Laguna Seca Video

ChrisZang

ChrisZang

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Hi Babblers,

not too many posts here these days, I guess the holidays already have us in their grip. So I figured I post another one of my driving videos from a PCA track day @ Laguna Seca today. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFdGXdyPnBc"]Laguna Seca Dec 9 - YouTube[/ame]

It was a bit chilly in the morning with 30F, but with no cloud in the sky it eventually warmed up and we all had an awesome day :D

Warning: If you watch this video you will be wasting 1.55:70 minutes of your life ;)
 
Nice catch!
I wish our local PCA would let us run topless at Sebring, Homestead and Moroso.
One day I'd like to do a few real laps at Laguna. I've done a few thousand already but they don't really count when you steer your car with a joystick!
Happy Boxstering,
Pedro
 
Topless in Laguna Seca

Hi Pedro,

well PCA-GGR only lets me drive "topless" because I have a Brey-Krause rollbar extension (see photo) with which I barely pass the broomstick test :rolleyes:

About driving in Laguna Seca:
Around 15 years ago I came to the Bay Area and I remember the magic I felt driving across the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time (in a Miata). I drove Laguna Seca for the first time this September and the feeling was even "more magic". Driving in Laguna Seca (and I mean not in a parade lap but at fast speed) was one of the "100 things to do before you die" for me. Well, I came back for a second time this Sunday and the magic hadn't worn off one single bit. I am looking forward to many more track days in Laguna it's simply - PRICELESS
 

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What a waste of time....just kidding!

Enjoyed the video. It has been a long time since I was at Laguna Seca (say 1976 or so). Was always a great track even before they reconfigured. Just curious as to what tires you were using and what pressures you were running. Maybe it was because the top was down, but seemed like there was a lot more tire squeal than what I am used to hearing at DE's in my own Boxster running streets. And no I am not slow! LOL. Post video's anytime!!:D
 
Squealing Tires

The old saying that a "Squealing tire is a happy tire" generally holds true. Modern tires with grippy compounds will sequel as they approach the limits of their adhesion :) and some will even change pitch just before passing that limit :eek:. So if your tires aren't squealing, - - - well you are just not up to their limit yet!

Tire pressure is just one of the variables. Other variables are vehicle weight (A boxster weight can vary up to 200+ pounds including driver weight), tire profile, unsprung weight, tire alignment (camber and toe have big impacts), tire temperature, track surface material, suspension (shock valving, ride height, spring stiffness, sway bar stiffness), etc. The right tire pressure for you will be based on a combination of these variables.
 
Hi,

just to respond to the tire question:
I am running Bridgestone 050 PP
25 front (cold) 225/45/17
30 rear (cold) 255/40/17
And I agree with Terry's statement, if I don't hear the tires in a turn, I know I am too slow :D

BTW: If anyone has a set of beat up 17" rims to sell I could finally switch to pure race tires for track days (I am thinking of Toyo Proxes RA1)
 
ChrisZang said:
well PCA-GGR only lets me drive "topless" because I have a Brey-Krause rollbar extension (see photo) with which I barely pass the broomstick test :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Our PCA region won't allow any rollbar extensions. Top MUST be up, windows must be open for DEs.
AXs you can run with Top Down and no Rollbar extension!
Happy Boxstering,
Pedro
 
OK Chirs, here is my Wednesday Nite quaterbacking (coaching:))

Too tight on entrance to 2. You need to decide if you are going to do a double apex or a single decresing radius apex turn...
if 2X apex then you were way wide of the first apex making you early for the second apex. If a singel apex then you were way early, make your arc wider and a much later commitment to the 2nd berm.

3 good
4 good
5 a bit early, wait a bit after braking before turn in.
6 a bit early, and trying to hold the car too tight, let the car run wide at the exit of 6. Less exciting that way:D
7 early braking. let off the gas and then brake over the top, there is plenty of room.
8 pretty good
9 you need to get farther to the right for a better angle of attack for the apex of 9. you were a bit early.
10 good
11 good

overall pretty good for a fairly new track driver...You should be able to get down into the low 1:50s with street tires, and sub 1:50s with DOT Rs.

With my 914 I was turning 1:52s on Sunday with 2 year old 710s and I turned a couple of 1:48s early in the AM in the Spec Boxster. With passenger on board, coaching the line.
 
Thanks for Wednesday night quarterbacking :) much appreciated.
BTW, I just sent you an e-mail with a few pictures of you from the weekend.

About turn 2:
So which line is faster single or dual apex? Or is dual-apex more the racing line?

About turn 7:
I ALWAYS break too early and too hard before the crest, sometimes it’s so bad that I actually have to hit the gas pedal again before the corkscrew :p
So did I get you right: Off the gas before the crest, then “coast” over the crest and then brake hard – or - brake already on the crest?
 
Turn 2, double apex is more of a racing line. the single apex is more of the TT line. Safer and easier on the car.

Turn 7 depends on your car, in my 914 I don't let off the gas and brake until I get to the berm on the right.

In your car, since you should be carrying more speed, a lift before the crest and then braking after you crest.

thanks for the Pix.

:)
 
Bridgestone 050A PP's

Hey Chris...
I also run the 050 PP's. Love the tires. Can't believe you are running 25F and 30R cold to start. I will generally start my DE's at around 32F and 36R and check after 1st session and try to maintain hot pressures at about 35F 39R. Once the PP's get over 40 hot they will get a little slick, especially the rears. Don't you find a bit too much understeer running lower pressures. Perhaps that is where much of the squeal is coming from. BTW, was that video from your 1st session?:)
 
RA1's are nice tires but discontinued by Toyo....may be hard to find

Loved them on a 944...great tire. The new Toyo replacement is very different. Looks more like a Falken Azenis....
 
Tire Choices

Chris,

Let me know how the RA1's work out. They are a favorite track tire of the Lotus Elise crowd as they wear well and come up to temperature quickly. Another interesting choice would be the Bridgestone RE 01R.

I'm getting ready to replace my tires in early January (currently Yokahama AVS Sports) and I'm looking at the new Falken FK452's. Anyone had any experience yet with these on a Boxster (17" wheels)?

Terry
 
here is a couple of pics of the Puttputt at Laguna last Sunday.:D

and Yes, I passed the GT3:eek:

The Toyos are good track tires, they wear a long time on heavier cars. They are not as good for AX since they take longer to get heat into them than other tires such as Victors, 710s or Hoosiers.
Another tire to consider Chris, would be the Nitto NT01s. Heat up a bit faster than the Toyos and wear about the same.
I have a set of Hankooks on my Fuchs wheels and a set of 710 on the 7" custom steel wheels in these pics.
710s are a great AX tire for a heavier car like the Boxster but get greasey after a few hard laps on the big track on a heavier car.
We have tried a set on the Spec Boxster and they are great for 3-4 laps and then start to go away on tracks like Laguna but are fantastic at AXs.
The Hankook 211s (similar to Toyos and Victors) have some tread on them so you could mount them at home and drive to events and still have a decent tire for the track or AX.
 

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Thanks for the reccomendations.
One of the reasons why I am looking at the Toyos is that (other than for example the Michelin Cup) they have a better transition from grip to no grip.
As I understand the Cups are like this: grip, :) grip :) grip :), no grip :eek:

Dan, do any of the tires you mention have a similar "friendly" behaviour like the Toyos?

Thanks
 
Chris, I have no direct experience with the Nittos. The Hankooks are very much like a cross between Victoracers and the Toyos.
Hankooks or the Toyos would be a good tire for you and much cheaper than the Cups. I do not like the Michelins, personally. Every car I have either driven or ridden in with them, I do not like the feel, or how they take a set.
Just my personal feelings. I am sure others think they are great. Just don't think you have to spend that much cash to have a similar or better experience.;)

Aim Tire up in Sonoma (at Infineon) sells the Hankooks and the Toyos.
www.aimtire.com
Another source for the Toyos that is pretty good on price is here.
www.edgeracing.com

You can also get some different brands from tirerack, but I don't know about the availability in your sizes. They carry mostly , Hoosiers, Avons, Michs., and Yokos.
 
I never get tired of your Video's Chris,
Hey, I think I may do Laguna on either the 19th or 20th of Jan. Any takers? Its a nasa HPDE event. Its Cheaper then trackmasters or PCA. Although you do have to pay $40.00 for membership. But you also get a year sub. to grass roots motorsports (pretty cool mag).....Hope to see some other boxsters. It may be wet, so bring your rain tires:)

http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/index.html
 
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