A Wet and Wild Weekend at Watkins Glen with MassTuning HPDE
This past weekend at Watkins Glen International, Mother Nature decided to keep us on our toes with a relentless mix of rain, fog, and the occasional sun break — the kind of weather that separates the casual trackday enthusiast from the driver committed to mastering every condition. MassTuning hosted an excellent two-day HPDE event that delivered not only seat time, but a serious education in car control, adaptability, and wet-weather discipline.
From the moment we rolled in on Friday morning, the track was soaked. Standing water in the braking zones, rivers cutting across apexes, and mist hanging in the air made for an intimidating setup. For many drivers, this was their first time tackling Watkins Glen in the rain — and for a few, their first wet track day ever. That’s where our coaching team stepped in.
Over the course of both days, we worked closely with drivers across all run groups to build confidence in the wet. The emphasis was on smooth inputs, early vision, and understanding where grip lives when the ideal dry line disappears. The “rain line” became a popular topic in the paddock, with many drivers quickly learning that the traditional apex wasn't always the fastest or safest route in these conditions. Slowing the hands down, braking earlier, and staying off the rubbered-in sections became second nature by Sunday afternoon.
Despite the challenging weather, spirits were high. MassTuning ran a smooth, well-organized event, and the vibe in the paddock was all about learning and supporting each other. Even the more seasoned drivers took the opportunity to fine-tune their skills, experimenting with throttle modulation and tire feedback in ways they might not on a dry track.
By Sunday, a few dry sessions gave everyone a chance to compare lap times and see just how much they had improved. Watching drivers apply wet-weather discipline to a drying track was a highlight — it’s always satisfying to see the coaching translate directly into more control, more speed, and bigger grins.
In the end, the weekend wasn’t about lap records or hero passes — it was about learning, growth, and having fun behind the wheel in all conditions. Massive thanks to the MassTuning crew for putting on a safe and educational weekend, and to every driver who showed up ready to embrace the chaos.
See you all next time — rain or shine.