Laguna Seca Track Guide

Aug 25 2024

Laguna Seca, officially known as WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, is one of the most iconic tracks in motorsport. Located in Monterey, California, this 3.602 km (2.238 miles) circuit is famous for its unique combination of tight corners, elevation changes, and the legendary Corkscrew. With our Laguna Seca track guide , you will master every turn and learn the best strategies to win your races.

Laguna Seca race track layout

Laguna Seca features 11 corners and a significant elevation change of 55 meters (180 feet) between its highest and lowest points. The track is known for its technical sections, asking sharp braking, and accurate cornering. The best part of the circuit is the Corkscrew, a left-right chicane with a dramatic drop in elevation, making it one of the most thrilling corners in motorsport.

Laguna Seca track map

Laguna Seca Raceway Official Website

The Andretti Hairpin (Turns 1-2)

Corner type: double-apex left-hand hairpin
Braking point: around 150 meters before Turn 2, just before the Turn 1 kink.
Apex speed: around 80-100 km/h (50-62 mph)
Tips: approach the hairpin by braking in a straight line through the Turn 1 kink. Hit the first apex early in Turn 2 and let the car drift towards the outside before turning back in for the second apex. Be smooth on the throttle to maximize traction on exit.

Laguna Seca Sim Racing Guide — The Andretti Hairpin (Turns 1-2)

Turn 3

Corner type: medium-speed right-hand corner
Braking point: around 70 meters before the corner.
Apex speed: around 110-120 km/h (68-75 mph)
Tips: this corner is all about a late apex. Brake early, turn in smoothly, and aim to hit the apex late to get a good exit. This sets you up for the short straight leading into Turn 4.

Turn 4

Corner type: medium-speed right-hand corner
Braking point: around 60 meters before the corner.
Apex speed: around 120-130 km/h (75-81 mph)
Tips: turn 4 is faster than it appears. Brake lightly, maintain momentum, and use a little bit of the inside kerb. Focus on a clean exit as this leads onto one of the longer straights on the circuit.

Turn 5 – Laguna Seca Racing Line

Corner type: uphill left-hand corner
Braking point: around 80 meters before the corner.
Apex speed: around 100-110 km/h (62-68 mph)
Tips: turn 5 is slightly uphill, so brake a bit earlier to avoid understeer. Use the inside kerb to help rotate the car, and aim for a strong exit as the track climbs towards Turn 6.

Turn 6

Corner type: fast left-hand corner with elevation change
Braking point: around 50 meters before the corner.
Apex speed: around 130-140 km/h (81-87 mph)
Tips: turn 6 is one of the most challenging corners at Laguna Seca. It’s blind and fast, so commit to the turn-in point and use the inside kerb to help the car rotate. Get back on the power early to carry speed up the Rahal Straight.

The legendary Laguna Seca Corkscrew (Turns 7-8)

The Corkscrew at Laguna Seca is one of the most dramatic corners in all of motorsport, and the steepest.

Corner type: left-right chicane with a steep downhill drop
Braking point: around 100 meters before the left-hand Turn 7.
Apex speed: around 70-80 km/h (43-50 mph)
Tips: the Corkscrew is the most famous section of Laguna Seca. Brake hard in a straight line before Turn 7, and turn in sharply to the left. As soon as you crest the hill, flick the car right for Turn 8 and be ready for the dramatic drop. Stay off the inside kerbs and aim for a smooth exit.

Laguna Seca Corkscrew height:

Vertical drop: ~18 meters (59 feet) from Turn 8 to Turn 9.
Most of the drop happens in just 40 meters (131 feet) of track.
That’s about a 16% grade, steeper than most ski slopes!

How steep is the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca?

You crest a blind left at Turn 8, then immediately dive right into a downhill plunge.
The track drops faster than your stomach — like a rollercoaster.
It’s often compared to “driving off a cliff.”

Turn 9 (Rainey Curve)

Corner type: fast downhill left-hand corner
Braking point: slight lift or gentle brake before the corner.
Apex speed: around 140-150 km/h (87-93 mph)
Tips: Rainey Curve is fast and downhill, so the car will feel light. Keep a balanced throttle to maintain control. Use the track width on exit, but avoid going too wide onto the dirt.

Turn 10

Corner type: medium-speed right-hand corner
Braking point: around 60 meters before the corner.
Apex speed: around 120-130 km/h (75-81 mph)
Tips: brake slightly earlier than you think, as the car is still recovering from the Rainey Curve. Hit the apex late to prepare for the final corner.

Turn 11

Corner type: tight left-hand hairpin
Braking point: around 90 meters before the corner.
Apex speed: around 60-70 km/h (37-43 mph)
Tips: the final corner is a prime overtaking spot. Brake hard and late, but be careful not to lock up. Focus on a smooth exit to carry speed down the main straight, which is crucial for a good lap time.

Laguna Seca Track Guide: tips for a fast lap

Corkscrew at Laguna Seca: the Corkscrew is where you can gain or lose a lot of time. Be confident and precise with your inputs.
Maximize exit speed: focus on getting clean exits out of Turns 4, 5, and 11. These corners lead onto the longer straights where top speed is key.
Smooth inputs: Laguna Seca rewards smooth and consistent driving. Avoid aggressive steering, throttle, or braking inputs that could unsettle the car, especially through the faster sections.
Trail braking: use trail braking into corners like Turn 5 and Turn 11 to keep the car balanced and maintain speed.

Is Laguna Seca difficult?

Oh yeah — Laguna Seca is absolutely difficult, and here’s why it’s a favorite and a challenge for even the most skilled Sim Racer:

The Laguna Seca Corkscrew (Turns 8 & 8A)

Blind entry, left-right combo, massive elevation drop.
You can’t see the apex or exit, you have to commit on memory and feel.
Get it wrong and you’re in the gravel.

Elevation changes everywhere

Not just the Corkscrew, the whole track has ups, downs, and off-camber turns.
This messes with braking points and grip levels constantly.

Low Grip Surface

The track is often dusty and lacks the grip of more modern circuits.
Easy to lock up or slide, especially offline.

Narrow and technical

No room for error.
Minimal runoff in key areas, with walls or gravel traps waiting.

Deceptive corners

Many corners look similar or seem faster than they are.
Late apexes and tight exits catch people out all the time.

Laguna Seca is a driver’s track, one that rewards precision, skills, and timing. It’s short, but every turn matters. One mistake? You’re in the sand.

Laguna Seca Sim Racing tips

Qualifying position: Laguna Seca is narrow and technical, making overtaking difficult. A strong qualifying position is crucial.
Defensive driving: if you’re leading, focus on defending your position by controlling the racing line, especially through the tight sections.
Tire management: Laguna Seca is tough on tires, especially the left-side tires due to the high-speed right-handers. Manage your tires to avoid a drop-off in performance late in the race.
Watch for mistakes: the Corkscrew and Rainey Curve are notorious for catching drivers out. Stay close to competitors through these sections and capitalize on any mistakes.

Laguna Seca Track Guide – Conclusion

That’s it, our guide is finished. Now, all you have to do is put all our advice into practice, and be patient and persistent. After a few dozen (or hundreds?) of hours, you should improve your lap times and obtain better rankings during your online races.

I hope I have helped you with this Laguna Seca circuit guide, and wish you good luck for your next races.