As per usual, it’s video day.
The first video is an old video of Road Atlanta. It is from the 1985 IMSA event. There are a few things that are interesting here. The first is that they open with Stone Mountain, where I live. It is only a few minutes from my home and office (which is in Tucker). The next thing that is interesting is that the narrator of the driver’s point of view on the TV lap is Wally Dallenbach, Jr. I photographed him for a sponsor in the early 1990’s. Finally, and the reason I included this clip is the footage of the old configuration of Road Atlanta.
In the old layout, pay close attention to the last part of the track, specifically what they refer to as “the hollow” and the bridge turn. It was one of the most famous and difficult sections of any track in the world. Coming off of the mile long back straight, the car falls into the dip. It really feels like the car has dropped off of the planet. As the road surface comes back up, the car buries its suspension, as it enters the braking zone. Because of the G-load (coming up the hill), the brakes can be applied VERY hard. Then comes the bridge turn… I’ve heard it referred to as driving into a two car garage at 100mph… slightly sideways… blind.
As the car approaches the turn, you move to the left side of the track under braking. Turn back to the right and point the car at the right side bridge abutment. As the car crests the hill under the bridge, apply the throttle. It should drift out away from the abutment. Stay on the gas over the hill. The corner workers should wave the flag if there is anything bad on the track. Pray and stand on the gas.
The next video is more recent… It is from last November. Again, pay attention after the straight (which isn’t exactly straight)… Because of the high degree of danger of turn 11 (the bridge turn), it was changed to be safer. A lot of long time road A fans don’t like the change. But, I love the sound of a big V8 on the track.
The final (and bonus) video is also based in Atlanta…This one is an Atlanta Region SCCA Autocross. This is a very approachable motorsport. Take a “normal” street car, and strap on a helmet and then run it through a cone course in a parking lot against a clock. While the speeds are generally under 70mph (in a parking lot), it is quite exciting as a driver. It requires a very good touch and understanding of racing lines.