Summit Point- safety questions... - Sportbike Addicts

Bster13 · 01-30-2007, 12:19 PM

It's tough...

It's tough not to pass judgment on these courses based off old stereotypes ("Slippery Point").

It's tough not to listen to concerns about the walls being too close on the Shenandoah course.

It's tough to sign up for trackdays at this facility without some feedback from other TPM riders...so let's have it!

-How is the surface (overall grip, patches?) for each of these three courses? I keep seeing the patches (not sure if they are a prob.) and hear about it being slippery (though I have no idea which course is slippery among the 3.)

-How is the runoff/concrete barrier/Air Fence placement? Are you comfortable riding hard there?

I have a personal hangup with NHIS, if you guys tell me any of the Summit courses are like this I'll have to opt out, but I'd love to try some of these tracks because they are relatively close! thx.

Bryce

ffejtable · 01-30-2007, 12:24 PM

I've done Summit main, and there is nothing slippery about the track/concrete patches... When its dry... I believe the slippery comments about main are when its wet.

Bster13 · 01-30-2007, 12:28 PM

Thanks for the info. How were the transitions getting off and on the concrete patches? How was the runoff? Feel (relatively) safe? thx. again!

njracer · 01-30-2007, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ffejtable

I've done Summit main, and there is nothing slippery about the track/concrete patches... When its dry... I believe the slippery comments about main are when its wet.

Summit was known as Slippery Point back prior to 2001 before it was repaved. Prior to being repaved, traction in the dry is what traction in the wet is today.

njracer · 01-30-2007, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bster13

Thanks for the info. How were the transitions getting off and on the concrete patches? How was the runoff? Feel (relatively) safe? thx. again!

If you don't like NHIS, you probably wont like Shenandoah. I have never turned a wheel on Shenandoah but I have no desire to do so.....maybe on my motard.

As for Summit main, the only real bad area is turn 4. If you go down in T4, expect a BIG hit...some walk away, others take a flight to the ER. However, the runoff in T4 is way better than it used to be. About 4 years ago, the racers got together with the track owner and created the move the mountain fund (the turn 4 hill is made of granit). The owner matched the riders fund and one of the racers brought in his construction team and blasted the wall back 50ft in some areas. With airfence it's not too bad but a crash there is not going to be good.

Bster13 · 01-30-2007, 01:14 PM

Ah, good to know. Now for comments on JC? Looks to be smaller (less speed) track, anyone comment on the surface and runoff?

Mack · 01-30-2007, 01:50 PM

Shenadoah...I've riden it...I didn't mind the walls they were only close in slow turns...definately a very tight technical track and a hard ride....definately not big bike friendly I'm planning on taking the new 600 on it this summer but I'm a little dumb according to some on this board so whatever...just my 2 cents

tommymac · 01-30-2007, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ffejtable

I've done Summit main, and there is nothing slippery about the track/concrete patches... When its dry... I believe the slippery comments about main are when its wet.

They did put some sealant down on the outside of the carousel thats kinda intresting if you go a little wide too.

Tom

NYCSTRIPES · 01-30-2007, 03:42 PM

I am looking forward to giving Summit Main a run this season, timing has never been good for that in the past for me.
Ken

***Cakes206*** · 01-31-2007, 11:08 AM

Summit main is a great track...I haven't been on the other tracks so I can't comment. But in reality the only one who can tell you if its a good track for you, is you. I know you're trying to get the most info about the track first. Give it a try, go with an open mind, see how you like it. I can tell you that Summit Main is no where near as dangerous as NHIS. Although I never been to NHIS, this is a major reason why AMA dosen't race there anymore. At any rate, glad to see you'll be out there again!

Bster13 · 01-31-2007, 11:09 AM

My thoughts exactly Cakes, just trying to get a teaser b4 I give it a shot myself. I think I'll try Main and JC this year if I can swing it. Thanks!

njracer · 01-31-2007, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cakes982

Summit main is a great track...I haven't been on the other tracks so I can't comment. But in reality the only one who can tell you if its a good track for you, is you. I know you're trying to get the most info about the track first. Give it a try, go with an open mind, see how you like it. I can tell you that Summit Main is no where near as dangerous as NHIS. Although I never been to NHIS, this is a major reason why AMA dosen't race there anymore. At any rate, glad to see you'll be out there again!

FWIW - if you look at summit vs nhis on race weekends, summit has far more riders taking an medivac on a regular basis. As much as I don't like NHIS, I've been around that track probably like 1000 times. Eventhouh the AMA does not race there at this time (they may return) the track is quite safe. Between the owners of NHIS and LRRS, they deploy more airfence than any track I've ever been to...IN THE NAME OF SAFETY. If you've never been there, give it a try, it's quite a demanding track with zero places to rest. It's all point and shoot with some good elevation changes. Not to mention, the infield is quite nice with tons of electric box's and showers that will not scare you.

nj

***Cakes206*** · 01-31-2007, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njracer

FWIW - if you look at summit vs nhis on race weekends, summit has far more riders taking an medivac on a regular basis. As much as I don't like NHIS, I've been around that track probably like 1000 times. Eventhouh the AMA does not race there at this time (they may return) the track is quite safe. Between the owners of NHIS and LRRS, they deploy more airfence than any track I've ever been to...IN THE NAME OF SAFETY. If you've never been there, give it a try, it's quite a demanding track with zero places to rest. It's all point and shoot with some good elevation changes. Not to mention, the infield is quite nice with tons of electric box's and showers that will not scare you.

nj

Layout vs. layout, no air fence...just the tracks as they are, which one would you say is a safer track?

tommymac · 01-31-2007, 12:22 PM

I actualy like loudon too but what the hell do I know

You could aslo argue if the ama would run at summit point

Tom

Bster13 · 01-31-2007, 12:36 PM

I'll let you guys mull the two tracks over....I'm willing to give Summit a try, NHIS...not so much. I don't preach no one else should go there, just tell them my story and they seen to understand why I personally don't choose to ride there.

As always, I'll try my best to keep it on two wheels and then it won't matter about the safety, but always nice to feel relatively safe at a track, cause even if u are riding well, if someone T-bones u, it's out of your control. *cheers*