Tough tracks + next month

The world’s toughest racetracks

Yes, the Corkscrew… There can be no talk of Laguna Seca without discussing that chicane. But, as legendary as Corkscrew is, it overshadows 10 other corners of a very challenging racetrack. There’s Rahal Straight that’s not entirely straight, plus Rainy Curve, a high-speed left-hander that demands any remaining brave pills left after Corkscrew. Both require steadfast car control and commitment.

TOUGHEST CORNER: CORKSCREW

Easily the most visually dramatic corner in all of racingdom, this chicane has an 18-metre elevation change in just 137 metres; that’s like dropping five floors. To make it even harder, the approach is uphill to a blind apex before you have to position your car for the left-right free-fall. As you approach it uphill, there’s a big bump at the top before easing off as you go over the crest. When entering the corner, the car’s nose is still angled to the sky, so there aren’t any visual references. It’s all about feel and seat-of-your-pants judgement.

THE MASTER: ALEX ZANARDI

The Italian is not bestowed this honour because he has won here more than anyone else, but he gets it purely for The Pass. Yes, his move on Bryan Herta during the last lap of the last race of the ’96 Indycar season was so impressive that it has been given uppercase status and acknowledged as one of the greatest overtaking manoeuvres in motorsport history.

INTERESTING FACT

Sportscar races held at Pebble Beach in the 1950s led to Laguna Seca being built. Held on public roads through the Del Monte pine forests, the increasing speeds meant serious safety concerns and, after raising US$1,5 million, the purpose-built racetrack was constructed on the former Fort Ord US Army base. The new track opened 9 November 1957 with one Pete Lovely and his Ferrari 500 Testa Rossa winning the inaugural race.