Thanks to the awesome management and staff at NHMS, COM is returning to the south oval configuration for this event! We will be running the north chicane / south oval configuration on Saturday and Sunday, in all run groups and for the time trial. Woo-hoo!
It is important to understand that this is a trial-run. Our ability to run this configuration at future events depends heavily on our success at this event. As mandated by NHMS, there will be NO PASSING into, inside of, and out of the oval. We all need to adhere to this rule and give one-another breathing room while we’re out there.
We expect that this is long-awaited and exciting news for drivers that have run the oval in years past, and that the excitement also comes with some questions and concerns. During lunch on day 1 and in the morning of day 2 we will host a ‘chalk talk’ advanced/licensed classroom session to discuss the oval. All members are encouraged to attend. Driving the oval will also be discussed in some of the normal student classroom sessions. Licensed members are also welcome to take a seat during those classroom sessions too.
The following narrative was written by Bruce Allen several years ago, but it holds true today. Despite some new pavement on the oval, neither the driving line nor the groove has changed. Please note that all students will be taught the single, late-apex line, as described in the 2nd paragraph of the narrative below. The double-apex line, a.k.a. NASCAR” line, would likely be beneficial for a very small percentage of cars/drivers attending this event. As such, that line is best left to advanced drivers with high-horsepower yet limited-handling cars.
Thank you for the excellent write-up, Bruce!Turn 1 (South Oval configuration) by Bruce Allen
Approach Turn 1 by running close to the right side wall. Start turn-in at the “1” marker on the fence. The track banking begins at this point and turning here gives good grip. Turning earlier feels bad as the track is flat before this point. All high powered cars should follow the NASCAR example and treat this and most other Ovals as double apex turns—a Type 2 turn followed by a Type 1 turn. The cup cars are doing 150 mph at “1” marker and full throttle. They hold onto the straight speed as long as possible into the corner. They turn-in, aiming for the first apex 1/3 of the way around while trail-braking. They hit the apex (Turn 1) and perhaps slide up the track a little ways until the car is doing 100 mph. When they see they have control of the car and the car is not going to slide too far up the track they go back on the throttle pulling the car down to the second apex (Turn 2) and then they track-out to the wall. Note that to perform this high speed trail braking the car must be set up with some understeer to provide stability and avoid a spin. Skill is also required. (Will’s comment: The NASCAR example line will not be taught at this event)
Lower powered cars should start the turn-in at the same place but the goal will be to retain as much speed from the straight all the way through the corner. Lower powered cars with decent tires including most Miatas can maintain full throttle from the straight right through the oval. (Will’s comment: Start the day with a big lift to learn the line. Add speed later by delaying the lift more and more until you are confident you can take the oval flat-out. The majority of cars & drivers will have to scrub speed into the oval.) Medium and some higher powered cars (way less than the 750 hp of a Cup car) can merely lift after the “1” marker through the first half of the turn using the side scrub of the tires to lose some speed. For lower powered cars it is not important to hit the first apex. What is important is a smooth curve all the way through the corner to minimize tire scrub and associated loss of speed.
Drivers should keep in mind that their entry speeds into the braking zone of T3 will be significantly faster than when running the south chicane. Drivers will need to brake much earlier and for a longer period. Please approach this with caution, braking plenty early and giving yourself plenty of room to start, and compressing the braking zone as you gain comfort and confidence here. Keep in mind that you are likely to maintain more speed around the oval, and exit faster and faster as the days progress. Accordingly, you will need to adjust your braking points at T3 to compensate for the additional speed.
Be sure that your brakes are at 100% before arriving to this event!
Here’s looking forward to a terrific event. Please let us know if you have any questions!
Regards,
Will Martins
Chief Instructor
COM Sports Car Club
http://www.comscc.org
!!!!
- and no faster, for sure.
