Ferrari Club Track Days at Watkins Glen NY
Twice per year the Ferrari Club hosts Ferrari Club Track (DE) Days at Watkins Glen International (WGI) in scenic Watkins Glen, NY. The first event is two days, and always in late April. It’s usually cold, and we are lucky if it doesn’t rain. This year it didn’t rain, but gosh it was cold. At a high of 40’s each day it wasn’t enough to heat up the slicks.
WGI re-paved the entire track after last August’s NASCAR race. It is smooth and fast. This was the first time most of us regulars had been back to give it a go. Gone were the cement patches, potholes, and longtime marks that we’ve used for years as markers. New rumble strips or kerbs were installed, which are raised (and painted McDonald’s orange and yellow in this case) kerbstones lining corners or chicanes on race tracks. The kerbs provide additional safety as drivers reduce their speed ( a bit anyway) when driving over them.
Although Ferraris are the dominant brand in attendance, other marques are always welcome.
Unfortunately I did not take on-track video. Next time. Indy Cars will be with us over Labor Day 2016 which is sure to be a hoot.
Here’s a few pics from the garage and paddock.
Ferraris lined up in the Watkins Glen garage
Ferrari 458 GT3; close to 550hp, is involved in numerous series including the European LeMans and Pirelli World Challenge Series
Ferrari 458 GT3. This rare bit of of Italian insanity is being aligned here. Note the many possible adjustments on the wing. The car weighs 1250 kg (2755 lbs)
Ferrari 458 street and Challenge cars
Radical
A Corvette and Ferrari 430 Challenge car
Pantera
Ferrari 458 and 430 Challenge Cars
Race Fiat
1974 365 BB/LM trying out the ramps on my trailer
Kerbs
Ferrari 360 Challenge on track
