Laguna Seca
How to Master the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca
Introduction
“It’s like driving off a 5-story building.”
That’s how most people describe the Corkscrew. And they aren’t wrong. The elevation drop is 59 feet in just 450 feet of track length.
But the Corkscrew is actually one of the slowest and most straightforward corners on the track… if you know the secret.
The Approach (Turn 8 Entry)
The setup for the Corkscrew starts at the exit of Turn 7. You want to extend straight up the hill.
The Braking Zone: You are braking uphill, which means you can brake extremely late. The gravity helps slow the car down.
- Reference: Look for the specific tree or signboard on the left (I’ll show you this in person).
- Technique: Heavy initial brake pressure, but bleed off before you crest the hill.
The Blind Apex
The entry closest to the Corkscrew is blind. You cannot see the apex curb until you are on top of it. Aim Point: There is often a specific oak tree in the distance that lines up perfectly with the blind apex.
The Drop (Turn 8A)
Once you hit the first left apex, the car unloads. The suspension extends. Do NOT touch the brake here. If you touch the brake while the car is light, you will lock up and go straight. You need to be back on throttle (maintenance) or coasting down the hill.
The Compression (Turn 8B)
At the bottom (Turn 8B), the car compresses violently. You have massive grip here. Use that grip to rotate the car right for Turn 9 (Rainey Curve).
Common Mistakes
- Braking too early: Fear makes people brake way down the hill.
- Early Turn-in: Turning in too early puts you on the dirt on the left.
- Lifting at the Curb: You need to commit over the blind crest.
Summary
The Corkscrew is scary, but Turn 9 (Rainey Curve) is the dangerous one. Treat the Corkscrew as a setup corner for the fast run down the hill.
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