How to (nearly) win at the SuperNats
It’s my most fun race event of the year.
The SKUSA SuperNats held at the Las Vegas Speedway comes to town this November for the 28th instalment.
This will be my 12th appearance at the SuperNats and second consecutive just coaching not racing.
It's a race event that I love, because everyone turns up with no idea of the layout, the track is slippery to begin with and the high risk involved of driving on a parking lot circuit.
Knowing you’re entering a race that no one else has seen or driven is a huge advantage. When you’re travelling from overseas, many international events drivers attend, people have been there for multiple weeks dialling in the drivers and chassis.
That can be done, but it comes at a large cost. Which for many isn’t attainable.
The build up is one of the best parts, as drivers are anticipating the track layout, as well as waiting for the official entry lists to be posted the week leading into the event.
Once drivers are able to see the track map, the planning begins.
What sprocket to use?
What passing opportunities will there be?
Then once the entry list drops.
Who will be the main protagonists?
Which drivers should I am to be on-track with when practice starts?
Once you arrive in Vegas, it’s now time to head to the track, meet your team, check in your race documentation, get your passes and settle into a new environment.
Tuesday brings about the first opportunity for drivers to walk the circuit, getting some familiarity with the corners, curbs and sections that might present risks with the barriers.
It's a wise idea to sleep well, and get prepped for the first on-track action the following morning!
In tomorrow's SuperNats instalment, we’ll look at how to best tackle the Wednesday Warm Ups as drivers get on-track for the first time.
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Wednesday Warm Up
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Thursday Qualifying Day
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Friday Settle into Racing
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Avoid LCQ Saturday
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All in on Super Sunday