TrackCross and Summit Point Motorsports

Capital Chapter members regularly participate in the time trials events during AROC’s annual convention. Another option to get your speed on is at the nearby Summit Point Motorsports track located in West Virginia. Some Capital club members regularly participate at the Trackcross, TrackCross, Circuitcross at Summit Point. Typically its two half-day autocrosses for street cars except they’re not in a parking lot with cones, they’re on a twisty section of permanent road course without cones. Summit Point Motorcross touts these events as perfect for beginner/novice drivers and there is literally no cheaper or easier way to run for times on an actual racetrack. 

If you’re interested to find out more about these Summit Point Trackcross Series, club member, Sapan Dhora is typically out on the track.

(Please note, these are not AROC club sanctioned events and has no affiliation with Summit Point Motorways.)

Now to give a little more info, we will start going down the main straight at one of the Summit Point Motorway tracks.

Approaching turn 1.

The line is on the outside [left] of the track and approaching turn 1 you will find five white painted markers at 100 ft intervals to judge your braking. Turn in is about at the centerline of the access road to the skid pad with the apex at the center of the curbing. Track out slowly as this includes turn 2, which is a long sweeper following the sharp turn 1.

Exiting turn 2

You should follow the outside of the track until the far edge of the exit road from the skid pad. Unwind the steering until you reach the inside of the track and then head in a straight line to turn 3 turn in which is about 5ft before the second access road on the right.

Approaching turn 3.

Moderate braking is needed prior to turn in.

Exiting turn 3.

Apex at mid curb and track out about 20ft before the end of the curb. You will find yourself heading toward the outside of the track and you will stay there as you start down the hill in the “Chute”.

Approaching Turn 4 towards Turn 5.

The object from this point to the entry to turn 5 is to make that line as straight as possible. Apex turn 4 at the center of the curb and enter 5 at the far outside of the track.

Approaching turn 5.

You want to have positive throttle from the turn 4 turn in until you have your wheel absolutely straight and brake hard for 5. If you feel you are carrying too much speed going down the chute, brake before turn in for 4 as any lifting or braking in turn 4 may cause you to lose the rear end.

Going through turn 5.

Turn 5 is a sharp left and you will track out to mid track and continue to the outside to turn in for 6.

Exiting Turn 5 towards Turn 6.

You will note a spot at the edge of the track where the asphalt gets 12” wider.

Approaching turn 6.

This is the turn in point for 6 and a slight tap on the brake will help the car turn in. Turn 6 has a very late apex and an exit at mid curb and turn in to a very late turn 7 apex coming about 3ft from the end of the curb.

Turn 7 towards Turn 8

Done correctly, you will take one wheel position into 6 and hold it steady to the exit of 7. At this point, settle the suspension and turn into 8 with another very late apex about 3ft from the end of the curbing.

Exiting turn 8 towards Turn 9.

Again settle the suspension and turn into 9 with an apex at mid curb. Track out around 20ft from the end of the curb.

Exiting Turn 9 towards bridge.

From the exit to 6 to the apex of 9, throttle should gradually increase with no braking. Nail the throttle coming out of 9 as you will be going up hill. Now head for a mid track position going under the bridge. This will take you to the outside of the track for turn 10 turn in.

Approaching Turn 10 and pit.

Turn 10 apex is at mid curb and track out is at the far end of the curbing.

Coming through turn 10.

Now you can check your guages as you have a half mile till you reach turn 1. One note on shifting—do as little as possible. As a starting point, I have found 5 shifts works fine for a relatively stock 105 car. Go to 3rd into 1, up to 4th before 3 and back down to 3rd before entering 5. Shift up to 4th when settling the suspension after 8 and hit 5th around the start/finish line.

Also, do all braking in a straight line. Be quick, but safe and have fun!!!!