VIR in the rain

[SonnyJack]

First event of the season is this weekend and it's looking like at least on Saturday it will be wet, and possibly wet the entire weekend. I've only driven the full course in the scorching summer heat where my only concern with water was could I manage to drink enough to remain hydrated, so this will be a new experience.

Would appreciate hearing from anyone with any experience/advice for problem sections to pay special attention to?

Also, has anyone run in the rain with Michelin PSC2's? I'm thinking I may need to dust off my two year old pilot sport 4s' for the weekend.

TIA,

SJ

[tsk94]

Depends on how much rain we're talking about. If the track has significant standing water you'll want the street tires. Otherwise the Cup 2's will be fine on a wet/damp track.

Can't talk specifics for VIR, so hopefully others can chime in. It's a fast track so if it's really wet I'd want the street tires to minimize any hydroplaning.

[CorruptCommie]

Just stay off the curbs and out of any puddles and you'll be fine. Even slicks are fine at VIR in the wet.

[VictorH]

As above, plus:
1) Don't be sad, VIR in the rain is excellent and if day 2 is dry even better.
2) If you run your Michelin 4S tires you'll have a great time and outrun most of the folks running track oriented cars.
3) If it's raining good, there will be far fewer cars, so less congestion, but you'll run into other driver's who don't mind the rain and if you're good you can play some cat and mouse with others.
4) No tire warm up (well maybe just a bit), but just go out and have fun.
5) Car runs much cooler and your gas will last a lot longer
6) Be careful at turn 12 (the former Oak tree), it's even tougher in the rain so slow that corner down a bit.
7) Top of turn 13 can be a bit slick too, probably wouldn't leave too much braking over from the back straightaway (that's generally a really heavy braking zone for me in the dry, just past 13)
8) Maybe first run out run MDM or full traction control if this track is new to you. After that you be the judge.

[SonnyJack]

Originally Posted by VictorH

As above, plus:
1) Don't be sad, VIR in the rain is excellent and if day 2 is dry even better.
2) If you run your Michelin 4S tires you'll have a great time and outrun most of the folks running track oriented cars.
3) If it's raining good, there will be far fewer cars, so less congestion, but you'll run into other driver's who don't mind the rain and if you're good you can play some cat and mouse with others.
4) No tire warm up (well maybe just a bit), but just go out and have fun.
5) Car runs much cooler and your gas will last a lot longer
6) Be careful at turn 12 (the former Oak tree), it's even tougher in the rain so slow that corner down a bit.
7) Top of turn 13 can be a bit slick too, probably wouldn't leave too much braking over from the back straightaway (that's generally a really heavy braking zone for me in the dry, just past 13)
8) Maybe first run out run MDM or full traction control if this track is new to you. After that you be the judge.

VictorH!!!

Exactly what I was looking for! Thank you! Really appreciate it! Have run the course several times but this will be the first time there in the rain. Initially I was bummed because I wanted to put a few laps on some new Hoosier's, but getting more wet experience is very appealing.

Thanks again!

SJ