Had a great day there today.. On subject line. The new pavement is really, really nice. My tires look fantastic. It was reported the fastest locals are running 3 seconds a lap faster. Second, I will never do another track day with a group to remain nameless. Had to be over 40 run off's. Lastly, this experience makes me want to say THANKS STT for your organization and your coaches.
Hoping the weather forecast is wrong for Sunday and looking forward to the new pavement. I've ridden with this (unnamed) organization several times and some have been what you described but in their defense, they are a club race organization that hosts track days to keep the lights on so to speak and this is their season opener so go figure, lol! Of the 5 different organizations I've ridden with, STT is the best in my opinion as well.
Happy to report that the weather gave a good mix today. It rained enough in the morning to completely wet the track down and continued to sprinkle in the first session. After 3 or so laps to allow the Bridgestone S-21's to warm up, the grip was good. Second session was still wet track but the sprinkles stopped and the wind picked up to help start drying a line, going faster no problem. The third session all was dry and the grip was fantastic, let her rip, great grip, love the new pavement! Unlike yesterday for Indy, there was not many riders nor were there many run offs or crashes. After lunch they combined A/I group and did 1/2 hour sessions between combined and novice, I'm sore and wore out!!! Definitely got my money's worth...
I have sworn them off as well. Too many close calls and riders in the racer clinic acting as a pack of rolling chicanes. Never again. Looking forward to checking out the new surface later, but I've heard lots of good things.
Check out my rear tire, this is a day at the new Putnam. Sure would not look like this on the old asphalt.
I heard 2 seconds off.. could be new surface & green track, but we'll see. Also heard of a few bumps but light years better than it was
Maybe I'm so used to the old track never noticed one bump. Just remembering turn 2, always tried to stay on the inside.
that 2 seconds off was the first time that anyone ran on the new surface. in recent club and organization track days, its been reported 2-3 seconds faster.