Nelson Ledges – Turn by Turn

TBD

Note: All passing zone data depicted below is based on "advanced driver" rules, if you are in a different run group please consult your organization or chief instructor for passing zones that are appropriate for your run group.

Nelson Ledges is a narrow track which tends to make the line very exact because of limited run off and passing space. Many of the turns require a quick lift, very little braking and a late-apex entry to maintain a good speed throughout. Overall, Nelson Ledges is a FAST track, boasting one of the highest average lap speeds east of the Mississippi.

• Turns 1 and 2 form a large radius corner of about 90 degrees. Entry for Turn 1 is LATE and requires that you maintain your committed steering angle through Turn 2. Use the kerbing inside of Turn 3 to yields more space on exit, keep your steering angle to bring the car pointed toward the flag station at the entrance of Oak Tree. The track has an extra 2 ft of asphalt on exit which will be used when carrying maximum exit speed in Turn 3.
• The line around Oak Tree (T4-T5) is late entering from the far right edge of the track with a quick jab of the brakes, diving into the kerbing which you can't see until you're about 1/3 of the way into this sweeping left hander. Get your eyes up for the large tree and flagger station in T6; once you've reached the kerbs you should be accelerating and the car will naturally track out. There is also a lot of negative camber here that will hold the car. Use the this natural track out to exit track center and line up for the Carousel; and if you're following another car this is a great opportunity to setup a pass right going into the apex of T6.
• The Carousel (T7-T9) is going to be different for every car. Miata's will try and hug the inside of this long right-hand sweeper, front wheel drive vehicles will try and bank the turn and pivot (like Oak Tree Turn at VIR), some higher horsepower cars will rim the outside (like the Octopus at NJMP). Once you get the hang of the Carousel, you'll notice it's very much like a downhill, decreasing radius highway off-ramp. Commit to a line that works for your car, maintenance throttle is key, and when you can see the kerbing begin to slowly build the power for exit. Becareful on the exit of T9 as there is NO RUNOFF and the landscape pulls the car downhill quickly.
• From the exit of T9 to T11 it's FLAT OUT! Beware of the bump after the kink, stay left to create a large sweeping right-hander. Many folks will quickly break to settle the car and then get back on the throttle, others will lift, and some will be flat out. Beware of the speed differences in this section as the closing rates are vastly different - check your mirrors! Most cars can begin to re-accelerate after they've hit the "bump" for the short straight to T12.
• Turns 12 and 13 - are the slowest combination on the track; and a bit of a throw away. T12 is the hardest braking area on the track by far as your carrying the most speed into it. Our recommendation is to enter T12 track middle, trail brake in and attack the inside (left) kerbing. Miata's tend to run a tight line to shorten the corner, other lines vary using track middle and just creating a constant arc, etc. In most cases staying left and creating a late apex and getting the vehicle to rotate or Lift Throttle Oversteer (LTO) through the corner shortens the turn and allows you to get back on the throttle sooner with better exit speed for the T13-T1 straightaway; this also prepares you for a quick overtake opportunity as you can dive inside the car in front passing on the left and using your exit speed to get around them.