Is the track really as bumpy and as scary as it is on TV and in video games?

 

lol yes
It has been reconfigured a few times as well
Great track

 

In my experience, Road Atlanta always had a smooth and well-maintained track surface. Fast and demanding. It was much more intimidating before they reconfigured the back staright and took out the infamous 'Dip'. IMHO Road Atlanta remains one of the great road courses in the United States.

 

Perhaps the game is a little off, but it feels bumpy as heck there. Gotta love teh blind turns.....

 

I miss my trips to Road Atlanta.... Maybe when I go to visit the folks this winter I'll drive by for memory sake.

 

Keep in mind, the video games, and any televised race pre-2007 was before the re-pave. And yes, it probably was as bad as it looks. But since they've re-paved it this year, it's mostly better.

I was there in March, and the only place that I would consider bumpy was the last left hander coming out of the esses complex (I think it would be Turn 5). There are three distinct dips as you come through the apex that will step the car out towards track out consecutively. Without a very compliant suspension, I could see where this would upset the car considerably. Many people found a different line through there because of it.

Otherwise, you're dealing with some elevation changes that are even more drastic than VIR, and the car is loaded up more, which will compound any surface imperfections.

Here's my vid from the NASA-SE event I did there (my one and only event at the track BTW): http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...83828947&hl=en

 

cool thanks for the info. road atlanta seems to be a very fun but scary track. the left kink on turn 2 is hard. the plunge down the hill seems scary. the double apex are easy, but bunpy. lastly te plunge down the hill is insane. i have to go one of these days

 

The last turn takes a couple laps to get used to... and you'll be going a LOT faster than I was in that video. But it doesn't GET any more blind than that... you really have to start your turn in before the bridge, before you crest the hill... then it just drops.

I will go back there one of these days... probably not with NASA though. Just not enough clear track for the amount of seat time.

BUT... you will REALLY appreciate VIR's facilities after you've been to RA

 

agree with Stack. RA is my favorite. Pavement now is pretty good.
i have a couple of takes at pannoz track day on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhgAJmIJH2g
this is one. cheers.
jose
if doesn't work check under "NA 350z at road atlanta"

 

I was about to post a link to your vids until I remembered I had vids of my own up there LOL

 

Stack
i like your video set up and your driving the track .
any critique on mine will be welcome.
i'll be out of town for fews days but will check back on return.
try to make at barber-nasa in oct.
cheers
jose

 

Like I said, I've only driven it once, so I don't think I'm in much of a position to critique anyone on it.

Barber is next on my list, only slightly ahead of Watkins Glen just cause its slightly closer LOL. But if I'm going to drive that distance (about 10 hours to Barber for me with stops) I'll pay the premium to run with Chin or something and get some more seat time. Driving all that way for only 2.5 hrs seat time max just doesn't seem worth it (one of the reasons we, TZC/THSCC, haven't actively pursued hosting an event there.)

 

I am off the blackberry now, I can view the videos. The Z is just slightly more powerful

Also could times be picked up by taking the left turn at the last chicane closer?

 

With the new surface, RA is very very smooth. There are a few bumps and dips, but its probably as good as RA will ever get. Not nearly as smooth as the butter smooth Barber, but a vast improvement over the previous track surface.