5/9/08, I spent the day with CART at Pocono Raceway driving the north course in the wet. This was my 2nd track outing with the RX-7 and only my 3rd time driving the car. It was my 1st experience driving in the wet on track. My day started very early in the morning at 2am with rain in Connecticut. The rain never stopped till I arrived back home at 10pm. With the level of concentration necessary to trailer a car in the wet at night through New York and New Jersey coupled with the even higher level of concentration necessary to pilot a car on track in the wet on a high bank oval and infield, I was exhausted when all was done.

Around 50 cars showed up for an open track format. Roughly 20 left shortly after getting on track. It was very slippery for even grooved tires. 2 tires proved to work well. I was running the Toyo R888 unshaved along with a friend in a Mitsubishi EVO and a NASA ST2 prepped STI was running the Hoosier wets. We were still sliding, but had a much better time of it than others. Watch this dude in the 944 under braking for the tight left hander...

I got a little over 2 hours of track time in the wet. I'm no longer terrified of driving in the wet. It's actually quite a good driving experience in a purpose built race car. You have the opportunity to explore the limits of traction at a much slower pace. And, since I trailer the car, I know I will get home if I make a big mistake. I'm sure it is more threatning for those who have to drive home. The all wheel drive guys were having a blast with the added grip.

By time we got to the time trial, there weren't too many cars left. I'd say around 15 - 20. With the herd thinned, the tires working well, and my diminished fear, I was able to grab the fastest time of the day at 1:11.1. Not exactly a quick time, but I was happy considering the circumstances (1st time in wet, 1st time @ Pocono North in RX-7, standing water everywhere, etc...).

1 tip to use if you find yourself on track in the wet in a fully prepared race car that doesn't have a defroster. Spread a thin film of Dawn dish soap on the inside of the glass to reduce fogging. I didn't discover this till late in the day. The first few sessions without it were very entertaining to say the least.

My next track day will likely be a 2 day HPDE with TrackDaze @ Summit Point.

more photos of the event

Great post Mike. Love it when members send in vids of thier personal drives. Wish I was there. Even in the rain.