Mon, Aug 3 - Tue, Aug 4, 2020

Watkins Glen II 2020

Watkins Glen International

About this event

 


 

2020 Watkins Glen International - High Performance Driving School  (WG2) August 3 & 4, 2020

If you have been to one of NEQ’s August WGI events before, you might remember hearing us saying in the drivers’ meeting “You should have goals for yourself, but we have three goals for you: Safety, Fun and Learning.” That has not changed. Nor has the opportunity to drive your car on a great racetrack.

But what has changed is NEQ’s enhanced emphasis on safety. As you would expect, this event is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The procedures for registration, classroom and track instruction have been modified and are noted below in detail.  Reduced contact registration, safe distancing and masks will be worn as appropriate.

Watkins Glen is one of the premier race tracks in the world. The list of legendary drivers that have graced the streets of Watkins Glen and the twists of Watkins Glen International is nearly second to none. The stars of all forms of racing – F1, IRL, sports car, open-wheel, and stock car – have come to The Glen for 60 years and many have left their mark on its history. The track is about three and a half miles long, with eleven turns and several impressive uphill and downhill sections and is known for its challenging elevation changes.  The track is situated high on a hillside, with expansive views of Seneca Lake. For more information on the track, please visit TheGlen.com.

The town of Watkins Glen sits at the foot of Seneca Lake, the largest and deepest of New York’s Finger Lakes, in the very middle of Finger Lakes Wine Country. Immediately to the north of the town, on either side of the lake, there are dozens of vineyards each with its own shops with free wine tastings. There are also spas, shopping and museums and a "Gorgeous" State Park in the area for spouses who might want to make the trip but not spend a lot of time at the track.

This is an all abilities high performance driving school.  All makes of vehicle are welcome.  

Our High Performance Driving Schools are suitable for all skills levels - from Novice to Expert. The school combines classroom and on-track instruction in a closely supervised and controlled environment. On track instruction will be using the well regarded "Lead/Follow" method where one instructor will lead one or two students around the track, demonstrating the appropriate driving line, turn in, apex, track out point and braking techniques. We will also use cell phones and ear buds to communicate between instructors and students, so please bring your cell phones and ear buds.

Students are divided into run groups according to their prior experience and evaluations from previous schools. In between the track sessions, students get classroom instruction in an appropriately safe distancing environment appropriate for their skill level.

 

Registration Fees

Students Cost is $550 per student for both days.
Instructors:  There is no cost for instructor registration for this event.


What is a High Performance Driving School?

The purpose of a driving school is quite simple: to improve your driving skills. We conduct the school on a racetrack under the close supervision of experienced and trained instructors. You will learn how to handle and control your vehicle at speeds not normally attained on public roads. This will help to prepare you for emergencies in normal driving. It will also allow you to explore your capabilities as a driver and those of your vehicle in a controlled environment. At no time will you be pushed or encouraged to go any faster than is comfortable. All participants will be organized into run groups in accordance with experience, skill, and type of vehicle.

What you learn on the track depends on your driving skill. Beginners are taught driving style (smoothness, consistency, the ability to read the track), more experienced participants continue to work on consistency, while developing new skills such as trail braking and threshold braking.

For the most experienced drivers, you can be “signed off” and drive solo when you have proven to your instructor and the Chief Instructor that you understand the basics of high speed driving, you can consistently drive the correct line, and you show proper etiquette on track. Maturity, good judgment, skill, and significant experience will lead to being signed off for solo driving.

Though you are on a racetrack with other drivers of similar driving skills, it is not a race. Passing in corners is not allowed, and you are not expected to shift at redline, or go screaming through each corner with the tires squealing. Safety of the event is of the utmost importance. Driver conduct will be diligently monitored throughout the day by the staff, instructors, and corner workers.

Track Time

You will have four on-track sessions each day varying from 20-30 minutes each. At the end of the 2-day event you will have had between 3-4 hours on-track over the two days. That’s a lot of driving time and a lot of personalized high-quality instruction.
 

Classroom

Your day is divided between driving on the track, classroom sessions, and free time. Yes, this is a school, and there is mandatory classroom time, including a mandatory Zoom session before the event. All participants are required to attend classroom sessions throughout the day to learn vehicle dynamics and driving techniques. Classroom sessions will be in small socially distanced groups.

In the classroom, you learn a lot of high-speed driving theory such as the difference between an early and late apex. You’ll get a better understanding of car dynamics, so you understand what is really happening when you brake or why your car understeers or oversteers in certain circumstances. Each classroom will also include an opportunity for Q&A.

Do I need to own an Audi?

We welcome all makes of cars  -- you don't have to drive an Audi to enjoy our events.  This school is an excellent way for you to improve your driving skills and have fun too!  

All participants must simply be members of the Audi Club of North America (ACNA).  There is a $49 fee for annual membership. To join or update your membership, please go to the ACNA website (http://www.audiclubna.org/) and click on "Join ACNA" at the top of the page.
 

First Time Students

Our club is a friendly community of individuals who share a passion for driving their cars.  First Time participants, in addition to regular track and classroom instruction, participate in safe car handling and accident avoidance exercises specially set up in a large parking lot (Paddock). These activities are designed to better familiarize you with the capabilities of your car (and yourself) before going on the track. You’ll find these exercises not only instructive but fun.

NEQ also has another unique program for First Timers which is a $100 discount on your next track event with us

We know what it’s like to drive on a racetrack for the first time and we customize your experience to ensure it is as enjoyable as possible. We love welcoming first-timers to our events, and we have a good number of first-timers at each one – you will not be alone.  Your novice classroom teacher and your personal lead/follow instructor are ready to make you comfortable and give you the tools and confidence to enjoy driving your car on the racetrack. Don’t forget – this is not competition driving. There is no overtaking in corners or racing other cars. This is all about having a safe and enjoyable experience.

We have some restrictions on driving convertibles and you will need a helmet. Requirements are on the next page. We have rental helmets available if you need one. Should you have any questions which are not answered on this page, please contact us and ask. We want to make you comfortable and we’re happy to talk with you. Use the "Contact Host" button on the right side of this page.

This YouTube video shows even more about events with our club. First Timers especially, please watch it. (but note that we offer lead-follow instead of in-car coaching this year)


 

Garages

Spaces are available in the renowned Kendal Garage on a first come-first served basis but they do go fast, so sign up early!

Rental:  $75 for both days.

Banquet

There will be no banquet this year.

Registration and Tech inspection

Here we have significant changes. This year, NEQ waivers will be done electronically online. After registering online, you will be sent a link to SpeedWaivers where you will sign the waivers and get a confirmation email. Please bring this confirmation email on your cell phone to show at registration.

On Sunday August 2nd, registration and tech inspection will be at the Seneca Lodge. When you arrive, proceed to tech inspection. Please be sure that you send your pre-tech inspection forms to the event masters prior to coming. Your tech inspection will be done by staff electronically on their cell phones. The results will be sent electronically to registration. You will then proceed down the hill to registration where your inspection will be verified and you will be given your packet containing your car numbers, schedule, etc.

Watkins Glen Procedures

We will not sign Watkins Glen track waivers at Gate 2 as we have always done. Instead, there will be a registration on Sunday afternoon from 5 PM until 8 PM and on Monday from 6 AM until 10 AM at Track Registration, which is about one-half mile above Gate 2 at Gate 4 on State Route 16 on the left. There we will park as directed, get into lines (up to four) staying socially distanced at six feet apart. When your turn comes, enter the Registration Building and sign SpeedWaivers. You will receive a wrist band which will allow you to enter the track at Gate 2. At Gate 2 there will also be a contactless temperature check.

Spacing of trucks/trailers in the paddock must be 20 feet apart. Car spacing must maintain six feet distance.

In the paddocks and the garage facial coverings are mandatory unless you maintain 6 foot separation. Two violations of this procedure will cause shut-down of the event until regulations are explained. Other Covid-19 measures will be fully implemented.

No overnight stays on WGI property of any kind are allowed.

Food Service will not be available.


Lodging

Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is again offering discounted rooms.  This is a special rate for track clubs and you must ask for the "Watkins Glen Car Club" rate.
www.watkinsglenharborhotel.com.


About the area

For more information on the Finger Lakes, the Wine Trail, please visit TripAdvisor.com or Yahoo or one of the other search engines.  There are tons of attractions and activities in the area that should fit the needs of everyone, track enthusiast or not.


Interested in attending or have other registration questions?

Please continue through to the next page for more information about the event and helmet and technical requirements.  Contact Event Masters: Bruce Bradigan at bruce.bradigan@gmail.com or John Cosachov at jc.neqdirector@gmail.com with any questions or if you need any help.

Check Facebook, or the NEQ website for updates on this event.

 

Event requirements

 

 

Helmet requirements have been updated.  A helmet with a SNELL SA10 or SA15 rating are the only helmets that may be used. No more M (motorcycle) helmets will be allowed.

Tech pre Inspection

Well in advance of any on-track driving event, you'll need to get your car pre-inspected by a competent mechanic, who will have to provide a completed and signed copy of the Safety Inspection Checklist form (first page only) for you to bring with you to registration. Please get your car inspected at least two weeks before the event to avoid disappointment if the inspection uncovers repairs that must be completed before the car will pass.
 

The Northeast Region Quattro Club recognizes several Audi-VW tuners and service centers. They are NEQ supporters with years of experience and scores of satisfied customers. As a benefit for NEQ members they will provide free tech pre-inspection for applicants of our schools. Bring your Safety Inspection Checklist form. After inspection they will sign your form to be sure you are eligible for our event. Naturally there will be a charge for any parts or labor that are additionally required to prepare your vehicle. You will also be happy with the services of any Audi dealership but may utilize another dealership or full-time automotive repair shop at whatever rate you agree to. Be sure to call for appointments well in advance of an event.

 

General Track Event Information:
Information that applies to all on-track driver education events. Be sure to study all of this information before attending any NEQ track event.
Clothing
Vehicle Requirements (Including tire requirements)
Tech pre-inspection
Open Top Cars: Open top car owners read this section carefully!
Track Terms
Tires
Helmets: Helmet with a SNELL SA10 or SA15 rating are required.  No M rated(motorcycle) helmets will be allowed.
Flags
 

 

Registration and Tech inspection

This will take place at the Seneca Lodge on Sunday evening, August 2nd from 3:30 PM until 5:30 PM. While this is the preferred option, Tech will also be open Monday morning at the track but timing will be critical, so come Sunday afternoon, relax, check out the other cars and meet your fellow drivers.

 

Cancellation Policy (revised 1/21/17)  No credits will be given.  All cancelations will be processed as a refund minus a cancelation fee as follows:

      - No penalty up to 30 days before the event
      - $100 from 29 days to 11 days before the event
      - No refund within 10 days of the event

 

For further information on this event and all NEQ events and requirements, please visit our website at www.NEQClub.org or

Please Contact:  Event Masters Bruce Bradigan at bruce.bradigan@gmail.com or John Cosachov at jc.neqdirector@gmail.com


 

Entries (167)

TS
Tim Shin
MT
Matthew Thompson
CB
Christopher Ballard
JB
Joseph Branco
RF
Russell Farhang
JB
Jonathan Brown
TD
Tim Dorr
TC
Thomas Campbell

Watkins Glen International

Watkins Glen, NY
Download track map
Download track map
Buy virtual track walk
Buy virtual track walk

Organizer

HPDE organized by

Audi Club NA - Northeast Chapter

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Event over!