preloaded track guide

Sonoma Raceway

Sonoma, CA · 29355 Arnold Dr

The track

Full 2.52-mi, 12-turn road course (NASA NorCal drift days). Fast, flowing, high-grip — a speed-discipline track, not a loose one. Precision beats aggression; overdriving hurts. The Carousel (T5-6) is the money corner.

judging zones

Z1 · Turn 1 entry — Downhill right-hander from the main straight

Clean initiation, hold angle through apogee, manage speed

Z2 · Carousel (T5-6) — Long flowing right-hander at altitude

Sustained angle, smooth steering, smoke output — judged heavily

Z3 · Downhill esses (T7-8) — Fast elevation-change direction swaps

Transition timing, smooth weight transfer, carry exit speed

Z4 · Hairpin (T10) — Tight low-speed direction change

Angle, proximity to the clip box, smooth throttle

Z5 · Final esses (T11-12) — Uphill finishing complex

Momentum management, line precision, exit speed

Initiation

Primary: main-straight entry into Turn 1, approach 65-75 mph. Handbrake + clutch-kick or throttle+angle both work; brake-marker board ~200 ft before apex. Secondary: carry momentum and maintain drift into the Carousel (T5) rather than re-initiating.

Surface & grip

High-quality, consistent-grip asphalt. Painted curbs grip differently than black asphalt — noticeable at speed. Morning (7-9 AM) ~5-10% less grip than mid-afternoon. Clean track, minimal marbles.

Conditions

55-75 °F typical; tires need 10-15 min to working temp. West/NW wind, 10-15 mph afternoon gusts — worst on the main straight and the elevated Carousel. Grip improves 5-10% over the first 2-3 hours.

Setup (S14)

S14 drift-session baseline: rear ARB +1-2 (lock rear for angle), soften springs slightly for compliance, brake bias 65-70% front, 1.5-2-way diff, 28-30 psi. Stiffer/smoother than a tight-track setup — Sonoma rewards predictable weight transfer over elevation.

Preloaded from your vault: Tracks/Sonoma Raceway/Layout.md

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