Had the chance to visit Thompson Speedway Motorsports park this past saturday. This was the first purpose-built road course and first asphalt high-banked oval in America, 80 years of history here. It's located in the far corner of CT, with the town touching RI and MA. Took about 3 hours to get to from northern NJ, which isn't too bad!  I've been doing so many NJ Motorsports park events, It was time to try a few new ones so I went on a bit of a spree signing up for events with new clubs at new tracks.

First time with SCDA, I can say it's a great club to run with. Not sure if it was the specific event, but the first session was 30 mins, the second 25 mins, and the rest were 20 mins. First time I have done a format like that but I can say it makes a lot of sense! Relaxed group of people and overall great culture. Wouldn't hesitate to go again! I'm not sure why but I lowered my expectations for Thompson. The 1.7 mile road course uses part of the Oval, and the transition is a bit rough. Overall it was very different from any other track I've done and I'm glad I had the chance to drive it. 

The more I try new tracks, I realize I am able to adapt rather quickly. My fastest time of the day was only a little over a second faster than the fastest lap time in the first session of the day. After the first 3 sessions I sat down to review the data and watch some fast laps on YouTube now being familiar with the lay out. I decided to take a tighter line between T5-T6 and an early entry to T7 and that helped me shave off a second. Overall I am pleased with my progress but I would really need to follow someone that is faster than me to see where there is room for improvement. My optimal time of the day was 1.17.44, which appears to be pretty respectable but there is definitely room to grow here! Until next time!