I'm not driving this event so I can loan my helmet to anyone with a non-stinky head. I just washed the pads too.

 

^ better jump all over that matt!

 

PM'd ya wombat!

 

This will be my first time driving at Laguna Seca. I hear the tendency is to lift on turn 1. I'm not sure it's going to be a problem in my rex compared to a Carrera GT. That seems to be more car than most people who can afford one can handle. That's another thread though. So any experienced guys got any tips? Also, you guys know where the mic is on the track?

 

from the trackmasters site re: sound:

Sound Controls
Laguna Seca is fairly tight with sound levels at their facility. Monterey County allocates a limited number of unlimited db days, 105db, 103db, 92db, and 90db days to the track each year. Due to the demand for the limited number of higher db days, private events are commonly issued the 90db days.

For this event, if your vehicle is measured to be consistently over 92db as you pass the sound monitoring station (between turns 5 and 6), you will be black flagged and must exit the track. If this happens to you, you will have 2 additional attempts to correct the problem. If after 3 black flags you continue to exceed the db limit, you will be forced to exit the track and your day will be over. If you continue to drive on the track after your 3rd black flag, you will be fined $1000 per lap! Yes, per lap! So, make sure you can pass sound before you show up at the track, and keep your eye’s on the turn workers!

If you’re concerned about sound, here’s some tips:

Measure your vehicle sound level under acceleration at another track or on a public roadway. The sound monitoring station is approximately 60’ off the track on the passenger side of the vehicle.(Radio Shack has an accurate digital db meter for about $50)
Ensure that your exhaust system is functioning properly.
Upgrade your exhaust system (which usually degrades performance!) by adding a larger and/or more restrictive muffler designed for more sound reduction. (complete mufflers and/or SuperTrap baffle plates)
Point your exhaust tip towards the drivers side of the car or straight down. Some drivers have special exhaust tips that they bolt on their car for this track.
Alter your driving style. A technique that is commonly used is to ‘lift’ off the throttle after you exit turn 5 and are approaching the sound station. Once past the station, you can then get back on the throttle before you enter turn 6. Not the fastest way around the track, but using this technique may be necessary to keep you on the track!

 

oh, and here's a great PDF describing the turns/line

http://www.norcal-saac.org/ot/laguna.pdf

 

Thanks.

A friend with a loud rx7 said he just upshifts and alters his line. I'm not going for lap times anyway.

 

Seems like BoxerPower05 and I are going to be doing final preperation on Thursday night, and leaving Friday afternoon. We are staying at the Best Western at 175 Kern Street. If you wanna roll down with us just PM me for details on where we are leaving from.

Austin

 

I've read that PDF before as well. If you can get an instructor ride along (I don't know which group you are in) you should. There is nothing quite like someone that actually knows where the heck they are going helping you find your way.

My favorite is turn 9 just after the corkscrew. I think it's the most fun turn. Yeah, if you take your turn 1 correctly, you shouldn't have to lift.

 

You should always be able to find an instructor at an HPDE event, especially in the lower groups. I whole-heartedly concur about listening to someone who knows the line. My first run at Laguna was great and wrxken was there and helped me with the line a LOT (big thanks for that if you see this). Laguna scares a lot of people, but it's really pretty basic as far as the style of turns there.

Most important thing: Listen to the instructors, and don't rush it! If you've never been out before, cars with a tape "X" on the back are instructors, so you can follow them if you lose the line or get confused.

Turn 6 is always fun for me and turn 9 is a blast - pushes you into the ground.

 

http://www.laguna-seca.com/GeneralIn...ction=TrackMap

^^ theres a map with the turns numbered for reference

In response to what wombat said about the instructor cars...for group 1, do you just follow the instructors, or do you have one in your car?

 

It can be both. You'll be able to talk with them at the meeting before going out.

They usually tap their roof if they want you to follow them. I only saw them do it once. Some guy in an M3 that just couldn't grasp the idea of the line. He was dangerous. The guy was so dense he never realized what the X meant or the hand tapping and kept trying to pass the instructor...

 

98% chance I'll be there in the Spec Miata.

 

thats good, smart people in my car make me nervous

 

I think in groups 1 and 2 you are required to have an instructor in your car... at least that's what I remember it being like.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Normally, people that I meet at the track are pretty nice.