I'm up to speed at the Start/Finish line. Then I go as fast as I can and try to catch up in the next few laps. It gives me someone to chase a helps me focus on being smooth and fast. Otherwise, I have passed someone only to be held up again by someone else before the next lap is through and I never seem to get a "clean" lap. If you don't it's really your own fault because you can always come in to the pit lane and ask Bruce or Barry to give you some space on the track.
Another thought is to ask one of the quicker drivers for a ride. Most people are flattered and would be happy to take you out and you would be surprised how much you can learn by watching someone else's approach. Or have your instructor drive your car. They won't really go more than 80% in someone else's car but it will probably seem like 150% to you because they have so much more experience.
One note about Hoosiers. They are a great tire. However, you can learn a great deal in the beginning using the Michelins because even though they have less traction, it forces you to become more smooth and helps you to learn to keep up your momentum throughout the course. The Hoosiers make it very easy to develop bad habits because you can "horse" the car around quite a bit more. It's actually a lot of fun but trust me it doesn't make you fast.
Watkins Glen is a great track and I'm sorry it's not on the schedule this season. It was my first time there too and I can't wait to go back.
Good luck this season!
