Track Study Guide

Track Study Guide

Laguna Seca Raceway

Address: 1021 Monterey Salinas Hwy, Salinas, CA 93908
Hours: Open 8 AM - 5 PM
A world-renowned circuit famous for its dramatic elevation changes and the iconic Corkscrew turn.

Technical Data

  • Length: 2.238 miles (3.602 km)
  • Turns: 11
  • Width: 36-40 ft
  • Surface: Asphalt
  • FIA Grade: 2
  • Fastest Lap (Unofficial): 1:06.309 (Ricardo Zonta, Toyota F1, 2006)
  • Key Features: Corkscrew (Turns 8/8A), Andretti Hairpin (Turn 2), Rainey Curve (Turn 9)

Elevation Profile

  • Total Elevation Change: 180 ft (55 m)
  • Corkscrew Drop: 59 ft over 450 ft (18% gradient at steepest)
  • Turn 8 to Turn 9: Additional 109 ft drop
  • Highest Point: Turn 8 (approx. 300 ft above Turn 2)

Climate

  • Type: Mediterranean
  • Average Temps: 50°F-70°F year-round
  • Precipitation: 16-20 in annually, mostly Nov-Apr
  • Fog: Common in mornings, especially summer

2025 Weather Forecast

  • Spring (Mar-May): 55-65°F, occasional rain (30% chance)
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): 60-75°F, dry, morning fog
  • Fall (Sep-Nov): 60-70°F, mild, low rain chance
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): 50-60°F, wet (50% chance rain)
Standard 11-turn layout with full Corkscrew and hairpins.

Big Willow (Willow Springs)

Address: 3500 75th St W, Rosamond, CA 93560
Hours: Open 8 AM - 5 PM
Known as "The Fastest Road in the West" for its high-speed straights and sweeping turns.

Technical Data

  • Length: 2.5 miles (4.023 km)
  • Turns: 9
  • Width: 40 ft
  • Surface: Asphalt
  • Key Features: Turn 2 (sweeping high-speed), Turn 8 (Omega), Turn 9 (entry to front straight)

Elevation Profile

  • Total Elevation Change: ~150 ft
  • Key Drop: Turn 1 to Turn 2 (~50 ft)
  • Highest Point: Turn 1 (~2,600 ft above sea level)

Climate

  • Type: High Desert
  • Average Temps: 40°F-100°F year-round
  • Precipitation: 6-8 in annually, mostly winter
  • Wind: Frequent, 10-20 mph

2025 Weather Forecast

  • Spring (Mar-May): 60-80°F, dry, windy
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): 90-105°F, very dry
  • Fall (Sep-Nov): 70-90°F, mild
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): 40-60°F, occasional rain (20% chance)
Classic 9-turn high-speed layout.

Streets of Willow (Willow Springs)

Address: 3500 75th St W, Rosamond, CA 93560
Hours: Open 8 AM - 5 PM
A technical short course ideal for honing cornering skills.

Technical Data

  • Length: 1.6 miles (2.575 km)
  • Turns: 14
  • Width: 30-36 ft
  • Surface: Asphalt
  • Key Features: Bowl (Turn 11), Skidpad, Tight Hairpins

Elevation Profile

  • Total Elevation Change: ~75 ft
  • Key Rise: Bowl section (~20 ft)
  • Highest Point: ~2,550 ft above sea level

Climate

  • Type: High Desert
  • Average Temps: 40°F-100°F year-round
  • Precipitation: 6-8 in annually
  • Wind: Frequent, 10-20 mph

2025 Weather Forecast

  • Spring (Mar-May): 60-80°F, dry, windy
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): 90-105°F, very dry
  • Fall (Sep-Nov): 70-90°F, mild
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): 40-60°F, occasional rain (20% chance)
Extended 14-turn layout with Bowl.
Compact 12-turn variant.

Buttonwillow Raceway Park

Address: 24551 Lerdo Hwy, Buttonwillow, CA 93206
Hours: Open 8 AM - 5 PM
A versatile track with multiple configurations and elevation changes.

Technical Data

  • Length: 3.1 miles (4.989 km, Config 13)
  • Turns: 13-25 (varies by config)
  • Width: 40 ft
  • Surface: Asphalt
  • Key Features: Star Mazda, Riverside, Lost Hill

Elevation Profile

  • Total Elevation Change: ~80 ft
  • Key Rise: Lost Hill (~30 ft)
  • Highest Point: ~350 ft above sea level

Climate

  • Type: Semi-Arid
  • Average Temps: 40°F-105°F year-round
  • Precipitation: 6-10 in annually
  • Heat: Extreme in summer

2025 Weather Forecast

  • Spring (Mar-May): 65-85°F, dry
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): 95-110°F, very dry
  • Fall (Sep-Nov): 75-95°F, mild
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): 45-65°F, occasional rain (25% chance)
3.1-mile, 13-turn clockwise layout.
3.1-mile, 13-turn counterclockwise layout.

Chuckwalla Valley Raceway

Address: 25300 Rice Rd, Desert Center, CA 92239
Hours: Open 8 AM - 5 PM
A modern desert circuit with flowing turns.

Technical Data

  • Length: 2.68 miles (4.312 km)
  • Turns: 17
  • Width: 40 ft
  • Surface: Asphalt
  • Key Features: The Bowl, Esses, Long Straight

Elevation Profile

  • Total Elevation Change: ~60 ft
  • Key Rise: The Bowl (~20 ft)
  • Highest Point: ~500 ft above sea level

Climate

  • Type: Desert
  • Average Temps: 50°F-115°F year-round
  • Precipitation: 3-5 in annually
  • Heat: Extreme May-Oct

2025 Weather Forecast

  • Spring (Mar-May): 75-95°F, dry
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): 105-115°F, very dry
  • Fall (Sep-Nov): 85-100°F, dry
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): 50-75°F, rare rain (10% chance)
2.68-mile, 17-turn clockwise layout.
2.68-mile, 17-turn counterclockwise layout.

Circuit of the Americas

Address: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617
Hours: Open 8 AM - 5 PM
An F1-grade circuit with significant elevation and technical complexity.

Technical Data

  • Length: 3.427 miles (5.513 km)
  • Turns: 20
  • Width: 39-49 ft
  • Surface: Asphalt
  • FIA Grade: 1
  • Key Features: Turn 1 (uphill), Esses (3-6), Hairpin (11)

Elevation Profile

  • Total Elevation Change: 133 ft
  • Turn 1 Rise: 98 ft over 650 ft
  • Highest Point: Turn 1 (~700 ft above sea level)

Climate

  • Type: Humid Subtropical
  • Average Temps: 50°F-95°F year-round
  • Precipitation: 34-38 in annually
  • Humidity: High, 60-80%

2025 Weather Forecast

  • Spring (Mar-May): 65-85°F, rain (40% chance)
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): 85-100°F, hot, humid
  • Fall (Sep-Nov): 70-90°F, mild, occasional rain
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): 50-70°F, cool, wet (30% chance)
Full 20-turn, 3.427-mile layout.
2.3-mile, 15-turn condensed layout.

Road America

Address: N7390 WI-67, Plymouth, WI 53073
Hours: Open 8 AM - 5 PM
A legendary road course with long straights and elevation shifts.

Technical Data

  • Length: 4.048 miles (6.515 km)
  • Turns: 14
  • Width: 36-40 ft
  • Surface: Asphalt
  • Key Features: Carousel (Turn 9-10), Kink (Turn 11), Canada Corner (Turn 12)

Elevation Profile

  • Total Elevation Change: ~150 ft
  • Key Drop: Turn 5 to Turn 6 (~50 ft)
  • Highest Point: Turn 1 (~950 ft above sea level)

Climate

  • Type: Continental
  • Average Temps: 20°F-85°F year-round
  • Precipitation: 30-35 in annually
  • Snow: Common Dec-Mar

2025 Weather Forecast

  • Spring (Mar-May): 40-65°F, rain/snow (40% chance)
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): 70-85°F, warm, humid
  • Fall (Sep-Nov): 50-70°F, cool, rain (30% chance)
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): 20-35°F, snow (50% chance)
Classic 14-turn, 4.048-mile layout.

Thunderhill Raceway

Address: 5250 CA-162, Willows, CA 95988
Hours: Open 8 AM - 5 PM
Home to the longest endurance race in the U.S., the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, with versatile layouts.

Technical Data

  • Length: 3.0 miles (East), 2.0 miles (West), 5.0 miles (Combined)
  • Turns: 15 (East), 11 (West), 26 (Combined)
  • Width: 36-40 ft
  • Surface: Asphalt
  • Key Features: The Cyclone (Turn 5), Turn 10 (sweeping), Long Straights

Elevation Profile

  • Total Elevation Change: ~200 ft (Combined)
  • Key Drop: Cyclone (~50 ft descent)
  • Highest Point: ~300 ft above sea level (East)

Climate

  • Type: Mediterranean
  • Average Temps: 45°F-95°F year-round
  • Precipitation: 20-25 in annually, mostly winter
  • Heat: High in summer

2025 Weather Forecast

  • Spring (Mar-May): 60-80°F, occasional rain (30% chance)
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): 85-100°F, dry
  • Fall (Sep-Nov): 70-90°F, mild
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): 45-65°F, wet (40% chance)
3.0-mile, 15-turn East layout.
2.0-mile, 11-turn West layout.
5.0-mile, 26-turn full course.

Thermal Club Raceway

Address: 86030 62nd Ave, Thermal, CA 92274
Hours: Open 8 AM - 5 PM
A private motorsport resort with multiple challenging circuits.

Technical Data

  • Length: 3.1 miles (South Palm), 2.9 miles (North Palm), 1.8 miles (Desert)
  • Turns: 19 (South), 17 (North), 14 (Desert)
  • Width: 40-50 ft
  • Surface: Asphalt
  • Key Features: High-speed straights, tight esses, elevation shifts

Elevation Profile

  • Total Elevation Change: ~50 ft (varies by circuit)
  • Key Rise: South Palm mid-section (~20 ft)
  • Highest Point: ~150 ft below sea level

Climate

  • Type: Desert
  • Average Temps: 50°F-115°F year-round
  • Precipitation: 3-5 in annually
  • Heat: Extreme May-Oct

2025 Weather Forecast

  • Spring (Mar-May): 75-95°F, dry
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): 105-115°F, very dry
  • Fall (Sep-Nov): 85-100°F, dry
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): 50-75°F, rare rain (10% chance)
3.1-mile, 19-turn South Palm layout.
2.9-mile, 17-turn North Palm layout.
1.8-mile, 14-turn Desert layout.

Sonoma Raceway

Address: 29355 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA 95476
Hours: Open 8 AM - 5 PM
A technical road course with significant elevation and diverse turns.

Technical Data

  • Length: 2.52 miles (4.058 km, Full)
  • Turns: 12
  • Width: 40 ft
  • Surface: Asphalt
  • FIA Grade: 2
  • Key Features: Turn 3A (hairpin), Carousel (Turn 6), Turn 11 (tight)

Elevation Profile

  • Total Elevation Change: 160 ft
  • Key Rise: Turn 1 to Turn 2 (~80 ft)
  • Highest Point: Turn 3 (~170 ft above sea level)

Climate

  • Type: Mediterranean
  • Average Temps: 45°F-85°F year-round
  • Precipitation: 30-35 in annually, mostly winter
  • Fog: Occasional

2025 Weather Forecast

  • Spring (Mar-May): 55-75°F, rain (35% chance)
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): 70-85°F, dry
  • Fall (Sep-Nov): 65-80°F, mild
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): 45-60°F, wet (45% chance)
2.52-mile, 12-turn full road course.
1.99-mile, 10-turn NASCAR variant.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Address: 7000 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89115
Hours: Open 8 AM - 5 PM
A high-speed oval with additional road course options.

Technical Data

  • Length: 1.5 miles (Oval), 2.4 miles (Road Course)
  • Turns: 4 (Oval), 12 (Road Course)
  • Width: 75 ft (Oval), 40 ft (Road)
  • Surface: Asphalt
  • Banking: 20° (Oval turns)
  • Key Features: Tri-Oval, Road Course Esses

Elevation Profile

  • Total Elevation Change: ~30 ft (Road Course)
  • Highest Point: ~2,100 ft above sea level
  • Oval: Minimal elevation change

Climate

  • Type: Desert
  • Average Temps: 40°F-105°F year-round
  • Precipitation: 4-6 in annually
  • Wind: Occasional, 10-15 mph

2025 Weather Forecast

  • Spring (Mar-May): 65-85°F, dry
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): 95-110°F, very dry
  • Fall (Sep-Nov): 75-95°F, dry
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): 40-60°F, rare rain (15% chance)
1.5-mile, 4-turn tri-oval with 20° banking.
2.4-mile, 12-turn road course inside oval.

Spring Mountain Raceway

Address: 4767 NV-160, Pahrump, NV 89048
Hours: Open 8 AM - 5 PM
A sprawling motorsport complex with multiple configurations.

Technical Data

  • Length: 6.1 miles (Full), 3.4 miles (Outer), 2.2 miles (North)
  • Turns: 24 (Full), 15 (Outer), 11 (North)
  • Width: 40 ft
  • Surface: Asphalt
  • Key Features: Radical Loop, High-speed straights

Elevation Profile

  • Total Elevation Change: ~100 ft (Full)
  • Key Rise: Radical Loop (~30 ft)
  • Highest Point: ~2,800 ft above sea level

Climate

  • Type: Desert
  • Average Temps: 40°F-105°F year-round
  • Precipitation: 4-6 in annually
  • Wind: Occasional, 10-15 mph

2025 Weather Forecast

  • Spring (Mar-May): 65-85°F, dry
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): 95-110°F, very dry
  • Fall (Sep-Nov): 75-95°F, dry
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): 40-60°F, rare rain (15% chance)
6.1-mile, 24-turn full layout.
3.4-mile, 15-turn outer loop.
2.2-mile, 11-turn north loop.

Track Day Essentials

Welcome to the ultimate track day experience! Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, here’s everything you need to know to hit the asphalt with confidence and style. Buckle up—this is your playbook for speed, safety, and fun!

Flag Meanings: Your Trackside Language

  • Green Flag: Go time! The track is clear—unleash your inner speed demon.
  • Yellow Flag: Caution ahead. Slow down, no passing, and watch for hazards—could be debris or a spin-out.
  • Red Flag: Stop immediately. Something big’s up—safely pull to the side and await instructions.
  • Black Flag: Uh-oh, that’s for you. Head to the pits—could be a mechanical issue or a rules violation.
  • White Flag: One lap to go (or slow vehicle on track). Wrap it up or stay alert!
  • Checkered Flag: Victory lap vibes! Session’s over—time to cool down and brag.
  • Blue Flag (with Yellow Stripe): Faster car behind you. Hold your line and let ‘em pass when safe.

Passing Rules: Know Your Group

Your group determines how you share the track. Here’s the breakdown—follow these, and you’ll be a track day hero!

  • Beginner Group:
    • Mandatory point-by passing—driver ahead points left or right to signal where you can pass.
    • Passing only on main straightaways—keeps it simple and safe while you learn the ropes.
    • No hero moves—focus on smooth lines and building confidence.
  • Intermediate Group:
    • Mandatory point-by passing throughout the course—signal clearly every time.
    • More freedom to pass, but keep it controlled—corners are fair game with permission.
    • Stay predictable—consistency is your ticket to the next level.
  • Advanced Group:
    • Open passing anywhere—point-by recommended but not required.
    • You’re the master of your domain—pass with precision and awareness.
    • Trust your instincts, but never compromise safety—speed is earned.

Track Day Rules & Tips: Rev Up the Fun

  • Gear Up: Helmet (Snell SA2015 or newer), long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a fire-resistant suit if you’re feeling pro (or if you're driving a racecar). Safety is everything!
  • Car Check: Tires with good tread, brakes in top shape, and no leaks—your ride’s gotta be as ready as you are.
  • Fuel Up: Full tank before you roll—don’t get caught coasting on fumes mid-session.
  • Hydrate & Snack: Bring water and high-energy bites—racing’s a workout, and you’ll need the juice.
  • No Ego, Just Flow: Leave the road rage at home. Track days are about skill, not showdowns.
  • Listen Up: Mandatory drivers’ meeting at 8 AM sharp—know the day’s config, flags, and vibe.
  • Spotters Are Your Friends: Corner workers are your eyes—respect their signals like gospel.
  • Cool Down Like a Champ: After your run, do a slow lap to chill your brakes and tires—your car deserves a breather.
  • Trash Talk Allowed: Post-session pit chats are where legends are born—share your best lap stories!
  • Photo Ops: Snap your beast in the pits or on the grid—proof you conquered the track! Don't forget to tag @speedphenomtrackdays and @speedphenom on Instagram.

Ready to rip it up? Sign up, suit up, and let’s make some tire smoke! Every lap’s a chance to better your skills in an HPDE environment and join the track day tribe. See you at 8 AM—don’t be late, or you’ll miss the green flag!

Email support@speedphenomtrackdays.com for any track day questions.