Hey everyone, I was not able to swing a track day this past season although I am going to do one this coming spring/summer. I'm ~2 hrs from both Pocono and NJMP, so if you had to pick just one track to do this season which would you go for? My only experience is a single track day on the Pocono north course, which I enjoyed. I was thinking of going to NJMP this time with NASA. But what to pick? Thunderbolt? Lightning? or go back to Pocono for the long course? Any advise from those of you that have run all of them?

Watkins Glen.

Thanks, Watkins Glen may be a little further then I'd like to go for a day. Or is it that much better that it would be worth it? Ideally I'd like to stick to either NJMP or Pocono.

Lightning at NJMP is probably the easiest track to learn in a limited time frame. It is also a fairly forgiving course with a good bit of run-off in most critical areas. Be mindful of entering traffic as you crest the hill at the end of each lap. Be sure to track out to the left edge. This helps both with entering traffic and the set-up for T-1.

However, as far as the Northeast is concerned you can't match The Glen for challenge, great terrain or historic feel. It's worth the drive. I'd suggest checking into running with trackmasters ( trackmasters.com ) as they have great instructors and a really skilled and experienced open track group. If you do The Glen, be sure to at least get and instructor ride along. There is a great deal of subtlety in the line, both in terms of speed and safety. There are also a lot of "blue hedges" that need to be treated with respect.

Just do The Glen...

It's definitely a Top 5 in North America. I drove 8 hours to run HPDE and had a blast. Not only is the track great but the area is really nice too. Spend the extra $$$/time and hit The Glen. You'll be glad you did.

Watkins Glen is the shit.

Does that mean good in modern day parlance like 'sick' is good in the UK ???? I have only driven one US track and that was Daytona and if you have the balls for it thats certainly sick!

Thanks for the replies. I just don't think I can swing Watkins Glen from a time stand point. I can get to NJMP or Pocono and back in a (long) day. So any more input on NJMP (Lightning or Thunderbolt) or Pocono Full course?