Latest news with #LagunaSeca
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Alfonsine, Prokofiev, Charismatic, Sovereign King, Laguna Seca and Amazing Stride shine
Alfonsine, Prokofiev, Charismatic, Sovereign King, Laguna Seca and Amazing Stride shone when the horses were exercised here on Thursday morning (May 29). Inner sand: 600m: Walking Thunder (I. Chisty) 40. Moved well. Del Aviz (Shreyas) 40.5. Easy. Outer sand: 600m: Exclusive Black (C.A. Brisson) 41.5. Impressed. Striking Viking (Vishal) 43. Strode out well. Double Your Money (Laxman S), Smooth Ranger (Vaibhav) 44. Former finished four lengths ahead. Joondalup (C. Umesh) 41.5. Impressed. 1000m: Angel Raphael (C. Umesh) 1-16, 600/43. Shaped well. Continues (Sai Kiran) 1-15, 600/45.5. Moved freely. Darrion (N. Darshan) 1-15, 600/42.5. Strode out well. 1200m: Cigar Galaxy (P. Trevor) 1-31, 1,000/1-15.5, 600/44. In fine trim. Charismatic (Shinde) 1-25, 1,000/1-10, 600/42.5. A good display. Mystic Charm (Akram) 1-25.5, 1,000/1-11, 600/41.5. Strode out well. Indian Blues (Rajesh K) 1-28, 1,000/1-14, 600/45. Moved freely. Laguna Seca (Hasib), Shine (Hindu S) 1-28, 1,000/1-11, 600/40.5. Former started four lengths behind and finished two lengths ahead. Mindful (Yash), Golden Warrior (Peter) 1-26, 1,000/1-12, 600/43. Former finished four lengths ahead. Grenoble (Hindu S), Roxxane (Hasib) 1-28.5, 1,000/1-11.5, 600/41.5. Former showed out. Amazing Stride (C. Umesh) 1-30, 1,000/1-11.5, 600/42. Moved fluently. 1400m: Alfonsine (G. Vivek) 1-34.5, 1,200/1-20.5, 1,000/1-7.5, 600/41.5. An excellent display. Refreshment (Mustakim) 1-38.5, 1,200/1-23.5, 1,000/1-9.5, 600/41.5. A fine display. Prokofiev (P. Trevor) 1-36, 1,200/1-21, 1,000/1-9.5, 600/41. Responded well to the urgings. Matisse (G. Vivek) 1-43.5, 1,200/1-27.5, 1,000/1-13.5, 600/44. Shaped well. Sovereign King (Antony) 1-37.5, 1,200/1-24, 1,000/1-10.5, 600/43. Moved fluently. Gate practice — inner sand: 1400m: Mystical Air (Darshan) 1-37.5, (1,400-600) 57. Jumped out well. Zorawar (Rozario), Zeppelin (Arvind) 1-43.5, (1,400-600) 55.5. Former finished three lengths ahead. My Visionary (Salman K), Dr. Colchester (Chetan K) 1-41, (1,400-600) 57. They jumped out well. Supernal (Ajinkya), Royal Whisper (rb), Lucero (Vivek) 1-38, (1,400-600) 52.5. Supernal impressed. Inicio (Shareef), Fiery Lexi (Shinde) 1-40.5, (1,400-600) 55.5. Former finished five lengths ahead. Southern Dynasty (Bhawani) 1-38.5, (1,400-600) 53.5. Jumped out well. Divine Secret (Neeraj), Catch The Worm (Shreyas), Hermod (I. Chisty) 1-38.5, (1,400-600) 51.5. First two named were the pick.
Forbes
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Driving A Classic 1997 BMW M3 On Track
The E36 BMW M3 Coupe. Peter Nelson We're undoubtedly living through an era of peak high-performance vehicle technology. Precision engine and chassis tuning make for a phenomenal driving experience right off the showroom floor in many new cars, with a top example being the current, G80-generation BMW M3. But as much as new technology elevates this beast's performance driving experience—to the tune of around 500 horsepower—so does old technology in BMW M3 generations of yore. Like the E36-generation of the mid-to-late '90s, which produced a far lower 240 horsepower in the US market when new. Recently, a friend threw me the keys to his E36-generation 1997 BMW M3 at a track day at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca outside of Monterey, California. After driving countless modern performance cars during my stint as an automotive journalist, including the latest BMW M2, M3, and M4, I was smitten with how this minimally modified old sports car took on this track's storied tarmac. It wasn't just a palate cleanser, but an excellent history lesson, too. The E36 BMW M3's S52 inline-six engine. Peter Nelson Reaching American shores for the 1995 model year, the E36 has always been a bit of black sheep amongst other M3 generations. We barely got it to begin with—enthusiasts had to band together and work hard to convince BMW USA to bring it over after slow sales of the previous E30 generation. And even then, we didn't get the lively 280-horsepower S50 engine that the rest of the world got. Instead, USA models got the S52, which is a lot closer to the non-M M52 than many enthusiasts would prefer. For all intents and purposes, it's a bored-and-stroked M52 with slightly hotter camshafts, mildly revised ECU tuning, and not much else. Regardless, the S52 is still quite entertaining, it responds well to modification, and everything else about the E36 M3 is quite appealing. It received sportier suspension and chassis tuning over the standard 3 series, plus some slick exterior upgrades, a limited-slip differential, bigger and wider wheels, better brakes, and some chic interior equipment. Existing between the rare E30 and more substantially souped-up E46, E36 prices are generally regarded as low for M car fare—music to any track enthusiast's ears, though clean examples definitely fetch a premium. When it comes to the example I drove, its level of prep is fairly minimal: Lightweight Kosei K1 wheels with 200-treadwear Hankook RS4 tires, KW V3 coilover suspension, some minor intake and exhaust modifications, a somewhat stripped interior with a roll bar, Sparco racing seat, six-point harness, upgraded shifter, more track-ready brake pads… and not much else besides attentive maintenance. I assume he's replaced chassis and suspension bushings here and there, but on the whole, it's a mild track build. Which I'm so glad was the case. Donning a HANS and strapping into the six-point Sparco harness, this M3 felt focused but in no way intimidating. Once underway on track, bringing the tires, brakes, and fluids up to temperature, it instantly became easy to get into a rhythm with. Even at a modest warm-up pace, Feeling the chassis turn-in to corners, modulating the brakes, and letting the mighty S52 pull me out of corner-exit with assured low-end torque was quite smile-inducing. When the tires and brakes were ready, it became downright therapeutic to rip through corners at much higher speed. Turn-in was much sharper than I'm used to in my own more modern BMW 128i, so I had to re-train my brain to turn harder—front-end grip was always there, especially through Laguna Seca's tricky Turns 2 and 9. Despite wearing tires with more than a few heat cycles on them, cornering grip was consistent and allowed me to really feel out weight transfer through the track's more high-commitment corners, and I couldn't get over how refreshingly light the car felt. Grippy, light, playful, consistent; I could've ripped laps in this thing all-day-long, especially with its ferocious baritone growl emitting from under the hood and out the tailpipe. The E36 BMW M3 Coupe. Peter Nelson The reason why old school technology is just as fascinating as the latest and greatest all boils down to what it's working with. At around 3,200 pounds—less in this track-prepared example's case—the E36 is athletic, communicative, and just simple. You feel like the only thing between your hands and the apex is a little bit of rubber, metal, and hydraulic fluid. New cars, especially the G80 M3, are far heavier, and the difference in how each takes on a corner is night and day. Don't get me wrong, they're still quite capable and fun to drive, but you feel far less connected, and, no matter how good its factory suspension tuning is, you feel its portliness shift around on each corner. The E36 BMW M3 Coupe. Peter Nelson Not only that, but the E36 I drove didn't have any form of traction control; just my right foot to feather the brake or gas pedal as needed. Because it's so light and communicative, and not too powerful, this wasn't an issue as you easily pick up on when the tires start to give out, or brakes are at their limit, and adjust as necessary. Or, catch a fun bout of oversteer. Like dealing with far less curb weight, less is more when it comes to power and electronics, and both aspects are a real palate cleanser in this old Bavarian brute compared to bigger and far more powerful modern hardware. At the end of the day, newer stuff may turn a quicker lap time, but it's a less-fulfilling experience. Another friend of mine—who's driven this particular example far more than me—noted that the E36-generation BMW M3 feels like a big NA-generation Mazda Miata (the original generation, for those unfamiliar) with more power. I can't think of a more apt description, and it's a testament to BMW M engineers' efforts in designing something meant for fun, engagement, and helping you become a better driver. For anyone who ever has the chance to drive one on the road or track, I highly recommend it. It's a very refreshing and smile-inducing antidote to modern-car complexity.
The Drive
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Ford's CEO Is Racing In the Mustang Challenge at Laguna Seca This Weekend
Jim Farley is not your average car company CEO. A genuine car guy and motorsports enthusiast, the Ford boss has been known to occasionally get behind the wheel of a race car—and he has the podium finishes to prove it. And he looks to repeat that success again this weekend at Laguna Seca. According to Ford Authority , Farley will be one of 20 drivers taking part in the Mustang Challenge, an IMSA-sanctioned single-make series. Following two 30-minute practices and a single 15-minute qualifying session, each sprint race runs for 45 minutes. Farley is driving the No. 17 Mustang Dark Horse R, the same vehicle he drove during the series' inaugural race at Mid-Ohio last year. Saturday's race is already done (Farley finished 11th), and the green flag will wave again Sunday morning. Saturday's entire sprint, in fact, is available to replay on YouTube: These sessions at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will count as rounds 3 and 4 of the six-track, 12-race season. A competitor through and through, Farley is not afraid to challenge other auto execs on the track. Confidence in the product, after the 818-horsepower Mustang GTD was unveiled, Farley said, 'I'll take track time in a Mustang GTD against any other auto boss in their best road car.' That's not a bad idea for a sanctioned race series, actually. Or, at the very least, a Netflix Hyperdrive -style driving competition show. Forget Lando vs Oscar, we wanna see Farley vs Morizo. Anywho, the Mustang Challenge will stream live via Peacock as well as be shown on the Ford Performance and IMSA YouTube channels. Got a tip? Send 'em in to: tips@ Beverly Braga has enjoyed an eventful career as a Swiss Army knife, having held roles as an after-school teacher, film critic, PR manager, transcriber, and video producer – to name a few. She is currently a communications consultant and freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous outlets covering automotive, entertainment, lifestyle, and food & beverage. Beverly grew up in Hawaii but roots for Washington, D.C., sports teams.
Auto Blog
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
It's Official: Porsche and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Tie the Knot
Fans of Porsche have long considered Monterey County's Laguna Seca track a home, thanks to events such as Rennsport Reunion. But now the link is for keeps. Porsche and Laguna Seca, like peanut butter and jelly For many Porsche fans, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on the Monterey Peninsula in California has essentially served as the German automaker's unofficial home base. That's thanks to not just many Porsche sports car victories at the track over the decades but also its recent role as host for multiple editions of Porsche's haloed Rennsport Reunion, multi-day gatherings of rabid Porsche fans and astounding Porsche cars from around the globe. Well, that unofficial marriage just got a bit more real, as Porsche Cars North America officials announced on May 5 that its storied marque is now The Official Car of the raceway, which is itself experiencing a renaissance in leadership and direction. Now you can wring out a new Porsche at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca So what does this all actually mean? For one, it links Porsche to the raceway in a more formal sponsorship partnership, which will include a Porsche (no word on which model, but I'd vote for a 911 GT3 RS) serving as the official safety car for the Monterey Sportscar Championship IMSA race weekend, May 9-11. The race will be broadcast live on Sunday, May 11, at noon PDT/3 p.m. EDT on NBC. But certainly even more exciting for Porsche-philes is word that the track will play host to another location for the automaker's thrill-a-minute Porsche Driving Experience, which offers owners and would-be owners alike a host of driving school options that range from tips for teen drivers to hardcore on-track tutorials from pros. The existing PDE locations are at the company's HQ in Atlanta as well at its Porsche Driving Experience Los Angeles track in Carson. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Source: Porsche For longtime Porsche racer, restorer and track board member Bruce Canepa, the partnership is a natural 'Many of the greatest moments in motorsport history have happened at Laguna Seca,' Timo Resch, President and CEO of PCNA, said in a statement. 'We are excited to be a part in the track's exciting plans for the future and to allow the next generation of enthusiasts to get behind the wheel of a Porsche.' The partnership no doubt was inked with the deft stewardship of ex-racer, noted classic car restoration shop owner and Porsche devotee Bruce Canepa, who helped Bill Gates and others with the importation of Porsche's rest-of-the-world supercar, the 959, and currently is the sole distributor for Kalmar, a high-end Porsche restomod (think Singer, but from Europe). 'We are thrilled to welcome Porsche as the official car of Laguna Seca,' said Canepa, who also serves as a Friends of Laguna Seca board member. 'I have been a fan and owner of their cars for five decades. This partnership brings together two iconic brands, and we are excited to celebrate our collective histories and race into the future together.' Source: Porsche Ever heard of The Corkscrew? There's nothing quite like it in North America Porsche's legacy is extensive at this historic track, which opened in 1957 as a formal location for races that previously had wound through the Del Monte forests near Pebble Beach. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca has so far hosted four Rennsport Reunions dating back 15 years. In 2023, Rennsport Reunion 7 featured historic and new Porsches, top Porsche company officials, and 91,000 fans across the four-day event. In addition, last year Porsche notched it's 600th and 601st IMSA victories at the track, while last February a Taycan Turbo GT became the fastest series-production EV to lap Laguna with a time of 1:27.87. For those of you who have been to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, you know all about The Corkscrew, a sinuous left into a hard right that drops precipitously on the backside of the track, a famous turn that requires you to aim the nose of your car not at a cone but rather a hillside tree, so steep is the dropoff. And so fun. If you've never experienced it, Porsche's new driving school at Laguna Seca will remedy that pronto. The program is slated to open up in 2026. Get in line now.
