TRACKS
01.
Thompson speedway Motorsports Park
The Thompson Motor Speedway road course, located in Thompson, Connecticut, is a historic and versatile racing circuit that integrates a mix of challenging turns and fast straights. Originally constructed in the 1940s, it has undergone various updates to remain competitive and appealing for modern motorsports.
The road course spans approximately 1.7 miles and combines sections of the facility's iconic 5/8-mile oval with a dedicated road racing layout. Drivers encounter a series of technical corners, including tight hairpins and sweeping bends, which demand precision and control. The track also features elevation changes that add complexity to braking zones and corner exits, enhancing the driving challenge.
This circuit is used for a variety of motorsports events, including club racing, professional sports car competitions, and time trials. It is also a popular venue for track days and driving schools. Known for its blend of speed and technicality, the Thompson Motor Speedway road course appeals to both seasoned racers and newcomers looking to test their skills on a classic New England track.
The road course spans approximately 1.7 miles and combines sections of the facility's iconic 5/8-mile oval with a dedicated road racing layout. Drivers encounter a series of technical corners, including tight hairpins and sweeping bends, which demand precision and control. The track also features elevation changes that add complexity to braking zones and corner exits, enhancing the driving challenge.
This circuit is used for a variety of motorsports events, including club racing, professional sports car competitions, and time trials. It is also a popular venue for track days and driving schools. Known for its blend of speed and technicality, the Thompson Motor Speedway road course appeals to both seasoned racers and newcomers looking to test their skills on a classic New England track.
02.
New hampshire motor speedway
The New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) road course, often referred to as the NHMS Road Course, is a multi-use racing layout located in Loudon, New Hampshire. It's part of the larger New Hampshire Motor Speedway complex, which is primarily known for its 1.058-mile oval track used in NASCAR events.
The road course integrates parts of the oval track with additional infield and/or outfield road segments to create a more technical layout suitable for sports cars, motorcycles, and other road racing events. The full road course configuration is approximately 1.6 miles, although variations may be used for different events. The course features a mix of tight, technical corners and sweeping turns, designed to test both driver skill and vehicle handling.
The layout incorporates sections of the NASCAR oval, particularly the straightaways, providing high-speed opportunities. The infield section includes sharp corners and slower-speed transitions, emphasizing precision. Shifting between the oval and road course requires careful handling due to surface and banking changes. While the oval and chicane sections are primarily flat, there are elevation changes as you leave and return to the oval that add complexity to braking zones and cornering. The course's mix of high-speed straights and tight corners demands effective brake management to maintain pace and avoid overheating. Some areas of the course have limited runoff zones, requiring careful attention to line selection. The road course is versatile and hosts a variety of events, including motorcycle racing, club racing, and track days.
The layout incorporates sections of the NASCAR oval, particularly the straightaways, providing high-speed opportunities. The infield section includes sharp corners and slower-speed transitions, emphasizing precision. Shifting between the oval and road course requires careful handling due to surface and banking changes. While the oval and chicane sections are primarily flat, there are elevation changes as you leave and return to the oval that add complexity to braking zones and cornering. The course's mix of high-speed straights and tight corners demands effective brake management to maintain pace and avoid overheating. Some areas of the course have limited runoff zones, requiring careful attention to line selection. The road course is versatile and hosts a variety of events, including motorcycle racing, club racing, and track days.
03.
Palmer Motorsports park
The Palmer Motorsports Park road course, located in Palmer, Massachusetts, is a 2.3-mile track known for its scenic setting and challenging design. Nestled in the rolling hills of central Massachusetts, the course is carved into the natural terrain, offering dramatic elevation changes of up to 190 feet. This provides a thrilling mix of blind crests, technical corners, and sweeping high-speed sections.
The track features 14 turns and was designed to challenge drivers of all skill levels, combining tight hairpins, off-camber corners, and flowing straightaways. The surface is smooth, with excellent grip, making it ideal for high-performance driving and racing. The facility caters to a variety of motorsport activities, including track days, professional racing, and driver training. Palmer Motorsports Park is often praised for its technical demands and the immersive driving experience it offers.
The track features 14 turns and was designed to challenge drivers of all skill levels, combining tight hairpins, off-camber corners, and flowing straightaways. The surface is smooth, with excellent grip, making it ideal for high-performance driving and racing. The facility caters to a variety of motorsport activities, including track days, professional racing, and driver training. Palmer Motorsports Park is often praised for its technical demands and the immersive driving experience it offers.
04.
watkins glenn International speedway
Watkins Glen International, often referred to as "The Glen," is a renowned road course located in Watkins Glen, New York. It is one of the most iconic tracks in North American motorsports, known for its challenging layout and rich history. The circuit features a mix of high-speed straights, sweeping curves, and technical corners, making it a favorite among drivers and fans alike. The full course spans 3.4 miles with 11 turns, including notable sections like the "Bus Stop" chicane, the "Carousel," and the uphill "Esses," which test both skill and precision. Nestled in the scenic Finger Lakes region, the track combines natural elevation changes with sharp and flowing turns, providing a thrilling and picturesque racing experience. Watkins Glen has hosted various prestigious events, including Formula 1, NASCAR, IMSA, and other top-tier racing series, cementing its status as a legendary venue in motorsports history.
05.
Club Motorsports park
Club Motorsports, located in Tamworth, New Hampshire, is a premier road course celebrated for its stunning mountain views and technical driving challenges. The track spans 2.5 miles and features 15 turns, incorporating a mix of sweeping curves, elevation changes, and high-speed straights. Designed to emphasize driver skill and vehicle dynamics, the course follows the natural contours of the surrounding landscape, providing a harmonious blend of performance and aesthetics. The elevation changes, which total over 250 feet, add complexity and excitement, making each lap a unique experience. With its smooth, meticulously maintained surface and a layout catering to both enthusiasts and professional racers, Club Motorsports offers a thrilling and immersive driving environment in a picturesque New England setting.
Testing
Setup for the new modifications will include testing at Virginia International Speedway over the winter.
Virginia International Raceway, commonly known as VIR, is a historic and picturesque road course located on the border of Virginia and North Carolina. The track is 3.27 miles long in its full configuration, featuring 17 turns and a mix of high-speed straights, technical corners, and flowing sections. Known for its challenging elevation changes and natural terrain layout, VIR offers a driving experience that tests precision and skill. Iconic sections of the track, such as the "Climbing Esses," "Oak Tree Turn," and "Roller Coaster," provide unique challenges and memorable thrills. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, VIR combines the beauty of its rural setting with the intensity of world-class motorsports. It hosts a wide range of events, including professional racing series, track days, and club events, making it a favorite among drivers and fans alike. The facility also includes amenities like lodging, dining, and karting, enhancing its appeal as a destination for motorsport enthusiasts.
experiences
In November, I had the opportunity to travel Northhamptonshire, England to test out the GInetta GT4 at the Silverstone Circuit
Silverstone Circuit is one of the most iconic and historic racetracks in the world, often regarded as the home of British motorsport. The 3.66-mile Grand Prix layout features 18 turns and is renowned for its high-speed straights, sweeping corners, and technical sections that challenge even the most skilled drivers. Famous turns such as "Copse," "Maggots and Becketts," and "Stowe" demand precision and bravery, making them some of the most celebrated in racing history. Originally an airfield during World War II, Silverstone was transformed into a racing circuit in 1948 and has since become a staple of Formula 1, hosting the first-ever World Championship Grand Prix in 1950. Its flat, expansive terrain is complemented by modern facilities, including the striking "Wing" pit and paddock complex, blending its rich heritage with contemporary innovation. Silverstone’s atmosphere, amplified by passionate fans, makes it a cornerstone of global motorsport.