Which track do you prefer in the north Texas area, MSR or Eagles Canyon?
I prefer the MSR long course vs. Eagles Canyon in general. I like Eagles Canyon right now because its fun learning a new track. MSR is better for street cars and lapping because better runoff areas, Eagles Canyon has killer rocks right off racing surface (sometimes flying on racing surface), and MSR pavement is smoother (although MSR 10 years old). For a pure membership track MSR is better with all the nice facilities, support businesses, and local restaurants/food. For racing door to door Eagles Canyon has the advantage, but I'll reevaluate the more I race it. Commute wise they are about the same for most from North Dallas to Mid Cities to Ft. Worth.
Rob, did you really say ECR pavement is smoother? Are you crazy? the brake zone into 6 is not smooth nor is the back stretch. Overall, I'd rate MSR smoother. Also, ECR has not a single "big boy" turn taken in 4th gear, but has much longer straights. ECR is more technical than it looks, but lacks pucker factor turns like turns 1 & 7 at TWS or even Big Bend at MSR. I think it largely boils down to convenience and where you like to drive most. Try both and pick your personal favorite. I am a biased MSR member, but I really do think it is the better track. Also, MSR is more mature with more amenities on and off the property. Garges, PST for speed parts & service, Best Western, actual restaurant choices of sorts, NAPA Auto Parts, and gas stations (including 3 grades of race fuel to pay at the pump). Then there are the villas - ah, Nirvana . . . . .
I hadn't seen this here, but just posted in Tracking/DE: Any track is better than no track, but I much prefer MSR. Eagles Canyon may be faster in the straights, but MSR has much faster turns. MSR is really a very good track. Mark // Agree with Rob and Keith
I am obviously as biased as Keith, but I think MSR is much better. MSR has a wonderful rythm to it, and a nice combination of tight twisty stuff but with a 4th gear sweeper in Big Bend and an even more enjoyable high 3rd gear turn in Ricochet (my facorite turn on the track). ECR's rythm feels like 'go really fast in a straight line, turn 180 degrees, then go really fast in a straight line. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.' ECR is still a lot of fun, and I am grateful to the Cook's for building it and continuing to invest in it, but MSR is more in sync with my own track preferences. I also like Hallett much better than TWS, so I may be a little weird.
I had the Citabria today and nothing yet planned, so this thread got me thinking and I flew up to Eagles Canyon. Circled around a few times. Since I was there for the NASA race they have completed the 1st garage, paved gas pumps, and looks like at least pavement work entering grid. Not sure what has been done on course, but looks same as last year NASA with old light pavement down straights and dark repave/seal around corners. There were 3 motorcycles on the track and I got my shadow to intersect one (not on purpose). Then went over touch & go Decatur and then flew Bridgeport lake (the water was glass & several boats out).
who is the Rob and who is the other Rob, I herby conclude that all references to Rob or the other Rob may just apply to me unless of course it is the other Rob.
So that was you cruising around up there - next time give a little wave, I'll wave back... Eagles Canyon has done some milling on the bumpy parts of the track since the NASA race and will have more done in the near future, the rocks are being removed and runoff area's improved. They had the IKF Nationals out there a couple of weeks ago and everyone seemed pleased with the track. They also have a small Track Support shop out there now - tire changer, balancer, and other services. There are plans for more improvements, so keep checking back...
I raced ECR in May with PCA. The track surface seemed a bit better in a couple of areas but the straight before 6 and 7 is still very rough. The turn 1/2 complex was better than last fall. They also still have issues that require constant repair work. By the end of Day 1 turn 9 had developed a hole in the racing surface at turn in for the second apex. Made for an interesting line as to do it perfectly you had to straddle the hole. Lots of asphalt marbles all over the turn anywhere offline. If I remember right they made some repairs over night, so they do act quickly. Pay at the pump gas is in place, though its the same funky system as Hallett where you have to prepay in gallons or $, you can't just fill up. It's also single serve, so sometimes a small wait but no big deal. They had one row of garage done, and several of the Spec Boxsters guys live out there now. Do two Rob's make a right?
I personally prefer the 1.7 mile MSR course over the 3.1 course. Therefore IMHO: 1.7 MSR CW>1.7 MSR CCW> ECR > TWS> 3.1 MSR
The SCCA had at least one volunteer day to hand pick rocks from the edge. Race I did there a few weeks ago I didn't notice any problems with rocks, but I didn't have any offs or anyone too close ahead going off. Credit to ECR as they had a race shop open for us that weekend, I had some tires mounted and balanced. Also the new covered paddocks was very nice with power and all. On downside the pavement and bumps continue to get worse every time I go there. I didn't notice any pavement falling apart like past, so that was great! However, there are several wavy braking zones that will even cause your ABS to activate. Even some DE people in street cars were complaining about the bumps, but I won't complain. We're lucky to have the track and I'll be out there racing in almost any conditions. Just an extra challenge and everyone is racing under the same conditions. Bumps aren't necessarily a safety issue.
