lfish

I have a milestone birthday this summer and am planning a road trip/track trip. Most of my HPDE experience is at MidOhio and I would like to broaden my exposure to include other venues. I am equidistant from the tracks mentioned in the title and would like some experienced drivers' opinions on the fun/excitement/technical challenges in deciding which track(s) to check off my bucket list. I run in the advanced group with my local PCA (MidOhio region) but am by no means the fastest driver. The car is an unmodified 2023 Carrera T which has proven itself a capable performer . Any and all opinions are requested. Thanks!

ProCoach

Why choose?

Probably The Glen, if only one.

Ksdaoski

Great thread and question! I'll be looking forward to the feedback.

Of the three I'm only familiar with Road America. My quick take, Road America has three high speed straights. I'm guessing your car would be seeing 140 to 145 mph. Each straight is followed by a pretty significant decrease in speed for the upcoming corner/turn, ~70mph, ~47mph, ~65mph. The two other highlights are a carousel style turn and a high speed turn called the Kink. The track was just repaved a year ago. The setting is park like. There are a couple small towns nearby, about 10mins away. And usually pretty easy to find a hotel if traveling. Also have on site camping if towing with a motorhome. Nothing but great things to say about RA.

pewpewpew3000

Watkins Glen - If you want a challenge. All the corners are fast with minimal runoff. Seeing how flat you can be through the esses is fun. Also undeniably the prettiest surroundings - the village nearby is on a lake and there's a national park.
Road America - Fast, flowing, lots of runoff. You'll hit the highest speed here. Less pucker than Watkins Glen.
Road Atlanta - Fun, some tricky parts but the closest to Mid Ohio in feel of the three.

Of the three I'd do WGI, then RA then Road Atlanta.

Lemming

1. WG
2. Road America
3. Road Atlanta

Opinion is based on both the track and the area/things to do outside of the track.

GT3_Driver

If VIR were added to the list, where would it land?

ProCoach

Right up there…

VIR is more difficult to master, let alone get to know really well.

I’ll look where they all stack up, but of the fifteen tracks offered and 6200+ Speed Secrets Virtual Track Walks we’ve sold, WGI is at the top of that list.

Matt Romanowski

I'd agree Watkin Glens, Road America, Road Atlanta. That goes for the track and area around the track. The Glen is special for so many reasons. And if you bring a significant other or friends, there are things to do around the track.

Frank 993 C4S

^^^ This

tonythetarga

With Watkins Glen my home track, I'm a little biased. Having said that, the fact that it hosted Formula 1 races for many years makes it THE most historic track of the 3 you mentioned. The Seneca Lodge bar is filled with racing memorabilia from the early days of F1 and certainly IMSA and NASCAR. Stories abound if you find Jack in his corner stool at the bar.

Lemming

If just thinking about driving experience, then second to WG. If driving and entertainment, 3rd behind WG and Road America.

lfish

Thanks all for your well considered opinions. This kind of expert feedback is what makes RL invaluable. I will be contacting the local Porsche clubs to find HPDE schedules. Please keep the conversation going!

Veloce Raptor

Watkins Glen, due to the flow and tempo (and beneficial camber) of the track, the landscape & area, and the town

jakermc

I won't repeat what others have said, but in addition:

1) Road America - The track is beautiful While driving, it feels like you are driving through the country side. Lap time/length of track is longest, so it feels like you are going somewhere and not just driving in circles. The Kink at speed is a signature corner that is a must do. Better hotel options than WGI, important if bringing a spouse. The "history" seems more accessible, with from the stickers on the bar walls to the signs posted around town. Great place to drive around inside the track and view it from all various corners.

2) WGI - Wonderful driving experience but lacks the ambience of Road America or Road Atlanta while at the track. The NASCAR feel overwhelms the historic road course feel. Great village around the track and I was lucky enough to have Peter Argetsinger drive me around and show me the original course through town (and coach me on track that weekend).

3) Road Atlanta - Perhaps even more beautiful that RA with regards to driving around inside the track to view the various corners. Lap times are too short, which hurts the overall experience. But T12 is one of the most unique corners around and an attraction all on its own. Town around the track is nothing special.

rnh204

Looks like WGI is winning out. If you're going to make the trip to WGI, you might as well stop by Pitt Race too.

I've been to all three and WGI is the closest for me. All three are fantastic and there's really no wrong choice. Also WGI if you come with your wife, stay at the Harbor Hotel.