mattmak wrote:
some TORC 2024 GH heat vids got posted here:
https://www.youtube.com/@sixmilekid/videosIt was always an interesting conversation listening to the T850 rookie drivers talk about their experience in racing after their first event.
Even if they raced in T750 previously ...the T850 class is a different challenge most new drivers don’t expect.
The Canadian versions of T750 and T850 are the fastest. Compared to other countries running the same classes.
The biggest difference drivers experience racing in T850 is horsepower and how difficult it is to manage it driving the race course let alone trying to race another competitor.
They practice running on the lake, they’re able to trim the boat out and let it hang comfortably at 72 to 75 mph. They back off and do a nice smooth corner and repeat. Piece of cake...easy...
At the race the 5 minute flag goes up and they get to run a lap. Again not a problem until the 1 minute flag goes up and they see the clock counting down. Other boats are milling around and in some cases creating big waves....others are hang back..
Rookies judgment on the clock start takes practice ...for first few heats by rule rookies stay at the back of the field at the start.
The race starts and immediately they notice....the water condition is unlike practicing at the lake...waves of different types and size come from every angle ...their experiencing scary moments in boat control....it’s a challenge just to drive the course....the power trim is really sensitive...they can’t find any smooth water run in......then they’re getting lapped in 3 laps.
The heat ends and they follow the other boats to the middle of the course. In just a few minutes the 5 minute flag goes up....and off they go again it’s the second heat ....5 more laps...more pounding....their tired..physically and mentally by the time they get their boat back on the trailer.
Gravenhurst was more challenging....they did 4 heats in one day.
Ask them if they enjoyed the experience? You bet can’t wait to race again.
Here is a very special guy having a difficult experience in T850
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN7lu_J ... dHJhY2U%3D