New Pocono PA Track

[stroutmail]

Looks like Tri-Region has done a great job addressing all of the "problems" associated with the rediculously big bumps in the transition from the oval to the road course.

Also, Pocono was always a "long box" for FV, but my guess is the new course with shorter main straight that does not use turn one of the oval is now a "short box" track like most of the NE tracks (xcept Lime Rock--and I'm told even Lime Rock can be run with a short box for all but those running very near the track record times.)

Here is a pdf file with the map of new configiration. I'm told that Hugh Maloney has some inside knowledge. I called him but he was not at home today.

[problemchild]

This is absolutely the best Pocono configuration (CW). The two corners from the oval to infield are fast and very challenging.

Anytime they ran it previously, the barrier locations and runoff areas were so scarey, people refused to run there. It was shortbox in a FV.

[Bud Pug]

The track map shows that you are going in the Clockwise direction. The FRCCA used that layout years ago and we found going Counterclockwise was much safer; CW when you exit the infield on to the S/F straight you are pointed directly at the Wall and the turn-in off the S/F straight you are headed for the Armco barrier. Going CCW has proven to be safer.

[FVEE56]

After last year with the "Jumps" from the oval to the road course most of the other clubs and SCCA told Pocono they would not be returning to Pocono without big changes. Since that time Pocono is under new management. They want SCCA and the other clubs to return. The track came to Tri-Region asking what they could do to improve the track. George Bloser and the SCCA Safety inspectors looked at the track and gave them a two page list of improvements we needed to race there. They are making improvements to the track. The "Jumps" were removed, runoff areas are being worked on. I have not seen the track yet. I hope to get there in the next few weeks. Seeing is believing. I know some of the other clubs said if the SCCA National went over good they would consider coming back to Pocono. The track has a lot riding on our event. I hope it is a great event. I like this layout. I ran it a few times. My biggent problem was the tires at turn 1 and the runoff areas.

[stroutmail]

I'm told there is a very long list of improvements that have been made, including filling in culverts/low spots in runnoff areas and placing "cushioned" safety barriers in the right places according to modern technology. Concrete and steel can be intimidating, even when padded, but off track excursions are never a good thing wherever you race.