Images From My Past - Nigel Watts Collection

[nigel watts]

[nigel watts]

[nigel watts]

[nigel watts]

Having now watched a couple of race meetings which utilised the international track, I wonder what drivers think of it.

I must admit that I have not walked the long track yet so don't know what photo opportunities may be available but I really miss cars coming through turn 3 on the short track.

[John McKechnie]

Nigel- Graeme Addis told me he really enjoyed the new track, and is looking forward to the next time he can run.
He said that for a brief instant before he hit the brakes into the new second corner he was pulling maximum revs.
Told me the speed by calculation.
Swears next time hes not going to be such a pussy and will brake later..........preferably before he gets to the Dragstrip.
Graham Barnes, John Telford, Rod Grimwood ,Roger Davis all told me - great new challenge, makes you think and a welcome addition.
I am sure if it had been a fine weekend , there would have been more adventure.
Remember seeing a camerman or 2 with pink tops on new corner 4 Sunday morning and afternoon.
Dont think any other position would give you the 3 and 2 wheel visual impact that turn 3 on the old track gives in your pix

[nigel watts]

Thanks John,
It was probably a silly question because if I was a driver I'd want a long track - the longer the better.

[ERC]

Agree Nigel. Turn 2/3 is just brilliant.

The other issue with the long track is that towards the end of the meeting, as they were running so late, the races were reduced to just 5 laps. Personally, I'd rather see the cars go past me 8 times and for spectators, all long tracks can be somewhat restrictive and less than spectator friendly.

I haven't been to Highlands yet, but the sheer length of the track and limited spots for taking photographs is putting me off.

A couple of our guys seemed to have trouble learning where to position themselves on the new section, as they were so busy learning the new track, that keeping an eye on the mirrors and faster approaching drivers was a bit of an issue. Several said that although they enjoyed it, it is bumpy in places.

My own feeling is that for a long endurance type race, it probably works OK, but for sprint races?

I'm waiting to see if anyone is going to run a race meeting on the new short track. I fear that photo opportunities there without a pink tabard are going to be even more limited.

[rogered]

6400 rpm at the start finish line is 219kph (136mph) for me anyway

[John McKechnie]

Nigel- not a silly question at all.
The track is 4 km long making 24 km for a 6 lapper.
Graeme said he was totally stuffed- as only a fit man in the prime of his life with a personal trainer torturing him- and enjoyed that feeling.
When you approach the DB , you can see the short part that is not used ...and it looks short.
I found that there were 3 totally different viewing points of the DB from the usual fence.
Near where you shoot your pix , Dennis Running was watching the DB getting the lines, and he was the fastest through there of HSS.
Think Graeme worked his speed to be about 160mph at braking for turn 2.............will amend if he emails me.

[nigel watts]

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