The Fast Line Through Laguna Seca's Corkscrew

Laguna Seca's corkscrew is where roller coasters and racecars meet. It features an iconic 8 story drop from the first apex to the exit and that second apex is completely blind for the racecar driver as they turn back to the right.

So, how do professional racecar drivers take this corner? What is the fast line, and what are the important factors to know to master this corner? Racers360 breaks down everything you need to know to become a master of the corkscrew at Laguna Seca!

Continue Your Education!

[BlayzeCoaching]

How does the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca rank among your all-time favorite corners? What corner would you like to us to break down in detail next!?

[coolguy]

Went with a buddy of mine to a track day out there last year on a mission to spread his Dads ashes there (his Dad never got the chance to drive there). On his second or third to last lap he tossed his Dad out the window going thru the Corkscrew. It was one of the best things Ive ever been apart of and hope one day I get the same courtesy

[CountryBoyShane]

I encountered the corkscrew for the first time in iRacing today. I've perfected driving straight across the dirt and wrecking the car. This turn is so nuts! Thanks for posting this!!!

[clangswordsman]

I actually love the banked kink proceeding the straight before the corkscrew, the way the car glides on camber is incredible!

[dvmartel]

imo, that initial braking zone is extremely early for any many cars. I will include my Cayman S and my Spec Miata. Both continue WOT well past the braking zone you show. Just before the crest I go to full hard threshold braking and use that slight rise to add grip. The car is then perfectly straight on that right hand berm and ready to follow the rest of your excellent insight. So I would suggest that drivers experiment with a further up the hill braking. Caution: If you start your braking at the crest you are doomed, you will go straight off the track into the gravel.

[juicearth]

Man gran turismo 4 had so much detail, I wouldn’t be able to see the corner coming either and it felt like a drop. I heard the developer was sleeping under his desk and would only be home a few days a year, otherwise he’d be working on the game. I wish this type of commitment was still put into games

[KevinKMv]

Thank you very much for the tips ! I had many issues with that corner. Nice video keep going :). I suggest the karussel at Road America, is it possible ?

[CookJunkie]

@Racer360 would you say to scrape a bit more speed on a fwd car a bit before the crest? I'd assume the weight shift is momentary and you'd would lose a bit of traction in the front wheels before it catches again as you are coming down. Any advice is appreciated.

[terrylessmann]

If you early apex 8a, there's a good chance the right side of your car will go inside of 8b and smack the rain grate. Makes a horrible noise (ask me how I know). But that was only once in 2 days and 8 sessions, so not bad for a LS rookie. Naturally the course photographer caught my misadventure. 🤷‍♂️

[shalahrahim]

I'm really a huge huge huge fan girl of All Audi's racing it's my favorite car in the whole wide world plus someday I would like to see the Audi's travel to my 2nd City of Chicagoland Motor Speedway in Joliet, Illinois it has a wonderful racetrack it would make me very happy to see them for the first time in 24HOURS of Lemans and THE AUDI BOYS

[lateapex]

Thanks for the tips, helped my drop 1 sec on iracing. 1:18.100 Porsche RSR GTE.

[henryt]

All that analysis is great while you are by yourself on the track, but not while you are racing. You don't have any options when cars are to your left and right on how you hug the apex while positioning for a turn.

[johnhayes]

Driven the cork screw...it's 3 stories high..really dont think there's a turn or corner on any track on the planet that's a 8 story drop.

[LeViIain]

The way he talks reminds me of prankinvasion, quick game for a quick kiss anyone???