A) This is the track-out point of turn 5. Continue accelerating down the hill and cross smoothly to the right. If you're really cooking, don't let the 4-high Armco's disrupt your concentration!
B) The approach is from the right. During the approach, brake hard and follow the outside edge of the pavement.
C) STAY OUT TO THE RIGHT! This is a very late, blind apex corner! This section has been paved and no reference points are visible yet. Listen to your instructor. The turn-in is later than you think. Do so smoothly but firmly.
D) As soon as you can see the apex, get on the gas and you will rocket down and out of the turn.
MAKE SURE TO CLIP A TIGHT APEX!
E) Track-out point for turn 6. The track gets somewhat narrow here... This may be a passing zone in your group.
CHECK YOUR MIRRORS GOING IN!
F) Gradually cross to the left side and prepare for "The Toe of the Boot."
NOTE: This area has changed quite a bit visually, but don’t be put off. Scan the changes on your warm-up lap, and thereafter concentrate on where you want to be going. These off-track changes will be of little consequence.
Objective: This is the trickiest turn on the track, and it looks nasty, but if you use this late apex method you will be safe and really blast down the short straight ahead! Remember,
DON'T TURN IN TOO SOON OR YOU WILL RUN OUT OF ROOM REAL QUICK !
Turn 1 "The Ninety"
Watkins Glen International Raceway
Turn Diagrams 1-6
Procedure: Turns 2, 3, & 4. The "Esses"
Be aware! Check your mirrors before entering turn 2. Is anyone gaining on you?
Don't worry about them yet, but be prepared to let them by when you enter the back straight.
A) Turn 2 is quite fast and usually entered without braking. A slight feathering of the throttle may calm the car or your nerves, but the final goal is to go through flat out.
B) The apex for turn 2 is late, up and around the corner. Hold the curb closely (with safety margin).
DO NOT DRIFT LEFT !
C) At the end of the curbing/guardrail on your right, begin your transition smoothly across the track - again holding the curb closely (this time to the left) - and toward the apex of turn 3.
D) After "clipping" the turn 3 apex, give another look in the mirrors as you begin your transition back to the right. If no one is behind you, continue smoothly toward the turn 4 apex. If you have faster company, stay SLIGHTLY to the left, allowing them room for the impending pass on the inside. Do this only if you are comfortable. Remember, the slower car has control of the pass.
Notes: You should hold the curbs closely through the Esses, but even though the curbs at the apexes have been milled flat, YOU SHOULD NEVER HIT THEM. Also, the left guardrail "jumps out" about 10' as you drift left into the straight. Don't go too far off line left to allow a pass - 2 car widths will suffice. Anticipate passes by checking your mirrors often. Aid the pass by lifting slightly if necessary.
Remember, this person caught you, they are obviously faster. Be courteous... let them go!
Objective: Smoothness and conservation of momentum!! Never jerk the wheel. If your line is correct you can really fly and maximum momentum will be preserved!
The "Inner Loop" & Turn 5
Procedures: The "Inner Loop" & Turn 5 (The Inner Loop turns are not numbered)
A) The approach is from the left (with safety margin). Approach speeds are high, so firm to heavy braking is necessary. If you downshift, do so after braking to avoid an over-rev. Use the red and white paint markings on the left edge of the track as a basic turn-in point. They work well.
B) DO NOT HIT THE CURB HERE! It has been shortened, but it will still throw you off line, or worse!
C) After completing your entry, try for a smooth transition to the left. Don't clip the apex at C too closely. A little wider line here (2'-3') will allow a shallower and smoother exit arc, i.e. a straighter departure. Create a smooth arc connecting points C, D, and E.
F) Track out leaving about a car's width on the left at first. VERY GRADUALLY begin turning right as you look far ahead toward the apex. This is a very late, blind apex - DON'T TURN TOO SOON!
G) BE PATIENT and DON'T TURN IN TOO MUCH... YOU'RE NOT NEARLY TO THE APEX YET!
H) Once you've spotted the apex, accelerate smoothly, then at the apex, unwind the wheel, letting the car run to the track-out point (I). You will feel "big G's" here... be smooth and hold your line!
J) Gradually drift back to the right in preparation for turn 6
NOTE: The apex curbs have changed. They are wavy cement, and will shake the car noticeably more than before. Use your best judgment as to whether you want to cheat and run over them or not. Unless you are really motoring, you’d probably best not!
Objective: When you've become proficient, the proper arc will bring the Loop and turn 5 together, and allow you to gradually accelerate all the way from the entrance of the Loop through turn 5 and into "the Boot."
WORK UP TO THIS SLOWLY!
Turn 6 "The Chute"
Procedure: Turn 1 - "The Ninety"
A) The approach to turn 1 is from the left side of the track. During the approach to this - AND ALL CORNERS - stay 12 to 18 inches from the edge of the pavement. This gives a margin for error in case of brake lock/pull or possible slippery conditions.
B) The approach speed is much higher than the cornering speed. Firm, hard and smooth braking is required and a downshift to third is often necessary. Shift after/late in braking to avoid over-revving the engine.
C) This is a LATE APEX CORNER, with a late and very decisive turn in. You may hear your tires "screaming" in the early portions of this turn; be patient - the track will "come back to you" after the apex and help you balance the tire grip again.
D) Begin light but progressive acceleration to balance the car when you're properly set for the apex.
E) Increase smoothly to full acceleration as you pass the apex. The apex area was widened slightly in 2002, making the turn even faster!
F) Momentum and cornering force should carry you to the track-out point. Track out fully and don't be afraid of running gently on the nice smooth curb. Accelerate and shift to 4th gear before turn 2.
Notes: The most common problems here are braking too late, carrying too much speed, and turning too early or
drifting from the turn-in point. DO NOT EARLY APEX... it can be DISASTROUS !
Objective: Fast exit. This is probably the most important corner on the track for a "fast lap", as it takes you onto the long back straight. If you lose speed here, IT'S GONE FOR NEARLY A MILE!
