It was the worst of times (Friday), it was the best of times (Saturday)! Then Sunday was kind of a mix. NER had its annual visit to your favorite track (at least it’s mine) and experienced a weather rollercoaster. We started off on the wrong foot on the Thursday drive out with a Mass Pike construction issue (to my observation the only thing being constructed was the delay) which cost an extra hour of travel time. Friendly faces and a beer at the Seneca Lodge righted that ship.
Friday, however, we were back to unhappiness. It poured rain (internet said 3-5 inches) and only a few brave souls ventured onto the track. Unfortunately one brave soul hydroplaned into a guardrail on the back straight and the ground was so soaked that it couldn’t be restored. 
For safety reasons the rest of the day was cancelled (too bad as the weather was finally improving). While this was going there was plenty of time for socializing. I met a nice new dog named Remy (I’m guessing on that spelling).
The weather improved in time for our Friday night social at Watkins Glen State Park. As in previous years, the food by Dinosaur Barbecue was delicious, the beverage choices were outstanding and a grand time was had by all. Thanks to the NER Track Committee Social team of Judi Mansing, Pam Mascetta and Jen Hall for all their hard work.
Saturday the weather was perfect – sunny and not too hot. Everyone went about their business without incident. There was a well attended track walk (once the swarm of Mini Coopers departed).
Sunday we were back to a mix of weather conditions – OK in the morning, some rain in the afternoon – but overall not bad.
This event had 155 drivers and was marked by attendance of a lot of out-of-region drivers – at least 12 states were represented. Two examples (pictured) are Sarah Beal from Kent Ohio (who co-drove a Cayman with her husband) and Mark from Jacksonville Florida (who was on a track for the first time in his NH cousin’s car). 
Nice to be able to host some friendly people (who, I might add, all had nice things to say about our hospitality).
Throughout the event drivers at all levels were offered instruction. There was, of course, the usual crew of instructors helping the Green and Yellow drivers. (And, I note, these novices were actually very good, there were no trains and there were lots of promotions.) 
New this year is the “Advanced Driver Experience (ADX) Program.” Developed by Tim Canfield, Dave Berman and Bob Hollis, this program pairs advanced drivers with coaches. Meeting in pairs (or in groups with others in the program), drivers discuss, set goals and then develop plans to achieve these goals.
Kristin Larson was a participant and here’s what she had to say about the program…
“We started with documenting our goals, strengths and weaknesses to our coach. All the mini groups got together on Friday for a discussion on different ways to achieve these goals. Each coach rode in the right seat with their drivers with multiple check-ins during the weekend. I got the extra benefit of riding with my coach, Alain, in his 2024 GT3 RS, so he could demonstrate the skills I was focusing on over the weekend – just a bit more horsepower than our 2011 Cayman S. At the end of the day Saturday, we had our own track walk so the discussion could focus on what was implemented during the day. This is a wonderful program and a great reminder that the learning should never end.”
Look for more information about this program as it evolves!
So one more event this year for us – Palmer (the correct direction) on September 27-29 – and two more for our sister region NCR (Tamworth and the season finale at NHMS).
Promotions…
We welcomed two new instructors at this event Derek Mulligan and Roger Dumas! Thanks for your service.
Green to Yellow
Brian George
Yellow to Blue
Sarah Beal
Matt Grabowski
Michael Skinner
Blue to White
Timothy Flammger
Simon Kwok
White to Black
Sam Rauworth
Peter Dillon
Ted Geldmacher
