[Tim Anderson]

I realize this is a subjective question, but I'm interested in opinions of what are the best tracks for HPDE in the Northeast. I've done about 30 track days over 5-6 years in my BS daily driver, and have run at Lime Rock, Palmer Motorsports, Thompson, and Watkins Glen. I love Palmer because it is technical and challenging and Watkins Glen because it is wide and fast. But looking at my options for 2021, it would be nice to try something new that is not too far away from home in CT. Possibilities would be Pocono, New Jersey Motorsports (Thunderbolt & Lightning) and New Hampshire Speedway. I think I've heard NH is not too good... Any comments about these tracks and how they would compare to the ones I'm experienced on? FYI - I drive in the SCDA Intermediate 2 Group, and I push pretty hard to see what I can achieve for lap times and smoothness, but also stay within my limits... I've never spun or been off track (but have had a few saves - thank you PSM!), but I destroy a set of tires in the course of a season.

What are YOUR favorite tracks and why?

 

[gfspencer]

Go a little further south to Virginia International Raceway.

 

[Boristhespyder]

Watkins Glen but not because I know it as a driver. I used to get free passes, all access and during my career we had Sterling Marlin and Ernie Ervan as drivers, I still have a couple rare trinkets from the time including a chair. I was not, still am not a Nascar guy but I went with customers, got paid, got to see a lot of cool stuff and they were very happy. Looking back I'm glad I took them, it was pretty cool to see in person.

 

[MMartel455]

I have not run on the tracks you have, but have run at Pocono North and Mega Layouts and both NJMP tracks. I personally like NJMP Lightening...quick to learn and flows well for me.

If you really like technical tracks, take a longer drive and go to Summit Point Shenandoah circuit.

From most people I talk to Watkins seems to be the most favored track in the Northeast.

 

[CaymanR99]

You may want to try Club Motorsports in Tamworth NH. I was there the first year it opened, planning to go back this year. Track has a nice flow, not quite as technical as Palmer. Not as much runoff as the Glen but more than Palmer.

 

[diverdog]

Skip Pocono, boring and bumpy. NJMSP is OK. In my opinion the best tracks (other than WGI) are a bit farther away. Mosport, Mount Tremblant, VIR and Mid Ohio. All of these are well worth the travel time.

 

[txbdan]

NHMS is ok if you run south oval for some novelty. It is bumpy and the transitions from the outfield-infield are harsh. I certainly wouldn't drive far to drive on it. I'm "forced" to twice a year as part of our season and I skip it more often than not.

WGI is the best for sure. Palmer is fun. Thompson is pretty fun, too. If you really want a drive, Mont Tremblant is pretty epic.