DJphoto Loc: SF Bay Area

Here is the final set; all were taken at the corkscrew, turns 8/8A. I hope you enjoy them.

Entering turn 8

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Turn 8A - note inside front wheel

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Entering turn 8

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The Corkscrew

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A little brake lock-up entering turn 8

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Salinas and the Salinas Valley from the corkscrew

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Turn 8A

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Turn 8

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Turn 8A - where Alex Zanardi made "THE PASS"

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nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Very good shots. Brings back a lot of memories. I was an assistant director on the Race Operations committee from 1998 to 2004 when we moved to Oklahoma. At the time, the computer store I managed built a number of computers for SCRAMP. Would love to be back there.

DJphoto Loc: SF Bay Area

Thank you for the comments nicksr1125. I'm glad my photos brought back memories (and I assume they are good ones). I went to my first race there in October 1962 before I was old enough to drive. I worked on the timing crew for several years in the 1960s. It is a special place. It looks like I may get there 4 times this year. I already have my camping reservations for the September IMSA race (outside of turn 9) and race tickets for IndyCar. I am planning on going to the Rolex Historics and probably one other event.

fbeaston Loc: Vermont

Excellent shots DJ ... thank you for sharing them. You surely found great vantage points to capture the action.

DJphoto Loc: SF Bay Area

Thanks for the kind words Frank. These are from a test session February 8th; the "real thing" (the final race of the season) is next month. I've been going to Laguna Seca since 1962 (before I was old enough to drive) and know the track well. Laguna Seca is one of my happy places.

fbeaston Loc: Vermont

Color me envious!!!! I have to admit, it's a curiosity thing for me ... I've loved cars forever ... particularly old & fast cars ... but was never able to conceive of being involved at the level of these cars. Way beyond me I'm afraid. And I think I like the driving part more than the watching part. But it is surely an interesting thing, I'm sure, to watch. Thanks for sharing Dennis.

DJphoto Loc: SF Bay Area

Thanks for the comment Frank. I love cars and airplanes. At one time I had visions of being a professional racing driver. I met the love of my life in college in 1970 and we've been married since 1971; a definite good trade from a racing career. I was an aerospace engineer for 35 years and have been teaching part time for 11 years. I love to drive and to watch road racing. My first car was a 6 year old 1960 850 Mini and I've been a fan of small nimble cars ever since. I've always wanted a Mazda Miata, but I just don't fit, due mostly to my legs being too long. I've been driving a small Mazda sedan since 1991, currently a 2006 Mazda 3 with a manual transmission that I enjoy very much; it's my 4 door Miata. It's stock except for the Koni adjustable shocks and high performance summer tires (Bridgestone S-04s) and is a blast to drive in the twisties. It's also great on long trips, and has been as far as Mt. Rushmore.

fbeaston Loc: Vermont

I hear you ... I don't know the Miata ... but years ago, I bought a BMW M Roadster ... with the M engine, it does tend to scoot. I've often thought they'll bury me in that car. But for the most part, I took a slightly different path ... I got hooked on motorcycles ... which unfortunately means I have 8 of them in my basement & garage ... none of them on the road. I retired 3 years ago & got a dog, affectionately called The Mutt ... & I've just not ridden a bike, choosing instead to drive around in a boring station wagon so she can come with me!!!! ;) Go figure.

DJphoto Loc: SF Bay Area

I know the M Roadster. A son in law had one for a few years, but sold it a few months ago, as he wasn't driving it much. I drove it a couple of times; very nice and fast. He recently bought himself a 40th birthday present, an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. The Alfa has a 2.9 liter, 505 HP turbocharged V-6, what is essentially a Ferrari V-8 with two cylinders lopped off. A 4 door sedan that does 0-60 in about 3 seconds and tops out at 191!

My son in law and a good friend (with a Miata) and I took one of my favorite drives 6/27/14. The drive goes over the two highest passes in California, Sonora and Tioga, then through one of my favorite places on the planet: Tuolumne Meadows in upper Yosemite (at about 9,000 ft). Sonora pass is about 9,700 ft; Tioga is just under 10,000. Here are a few photos from the drive (SOOC JPEGs from my previous camera, a Canon SX40 HS.

My wife and I did the same drive in October to see the fall colors and I posted some photos on UHH. It's time to do it again.

Zoom Zoom!

At the top of Sonora Pass

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A little before Tioga Pass

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The M Roadster where we stopped for lunch

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Tuolumne Meadows from near the top of the Lembert Dome

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fbeaston Loc: Vermont

Nice shots Dennis ... nice cars ... nice drive. I've questioned whether I should sell my M roadster ... but hey, I'm retired & doing fine, so why? I take it for a few short spins each year ... hence they might just bury me in it one day. Thanks for the story ... I'm guessing your son-in-law has done well for himself ... good for him. There's something to be said for enjoying a fast car. You & I are of a similar vintage ... & a fast car can also get my blood pumping. Best to you.

DJphoto Loc: SF Bay Area

Thanks Frank. I need to replicate them with my 80D.

Keep the M Roadster. A quick drive through the twisties is good for the soul. Geezerdom is a state of mind and I refuse to be one. I'm getting as much gusto while I can.

fbeaston Loc: Vermont

I'm with ya Dennis ... thanks for the chuckle.