Log In / Sign Up

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Salinas, California, USA
View maps as JPEGs here
Miata
GT3 RS
FZ1
F1
Back to Map
MX-5 Miata
911 GT3 RS 4.0
Yamaha FZ1
F1 Car
Length:
2.24 MI
3.60 KM
full browser
Hide Tools
Double click or press Esc to exit full screen
Loading Map...
Loading markers...
*PLEASE NOTE* The racing lines and simulations shown here are based on a simplified analysis that does not incorporate 3D effects such as camber and elevation, track irregularities, or surface conditions. It assumes perfect grip and perfect pilot control. Always temper your approach to a racetrack with common sense and an awareness of your skill level. Be safe out there!
tags Tags allowed: <b> <em> <strike> <a>
Lap Times Explained

Each column represents a vehicle driven on different racing lines. For example, the first row of the first column is the time for the Miata driven on its own line. The second row represents the Miata driven on the Porsche's racing line, and so on. It is expected that when a vehicle is driven on its own line (large font) the lap time will be the quickest. Otherwise, Al has not done his job very well.

Vehicle
Line Miata GT3 RS Moto F1 beta
Miata 1'45.80 +0.27 +0.39 +0.13
GT3 RS +1.36 1'31.20 -0.25 +0.77
Moto +2.10 +0.88 1'32.17 +1.92
F1 +0.36 +0.34 +0.39 1'00.85

Suggest a resource or video

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

clear form max 500 characters

Resource Guidelines

You are welcome to suggest a resource for Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Valuable resources include:
  • YouTube videos
  • Websites
  • PDFs
Resources which are excellent demonstrations or discussions of the racing line at this circuit will be added to the page. Thank you for contributing!

The Racing Line at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

When a Ducati wielding European motorhead comes over to the States with a track experience in mind, only one circuit will do, and that's Laguna Seca. Famous for the Corkscrew and infamous for its draconian noise regulations, Laguna has come to represent the world-class racing facility in the United States. And while anyone that's fallen in love with a racing game already knows this track by heart, we submit a humble attempt to help enlighten you to the ideal racing line.

When it comes to the proper racing line, Al shows the most variation in the Andretti Hairpin and the Corkscrew. The Miata takes the tightest line through the hairpin, with an early second apex compared to the GT3. The Motorcycle goes in deep and runs wide at the second apex, swinging wide again before entering Turn 3.

Leading up to and into the Corkscrew, everyone takes the same line. Exiting 8A, however, the Motorcycle deviates from convention and runs a very wide exit, sticking the inside through Turn 9. This approach gains significant time during the downhill section, but loses most of it after the apex. As a result, it may be a useful passing line (just look at all that space!). The car lines through Turn 9 are pretty standard, with the Miata staying farther to the right on corner setup for maximum exit speed. From Turn 10 through the start/finish the lines mostly collapse into a single path. Note the wide arc through Turn 11; corner speed should not be sacraficed for drive out onto the back straight!

Spec Miata - 30 Minutes

Founder's Notes

If you really want to learn the track, this video should be helpful. Grab a cup of tea and get in the zone. The first ten minutes or so involve sitting in the parking area so I skipped ahead. The driver could be making up time in a couple key areas that I saw, by: 1) taking a tighter entry into Turn 2, and 2) turning in earlier at Turns 3 and 4.

Porsche GT3 RS 1'33.1 lap

Founder's Notes

Piloting a slightly modified Porsche GT3 RS 4.0, StigletRacing follows Al's line pretty closely, but swings a little wider than necessary while approaching Turn 3. Braking points are pretty ideal, and he utilizes heavy trail braking into the corners to maximize use of grip. As the lap time is only 1.5 seconds off Al's pace, this attempt appears to come close to the ideal lap for this vehicle class!

Onboard Lap with ALMS Porsche Penske

Founder's Notes

Fast lap in a fast car.

Ninja 250 vs. the big bikes at Laguna Seca

Founder's Notes

This ride demonstrates what you can do with proper braking points, full use of the track, and getting the bike all the way leaned over. Logan has lots of good onboard videos, so check out his channel!

Onboard at Laguna with Andre Franco

Founder's Notes

This isn't the cleanest lap, but it should help get a feel for going around the track quickly on a motorcycle. Plus, I felt I needed another bike video in the mix. Braking points should be good for reference too, as the pilot isn't braking quite as early as many riders tend to do.

Ferrari F1 Record Lap with Marc Gene

Founder's Notes

Hot lap in an F1. Take note: other than the Miata, there is no need to drive out to the kerbing while setting up for Turn 3. Al confirms this for the GT3 and Miata. Other than that it's typical F1 goodness - thorough trail-braking and full use of the track.