Track day at Watkins Glen raceway! I am just bragging that I had 1.5hrs of track time Friday with an instructor and then 30mins on my own. Best time in the world!
There was about 10 beginners that wanted an instructor, including me. We each had to tell the instructor team the cars we are driving, then the instructors paired up with the car they were best familiar. I was the LAST picked by the instructors in the Crossfire SRT6. In fact, they had to get a guy from Canada to help (seems like there are lots of Crossfire folks in Canada).

So, how did the car do? The car did great! But I have a lot to learn. Approaching corners and such. In my defense, Watkins Glen is very technical with elevation changes and downhill braking. My SRT6 is stock. Stock brakes, All season tires, no mods except for supercharger coolant pump always on. I am so impressed with the car's performance with no mods at all! Brakes did great slowing down into tight corners. That being said, you know what I am thinking... new tires and better brakes are in my future.

Just a quick excerpt from my log for my last lap on my own:
"I staged early so I was out 4th or 5th with the first group of about 8. That Cadillac CTS-V was behind me again and STAYED behind me and fell back on the first lap. I did let one or two other cars pass, then on the third lap there was a yellow flag at the bus stop with a Miata sitting off to the side. The next flag station was clear so I went on. By the time I hit turn 9 there was a black flag so I pitted. I was FIRST in line to go back out. After a few minutes we went back out. I was doing well for the first lap and put good distance between me and the guy behind me. Eventually I had to let a BMW go by the straight after the boot and a Camaro pass on the front straight. I tried my best to keep up with the Camaro. It was a great time at this point, keeping on the tail of the Camaro on the straights but I kept on making mistakes entries into several turns. He eventually gained distance then the session was over. A great experience! "

By the way, I went through a whole tank of gas in the 2hrs of track time.

There is another track day today and tomorrow, Sunday, link below if you want to sign up:
MassTuning TrackFest (Oct 23, 2022) (motorsportreg.com)

 

sounds like fun, and i know by your write up YOU HAD FUN . do it again and you and the unknown crossfire srt6 will be #1

 

So nice to hear about your track day. Watikns Glenn always appears to be a blast on TV. All you really need is high temp brake pads and fluid while learning. All the rest can come later, if at all.
When is your next track day?

Les

 

Les, being located in central New York, events are hard to find in the Fall. I am probably forced to look for my next event in 2023, unless I travel a bit farther south. Schedules for 2023 don't all appear to be published yet for all organizations.
Good to hear that an easy first step is High temp brake pads and Brake fluid exchange. I might also look into stickier tires. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rears felt like the stuck fine, but I have cheaper all season Riken tire in the front. I garage my car in the winter so I don't need the all season tires that are on there now.