Courtesy of MazdaMotorsport: 2017 Battery Tender Global MX-5 Cup Champion Patrick Gallagher has had a busy 2018 season, putting his $200,000 in Mazda support towards competing in the IMSA SportsCar Challenge top GS class.
When he’s not racing, he’s teaching others how to do so, usually at Monticello Motor Club. Gallagher spends so much time up at MMC, he has some quick suggestions on what the drivers and teams should keep an eye out for as the series prepares to stage a double-race Saturday for the championship-deciding season finale.
Patrick Gallagher Fast Five: Monticello Motor Club
What is this track like?
1. Monticello Motor Club offers a little bit of everything as it was designed to be a track where drivers can learn and progress whether it be their first day on track or the 10th season of driving. I have been a Pro Instructor here for 5 seasons now and love the track and the facility. The south half of the track features a more technical driving style as there are slower corners that take a bit of patience where the north half of the racetrack features some faster corners that take commitment. On top of being technical and also needing to be committed there are three long straightaways that should be perfect for the Global MX5 Cup car to catch a draft.
Whats the fast way around MMC?
2. I suggest trying to do a track walk as there are some key little details about the track that are not exactly easy to see when you’re driving but would help explain some of the techniques that are needed to be fast around MMC.