jeez, I've watched a lot of races there, never really seen anyone loose traction on all wheels like that.

 

I think a lot of the drivers just studied the track map, which didn't include elevations, so their line didn't take into account the elevation changes. A lot of people that day were losing grip up on that hill. I guess that's what you get on One Lap of America though...10 tracks in 7 days, and having to drive the car between events (i.e. no sleep or time to prepare for each track while racking up ~6000 miles around the country).

 

Elevation change adds a new dimension in difficulty. I'm in Portland and have run PIR a number of times. Pretty much flat. Watched races at Laguna Seca(unfortunately haven't driven it yet) and that's a whole different creature. VIR would be fantastic. I imagine they have a lot more off track adventures with at the tracks with elevation changes.

 

thunderhill and laguna seca both have crazy elevation changes.

traction requires tires being in contact with the track....

 

My roommate is getting married in Napa...and I'm seriously thinking about taking the miata.

 

sears point doesn't have a lot of runoff area. however napa has fine wines and cheeses.

 

Do it. Laguna is an awesome experience. One of the scariest corners on that track is uphill.

Great facility, and the surrounding area is really pleasant.

 

Anyone here have experience at pacific raceway near seattle? Looks like it has some elevation change though not as dramatic as Laguna or VIR.

 

I prefer Thunderhill for elevation change. Turn 5 is a riot, and if you go off on turns 1-10 at T-hill and hit a wall, I'll buy you dinner. (No, not really.)

 

Turn 5? I don't even remember turn 5. now turn 8 is a riot. gentle lift, little steering input, floor it and pray.

but yeah, so much runoff room everywhere. and if you're going fast enough to hit the wall at the end of the esses, well, then ok.

edit: duh THAT turn 5. crows nest!

edit edit: remember this commercial? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVPX2ZwlxNs

thunderhill. lots of turn 9-10's hill

 

Thunderhill is a fun fast track with good elevation changes. I raced there a few years ago in a PRO-7 (NASA Event) and I lost the brakes on the last lap going into turn 5. I think Laguna is best California track. Pretty technical, lots of elevation changes and lots of fast turns.

 

On stock power with the 225/45 R-S2s, I could easily go flat from the exit of 6 to the entrance of 9.

With the turbo, I think that will be more difficult.