Video 1/2

Video 2/2

On March 18th and 19th I had the opportunity to attend Audi Club Golden Gate's "Quattro de Seca" at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. An interesting and unfortunate fact about Laguna is that it has a 92dB sound limit which is measured on the passenger side coming out of turn 5, going up the hill. If you break that limit and are identified you'll receive a black flag...three black flags and you're done for the day. That being said, I wasn't sure my car would pass sound.

I called up the guys at One Stop Race Shop and rented a Spec Miata for the the event in case the S4 didn't pass sound check. Three laps around Laguna yielded 89.5dB the second session of the day. Perfect. After my sound check, I parked the S4 and spent most of of the event in the Miata.

The handful of sessions that I took the S4 out, I was very impressed with the power delivery. The car is able to get up to speed quickly and it continues to deliver predictable power throughout the powerband. With ESP off, the car would easily break traction coming out of a corner. The only issue I had with the car was the brake pad selection, the STaSIS supplied Carbotech Bobcats are definately a street pad; a few high speed stops quickly cooked the pads. The general consensus has been to use either the Ferodo 2500 or 3000s.

This was my first time at Laguna in a car and wow, this track is fun, but I still think I like Thunderhill more. There's something unnerving about cement walls, angry rumble strips, and uneven run off.

Spec Miata Montage

Early session in the the S4

Last weekend I paid Thunderhill Raceway a visit with the Audi Club of Golden Gate...wow, what an awesome track! Since my car wasn't ready, I decided to rent a Spec Miata for the weekend. and this was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I was able to refine my braking and vehicle control techniques over the two days at the track. The first day was split 50/50 with the first half was braking and vehicle dynamics mixed up with on track sessions; the second day was entirely track time.

Honestly, I can say I've learned more with seat time in the Miata than I would have in my S4.

My instructor and I.

This was my second session on the track with a Civic spinning out in front of me.

This was my third session on the first day.

Here is my third session on the second day. I shot this video with my 7D and my SD GoPro.