NHMS South Chicane bird's eye view

[WillM]

Here is data from 3 different laps overlaid over a satellite shot of the old configuration (thank you Google Maps).

"high line" in orange
"mid line" in red
"low line" in black

"former configuration, low line" in blue

You can see the old chicane configuration in light gray. Notice that the T1 apex of the new configuration has moved significantly. Also notice 2a now runs over what used to be grass. The distance between 1 and 2a is shorter but the radius is significantly greater.

NHMS2.jpg (102.3 KiB) Viewed 1293 times

[breakaway500]

Wow.Very graphic comparison on the old vs. new line. I did not think there was that much difference on the line till I spun once in practice and almost during the time trials using a combo of old line and new. More seat tme needed! Thanks for the view,Will!

[offcamber09]

That's just awesome- Will. Thank you. It really puts the 2a "pinch" into perspective. Now if we could combine the old low line with the new 2a- we might have something.

[brucesallen]

Nice work.
Note the decreasing radius through turn 1. Spells "Trail Braking" more than ever.
Just remember that when you spin because you are braking while turning to put "two feet in" or suffer a spin to the inside--- and there is no tires or Armco any more on the inside of turn 1. This is the main reason that SCCA racing is no longer using the South Chicane.

BTW: The new severe bump in the North chicane just before entering the straight caused airborne launches and damage to formula cars at the last SCCA race at NHMS July 11. Rob Laverty, who is not coming back with his FB until it is fixed, was told by the track it will be fixed. He designed and built his own FB chassis and is finally getting it tuned as he turned a 50 second lap at Lime Rock National last weekend. Fastest was a Formula Atlantic with a 47 second race lap.