We had a great time at La Junta Raceway in La Junta, CO. 1.2 miles, 7 turns, 4,238′ ASL.
If you look at the track map, it looks pretty easy. Only 7 turns, and fairly flat. But this track is a challenge to get right. You really have to pay attention, and know how to read the track. When you do get it right, it will reward you with some very fast corners. Especially turns 1 and 2, which I can run at about 120-125 mph.
The biggest problem to overcome is that the track is pretty rough. Look at turns 1, 2, and 3. It crosses over an old taxiway, and onto an old runway. It’s like a huge berm. For a lot of cars, that up and down really upsets the suspension. But the super Miata suspension I installed soaked up those bumps like nobody’s business. It really inspired a lot of confidence.
Turns 6 and 7 are a challenge as well. Narrow, difficult to see, off camber, and slow after coming off a medium straight. Lots of cars went in to the dirt here.
I’m telling you, get rid of those rubber bushings if you can. Spherical bearings are a huge improvement. I am really pleased with this car. It is so fast, and so much fun to drive. It only gets outrun by cars that cost 2-3 times as much to own. And racing in an open car is really something else.
This is what a fast lap looks like. My best time was 55.659; that’s viper and Z06 territory. Not bad for my little home made go cart. The track manager has a ton of laps in his Viper, and he said he usually runs in the mid 55’s.
It’s not a long haul from the Springs. No further than High Plains. But it’s a bit of a haul for the Denver and Broomfield folks. I sure hope it’s on our schedule next year.
I’ll be out of town for June and July. Heading to Alaska for some vacation time.