WSBK Laguna Seca 2013

I know that this is a bit after the horse has bolted but with one thing and another it's the first time I've been able to put fingers to key board for quite some time.

Part of my recent trip to America saw me in Monterey CA for the American round of the World Superbike Championship at the Laguna Seca track or Mazda Raceway as the sponsor likes it to be called. It was the first time in 9 years that WSBK had been to Laguna so no one was quite sure what to expect. Firstly would there be any riders? Only 15 had started in the previous round in Turkey. A few call ups from the minor leagues and the introduction of one of the American championship teams meant that there was a grid.

I haven't followed WSBK properly for a few years so I was really attending the event to witness the spectacle rather than cheer on a rider. I'd been to this track before for a MotoGP round in 2010 so I knew where I wanted to watch the action from; The Corkscrew. Possibly the most famous set of curves in motorsport. It's hard to describe but the name says it all.
  
                                                                                 

The Corkscrew

It can be a bit of a trek to get to the top of the curve but is worth it. There's no grandstand on The Corkscrew so a general admission ticket is all you need to watch the action. There's a bar and a couple of food stands. Shade can be a bit of an issue. As someone who's used to watching racing from a sodden hedge in the Isle of Man some sun and the ability to be fed and watered with ease is a great thing. The opening lap is often the best as the bikes arrive in what I can only describe as a train. It's fantastic to see bike after bike sweeping through the bends.                                                                                                        

I also caught some of the action at Andretti Curve which is just after start finish line. I can only describe that one as a sweeping hairpin which I know doesn't do it justice, I think double apex is the technical term. The bikes seem to pass through the curve almost horizontal before powering off towards turn 3.                     

Andretti Curve.

My main conclusion is that watching bike racing with the sun shining is a pleasurable experience.

Thirsty work.