Scuderia On Track - Mid Ohio with the NNJR- PCA

I've noticed that we've had a heavy focus on professional motorsports lately and in an attempt to balance that I've asked Scuderia member Aaron S. to share an update from his weekend at Mid-Ohio with the NNJR-PCA.  Thanks to Aaron and his Cayman S for the update.

 
"I took a half day off work the day before the event to make the 6 hour drive.  I managed to roll in to the track by 7:30 PM and get my tires and rack taken off the roof and swapped for the next day.  (Max, I copied your roof rack tire carrier concept.  And yes, it does look completely ridiculous on top of a Cayman.)
 
About the track:  The Mid-Ohio sign in the picture has the slogan "Most Competitive in U.S.", and from my limited midwest track experience, I agree.  It doesnt have the high speed straights that Road America does, but it is still very challenging (probably more so) because of the terrain changes.  There's plenty of video of the track on Youtube and Trackpedia has a good turn by turn description.  The fun spots include the "jump" at turn 8.  This tends to spin a lot of people out.  The section from turn 9 to 11 requires attention to the throttle through the zig-zag turn 10.  Turn 11 also has a nice jump/hill to go over as you track out, and then you have to get lined up for turn 12 (watch the armco/concrete wall at the turn in point!).  It is also critical to hit the apex here and manage the throttle properly to make it through to the mini-carousel and then onto the front straight.  Turn 1 at the end of the front straight is also deceptive in that it is slightly banked and goes uphill so it is faster than you might think.  In summary, there were lots of spots like the kink at RA where you have to keep the ass end planted with throttle and never, ever get timid and lift.  I had a great time and learned a lot from my instructor.
 
I would highly encourage any Chicago area track junkies to make the trip.  It is worth it.  I was talking with some of the crowd from New Jersey in the paddock and realized that I had nothing to complain about with my 6 hour drive.  Most of them had an 8-9 hour drive.  NNJR also has a very active DE schedule - they run 9 DEs a year, 3 of them to "far away" tracks like VIR and Mid-Ohio.  Any marque is welcome, so there were lots of BMWs there as well.