Continental Tire Fast Facts: Watkins Glen

RACE SERIES:
WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (P, PC, GTD & GTLM) – July 3, 2016
Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge – July 2, 2016
 
TRACK:
Watkins Glen International – 3.4-mile, 11-turn road course
 
LENGTH:
WeatherTech SportsCar Championship – *6 hour endurance race
(*The third segment of the Tequila Patron North American Endurance Championship)
Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge Series – 2:30 hour time limit
 
TRACK CHARACTERISTICS:
There are six main areas identified in the long track at Watkins Glen International – the ninety (turn 1), the esses (turns 2-4), the back straight, the chute (turn 6), the toe (turn 7), and the boot (turn 8). It’s typically a fast track that requires a lot of focus. Watkins Glen International was repaved in 2016 and Continental Tire conducted a private tire test and there was an additional open test for teams in the weeks following. The new surface is smooth and shows a higher level of grip. Consequently, faster lap times were seen. The tire wear was minimal with little degredation as increased grip reduced the sliding normally seen on a more abrasive track.
 With the new repave, newly poured concrete apex curbing in the bus stop could present some challenges. The curbing will cause significant damage to any tire if not treated with respect so teams have been informed accordingly. Overall, the new surface looks great and some new track records could be possible.