Track day at Laguna Seca?

"GolfR Guy" (golfrguy) 01/05/2018 at 15:42 • Filed to: None

1

10

So I’ve been listening to the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , these guys made films about M3s and Porsches among other things, and they’ve brought up a track day event up at Laguna Seca. That got me interested in doing one.

Question is, who’s done a track day at Laguna Seca before? Since I have a capable car now, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! I’d like to do at least one track day/track school. What should I expect and what are some fun things to do around Carmel/Monterey?

Weinermobile and Miata for your time.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > GolfR Guy 01/05/2018 at 16:10

1

https://kinja.com/flynorcal

Flynorcal does them at Laguna in his C4.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 01/05/2018 at 16:19

1

He also blew up his 996 at Laguna.

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > GolfR Guy 01/05/2018 at 16:22

0

miata : hahahahahahahaahahahahaha im being chased by a sausage

WRXforScience > GolfR Guy 01/05/2018 at 16:27

1

Have you done any trackdays before, I haven’t been to Laguna but I do trackdays once or twice a month here in Texas.

just-a-scratch > GolfR Guy 01/05/2018 at 16:36

1

I did a 2 day event there several years ago. It’s a really technical course compared to others I’ve driven. As far as recommendations, just do what you would need fkr any other track day. I don’t have any recommendations outside the track though.

GolfR Guy > WRXforScience 01/05/2018 at 16:50

0

I’ve only driven the Nurburgring twice, so maybe trackday lite. Tell me a bit about the TX trackdays!

B_dol > GolfR Guy 01/05/2018 at 17:08

1

There are many outfits that run track days at Laguna Seca - Hooked on Driving, PCA, BMWCCA, SpeedSF, OnGrid, etc. If it’s your first outing I would suggest finding one that has good in-car instructor training. That will help sort out the course nuances, flagging, traffic, etc. which can be overwhelming on the first outting.

That being said - ALL FOR IT! My wife and I ran it twice last year

uofime-2 > GolfR Guy 01/05/2018 at 17:09

1

Not Laguna Seca, but I’ve written a bunch of stuff about getting into track days as I did it myself over the last couple years. here’s the first on my first day https://oppositelock.kinja.com/first-track-day-1784984354

the rest are all on my profile.

leave a comment if you have question, I’d be happy to share anything I know.

WRXforScience > GolfR Guy 01/05/2018 at 17:27

1

For a generic trackday, you’ll need to find a group that runs at the track you want to run (different groups at the same track can have significantly different requirements, rules, and rates).

You’ll have to complete some sort of tech inspection before the event, some groups require a certified mechanic while others let you do it yourself. Either way, you’ll want to make sure that your fluids, tires, and brakes are all up to task.

At the event you’ll have a checkin and a driver’s meeting, make sure to show up as early as possible and bring you tech sheet, helmet, and driver’s licence (it needs to be valid too, make sure it hasn’t expired). You’ll get a sticker or two and a wristband along with a schedule.

You’ll probably be in a novice group (great place to start) which almost always includes instructors who’ll ride shotgun with you and sometimes drive you around to show you lines, flags, and track etiquette. The goal is to drive home at the end of day, you don’t get a trophy but you could total your car. Keep an eye on the schedule, if you miss a session it’s your fault.

Make sure you know where you can get fuel, you will be surprised how much you use on track (I get about 8mpg in my BRZ at the track, which is a third what I get driving to work). Check your oil after each session, it is not uncommon for FI cars to use a quart in a 20min session. Street tires will gain 5 or more psi during a session, so make sure to account and accommodate the extra air. 

Try to find someone who is just a little faster than you and follow them as much as possible, once you are faster find the next guy to chase (this is a great way to learn lines and a track, but don’t fixate on your target especially in the novice group). Try to push your boundaries, but don’t overdrive to the point where you lose control or go off track.

If you are driving a new track for the first time, focus on being smooth and finding the driving lines. Look for landmarks to help with braking points, turn in points, and track out points. Remember to have fun.

Don’t worry about being slow, no one gets upset with slower drivers as long as they do a good job of watching their mirrors and giving point-bys (the easiest way to make friends is being on top of point-bys, while the quickest way to piss off everyone is by starting a train). 

Bringing spares to the track (tires, brake pads, oil, fluids, etc) is never a bad idea. You also need to bring water, food, and sunscreen.

just-a-scratch > GolfR Guy 01/05/2018 at 21:14

0

People talk a lot about the corkscrew, but cresting the hill and staring at a power pole to line up for turn 1 is much more intimidating. I lifted off the throttle there every lap. Depending on the car it’s over 100mph at WOT and you’re not even getting ready to slow down yet.