posted 06-23-2018 05:00 PM                  

Pocono Stock Car Experience…… part 1

This passed week headed to Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania to do a 20 mile NASCAR type car drive.

Pocono is called the “Tricky Triangle” with three different length straightaway’s and three different corners. Track is 2.5 miles long.

Started day with a 45 minute classroom instruction with driving and safety features of cars.

All their cars run 350 small block Chevy engines, regardless of body style, putting out 600 plus horses and have 4 speed manual tranny.

After instruction and orientation, it was out to the track in their van for two laps to explain marking of cones used for slowing points, turning points and acceleration points.

You actually never have to brake, as high engine compression slows car down for turns.

Next you suit up in Nomex gear, grab a helmet and head to pit row. Each cars seat is slightly tailored for height and weight of driver. So they size you up and select an appropriate car for you.

Time to snap a few pictures as you climb in though widow. Buckle into a 5 point harness and they attach HANS neck helmet device to prevent neck injuries, like the one that killed Dale Earnhardt.

Next comes steering wheel that snaps into column. Funny tidbit, they have different size wheels to clear various size beer bellies.

Check steering wheel is locked, check pin in Fire Suppression System, toggle power switch to on and hit start switch.

600 plus ponies come roaring to life. Final tightening pulls on harness.

Pace car comes out……

First gear, slip the clutch and you’re rolling behind pace car. There are two of you behind pace car, one behind the other.

Fourth gear by end of pit row and into turn 1

Power up and out to high bank onto straightaway. Turn 2 coming up fast now, back off throttle. Take a deep breath, swallow and turn down into your first high speed corner. Bottom of corner, power back up into bank and down straightaway, as you look at a very intimidating wall.

Same at turn 3.

continued....

posted 06-23-2018 05:03 PM                  

But, all three turns are different radiuses, so you need to concentrate on each one. Turn three is also very wide which makes sighting turn more challenging.

Pace car now increases speed and you work to keep up, trying to keep four car lengths distance from pace car.

Next lap faster, lap after, even faster. Adrenalin is pumping, Tach reads 7800 RPM. You’re doing 155 MPH

This ain’t your Fathers Buick…..

You’re now comfortable with car and track. Your grip on wheel eases. Throttle and steering smooth out. Each turn is fluid.

You’re having fun. Lots of it.

8 laps later, you lift the throttle and into pits. A big smile on your face as you kill engine.

Now comes hard part, getting out of the car!!!

Couple of interesting comments during Q&A in classroom.

Driver: What if I start to spin-out?

Instructor: Well… you guys are from Northeast, know how to deal with snow and ice. Turn the wheel to the right and straighten out. Congratulate yourself for good job, right?

WRONG, if you start to spin, let it spin. Slow, look for green infield and head for it.

“These cars don’t turn right very well, there only designed to turn LEFT.”

What if I can’t keep up with pace car?

Pace car will only go as fast as he thinks you can handle. If you’re very slow, a flag will come out telling pace car and you to go low on track. A second pace car will come out to pace other car that can go faster.

What if there is a fire in car?

Very, very rare. If you see flames, not smoke (tires or brakes), pull safety pin on Fire Suppression System and activate system. Get out of car only after it has stopped fully.

As anyone ever hit the wall?

Yes, but again very, very rare. Cars are built strong and you’re well belted in. No one has ever been seriously injured.

Do I have to pay for any damages to car?

No, unless you’re a real jerk and deliberately failed to follow instructions.

What kind of fuel do cars use?

We use Sunoco 260, 98 octane, no ethanol (off road use only). We also have 101 octane with 10% ethanol (road use). You can buy some for you own car here at $11.11 per gallon. Same price for both.

Ahhh , good old Sunoco 260. Same stuff I used as a kid, but a hell of a lot cheaper then.

If you ever get the change..... do it.

Scratch one off the bucket list.

posted 06-25-2018 02:57 PM                  

I would do it again in less than a NY Minute. Would definitely be more relaxed and comfortable behind wheel.

The first time it's all unknowns. It's like everything else, the more you practice the better you get.

Sitting in car with engine running as you wait for track to clear and pace car to pull up is really the hardest part. Does things to your mind.

Am I going to embarrass myself stalling the car as I pull out. Can I remember everything from classroom instructions. What if I spin, what if, what if, what if....

Front of your brain tries to rationalize this has to be safe as company wouldn't stay in business for long if people racked up their cars or got hurt. Nor would their insurance company allow it.

But, back of your brain says "Danger Will Robinson"

Once you get the go signal, it all disappears and your 100% focused on driving as fast as you can.

Also, staying four car length from pace car is harder than you think. It's not your ability, it's your brain saying "Danger" stay back. You have to fight it. Half way though laps I was able to stay 4 lengths behind in straightaways, but in corners, maybe 5.

BTW... they give you a nice discount coupon to come back for more!!!
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