A dramatic and prolonged Saturday at Watkins Glen International culminated in historic lap times and a significantly reshaped racing line through the famous "Bus Stop" chicane ahead of the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen.
During the late stages of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge support race on the 3.4-mile, 11-turn natural terrain road course, a piece of curbing detached at the entry to Turn 5. The loose curb severely damaged a wheel on a Turner Motorsports entry, ruining a likely strong finish for the team and forcing track officials into immediate action. Extensive track repairs delayed the subsequent WeatherTech Championship qualifying session by two hours and 40 minutes, pushing it until after another scheduled IMSA support series race.
In response to the safety hazard, track officials opted to completely pull up the curbs in that section for the qualifying sessions. The sudden modification transformed the characteristics of the chicane, leading to shattered track records in both the GTP and GTD Pro classes.
Officials confirmed that the curbing will not be replaced ahead of Sunday's main event; instead, the area will be painted overnight to ensure proper driver visibility.
Following the marathon session, pole-sitters from various classes shared how the sudden track alterations impacted their approach and what they anticipate for race day.
During the late stages of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge support race on the 3.4-mile, 11-turn natural terrain road course, a piece of curbing detached at the entry to Turn 5. The loose curb severely damaged a wheel on a Turner Motorsports entry, ruining a likely strong finish for the team and forcing track officials into immediate action. Extensive track repairs delayed the subsequent WeatherTech Championship qualifying session by two hours and 40 minutes, pushing it until after another scheduled IMSA support series race.
In response to the safety hazard, track officials opted to completely pull up the curbs in that section for the qualifying sessions. The sudden modification transformed the characteristics of the chicane, leading to shattered track records in both the GTP and GTD Pro classes.
Officials confirmed that the curbing will not be replaced ahead of Sunday's main event; instead, the area will be painted overnight to ensure proper driver visibility.
Following the marathon session, pole-sitters from various classes shared how the sudden track alterations impacted their approach and what they anticipate for race day.
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