Configurationfof Thompson Speedway track for COM

[breakaway500]

I see there seems to be some options as far as the tracks layout and direction; they can eliminate one deep 180 turn with an "S" bypass, and can run it clockwise or anticlockwise. Does anyone know what configuration COM will be running? I was going to preview some in-car Thompson videos and it would be helpful to know the layout/direction that will be used. ( I have been known to take shortcuts first time out.. )

[StephanAlfa]

I don't think they are looking to get the CLUBHOUSE turn (4) into a option of configurations.
There are two configurations for Thompson: 1.7 mile and 1.5 mile. The difference is in turn 4. Turn 4 (aka "Clubhouse) is the 1,7 mile whereas turn 4a is the shorter 1.,5 mile configuration.

Several items being addressed with Thompson as pointed by some clubs:
* pavement degradation in some turns (6 and 9 I think where is meets with the current oval track
* options for turns 7-8 (Oval) using high bank. Currently they have it sectioned off with cones forcing you do run the flat portion.
* turn 9 pavement leveling: apparently if you go in at the edge of the turn-in point it has some pavement transitions that are concerning
* narrow pit entrance

I am thinking COM event this coming July 27-28 with be using the 1.7 mile course.

[jeffw]

I was just there for 3 days with SCCA. The pavement was repaired before the vintage races, and it's in great shape. The patches give some good visual references to what was a very bland track.

they added some track-out curbing at the exit of 10, which is really helpful.

[breakaway500]

So,clockwise and full course? Jeff,any in-car vids you wish to share?

[jeffw]

Not sure if I'll have time to share any video from this weekend, but i have some video from the soft open about a month ago:

phpBB [video]

[breakaway500]

Thanks Jeff. That hairpin clubhouse turn reminds me of the 180 turn at Sonoma.(except no pit in) The transitions do look rough in the video,but we shall see..

[McMahonRacing]

Try NASA forums in the Northeast section for video ... we ran there a couple weeks back, we tore up plenty of payment esp. club house turn ... if I remember correctly w/ a 3 day event, extra "racer" test time on day # 1 and a full compliment of HPDE I think we only tore up one car and that was in a race, in Turn # 1 ....

[breakaway500]

I think Thompson will end up paving more runoff at turn one ( like Watkins Glen turn one) It does seem to sneak up on drivers,at least from the videos I have been watching. It looks to be an interesting track,surely not a Glen,but it is better than a cow pasture...

[brucesallen]

So Jeff,
Is the grass at Turn 1 the recommended line?

[jeffw]

Not at all, Bruce.

But you've gotta figure out how to make a pass stick

[SEISAN]

Jeff,

Did you really mean " A Sticky Pass".

The video helps to get a feel of what to expect.

Thanks,

BB

[CP]

Thompson is a tight course with no time to relax; you're always turning. The patches have lots more grip than the original pavement so hunt for them. My SM was experiencing major understeer issues all weekend. I found that 15-cycle tires from last season worked much better than new ones. I also went full stiff on my rear bar and ran the rear tire pressures 6 pounds higher than the fronts. That got me close to a neutral car by Sunday's races. The pavement is slick and still leeching oil.

Amenities are few and your best bet for gas is just into MA for cost. They've got 93 at the track for somewhere close to $5/GAL. Ice can be purchased at the food stand for $3/bag though I don't know if they'll have that open for your event so don't count on it. Wifey ate at the golf clubhouse for lunch and said the food is good. I got a cone from the ice cream stand in the parking lot and it's good too.

[breakaway500]

Cy,thanks for that update.I was concerned about using old heat cycled "blue" tires,but it sounds like they will be just fine.

[StephanAlfa]

Thompson is a tight course with no time to relax; you're always turning. The patches have lots more grip than the original pavement so hunt for them. My SM was experiencing major understeer issues all weekend. I found that 15-cycle tires from last season worked much better than new ones. I also went full stiff on my rear bar and ran the rear tire pressures 6 pounds higher than the fronts. That got me close to a neutral car by Sunday's races. The pavement is slick and still leeching oil.

Amenities are few and your best bet for gas is just into MA for cost. They've got 93 at the track for somewhere close to $5/GAL. Ice can be purchased at the food stand for $3/bag though I don't know if they'll have that open for your event so don't count on it. Wifey ate at the golf clubhouse for lunch and said the food is good. I got a cone from the ice cream stand in the parking lot and it's good too.

I was there this week. A few "edits" if I may:
* Most turns at TMS are off camber at track out. This may have been one of the reasons for understeer as you apply throttle at the apex to track out.
* Jeff W previously explained tire "graining" (sp?) issue and you have confirmed it as well with the use of "older" tires. Surface is new and in some areas even recently repaved.
* Gas is available at the track, credit card only. 93 was $4.79/gal at the track this past Tuesday
* I agree with your WIfey: Resto food is very good and access is via the clubhouse "tent" (off turn 4) from the track. Need to go over the bridge to get there.

[CP]

We walked the track and there's actually (very little) good camber in every corner, despite what it feels like in the car. The T3 apex cone/curbing is way off...too late. The apex is the dirt patch before the curbing begins.