Quote:
Originally Posted by Grant-53
As for the rant & raves on craigslist I can say there was a complete absence of snootiness at this year's event. Some people would complain if they got hanged with a new rope.
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True. I do remember the event moving to Fridays, from weekends. A number of former regulars had to drop out; they weren't able to take time off from work for it. But we now have strong school teams involved, and thus more cars. My recollection is that school teams became a major participant only after the move to the Watkins Glen International location, and the change to Fridays.
For better or worse, the GGP gets the use of the track at no cost, or perhaps a very slight cost, on the Friday of the Season Opening Weekend. Every other day in the season - especially the weekend days - come with a hefty price tag. The GGP certainly can't pay those fees.
I first drove in the GGP in 2010. The route for the mpg competition that year was a loop around Seneca Lake. Google maps shows a total distance about 82 miles, but our route may have been a bit longer; I can't remember exactly which roads we took.
When considering the fair and even aspects of the competition - it certainly was not the same for each car. A loop track provides much more equalized conditions. On the local roads, some would hit a traffic light green, others would hit it red. A car could be delayed by vehicle or other traffic. And - if the car got temporarily lost - it was now following it's own unique route with conditions different from whatever the other cars encountered.
If you hear anyone griping about the schedule or the fact that it's on a world class professional track, now you have some good arguments to give back.
PS -
This year, Easter falling on Apr. 16 probably forced WGI's opening weekend to be pushed early, to Apr 7-9. Typically Easter has been a bit earlier, allowing the track opening to be the weekend AFTER Easter. That's warmer weather for us. Blame the wintry weather on Easter.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dates_for_Easter
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), but it's too bad the GGP is always so early in the year. By late winter my modding enthusiasm meter is pegged near its lowest point. An early spring event is too soon for me to be pumped & ready. (Could also be a result of me generally being a procrastinating slacker. You decide!)
