Rate this article:
Mickey Thompson: The Fast Life and Tragic Death of a Racing Legend
The complete story of this true American legend is one worth slowing down for.
Our Price: $25.00
Victory By Design: Ferrari DVD
Alain de Cadenet, a long-time Ferrari enthusiast and aficionado, drives some of the great sports racers and sports cars.
Our Price: $24.95
Red Hot Ringtone: Air Rachet Single Burst
Sound off with SPEED Ringtones!
Our Price: Only $1.99
Written by:
James Hunt
07/15/2008 - 03:13 PM
Charlotte, North Carolina
Hunt searches unsuccessfully for Lady Luck at Watkins Glen International. (Photo: James Hunt) ยป More Photos
Let’s have some fun. I’m going to put you in the driver’s seat to experience the WAAAHHHHOOOO I got in the first 5 turns of lap one at Watkins Glen this past weekend. It’s worth noting that my entire stint was one big WAAAHOOOO, but the start set the tone nicely. Put yourself in your best driving position; you know what I’m talking about with the pretend steering wheel and shifter. I also want to hear those race car noises we all make when pretending to drive. Now that we’re locked and loaded, let’s dance.
You’re climbing “The Essess” around 100 mph (this is a 3 sweeping turn section that is climbing and very high speed) while trying to catch a draft off the BMW Z4 in front of you to pass on the short straight leading up to the “Bus Stop”, while avoiding an Acura TSX tank slapping from side to side across the entire track; oh yeah, we’re also surrounded by 43 other cars. Your brain says, “Don’t lift or you’ll end up inviting someone to T-Bone you like the TSX is”. Your foot says, “If you don’t lift, you’re going to plow into the back of the guy you’re drafting.” Ah, the timeless dilemma of what to do with no time to think about it. I love instincts. KEEP IT NAILED and split the two cars in front you. Assuming you made the race car noises I always do when I pretend to drive, anyone within ear shot has run over to ask if you are ok and why you were cursing and laughing at the same time. Now multiply that by a little over an hour and you have my stint during
Now that we are all on the same page, hopefully your adrenaline is pumping as much as mine. Let’s discuss the rest of the emotional roller coaster that comprised the race weekend. Going into the weekend I was on an all time high of excitement as I celebrated my 25th birthday on Saturday, which just so happened to be race day. Lady Luck had to be on the side of APR Motorsport and especially the #191 car. Not so much. When you have a team that works as hard as APR Motorsport to provide you with competitive, safe and downright fun to drive race cars, you not only want to win for yourself, but also for all the blood sweat and tears of the team that went into getting the cars out on track.
The weekend started on Thursday with a rain soaked 2 hour practice session. Despite inclement weather conditions it was very helpful for me to get out on track and do some reconnaissance as I have never raced at Watkins Glen before. The track is extremely high speed with banking galore. Practice all three days went well and I was able to incrementally build speed and comfort with the track. Our other two team cars were extremely fast as my teammates have all raced at the Glen before. In fact, Randy Pobst is commonly referred to as “The Mayor” of Watkins Glen due to the many laps he has turned there and his past successes. I made sure to become a human sponge and absorb any and all information I could from Randy about his preferred line, which was very helpful in getting me up to speed. Thanks Randy!
Page 1 of 2
View All Comments
