Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R at Laguna Seca
October 31, 2023
In 2023, Laguna Seca received a surface repave and the addition of paved run-off areas, particularly turns 5 and 9. The result is a faster track that resets all previous lap records.
We set out to see what an amateur driver could achieve with the Michelin Cup 2 R on the new surface, behind the wheel of a 991.2 GT3 RS. The first attempt was "sub-optimal" - well - really - it was a complete failure. One of this tire's inherent traits at low temperature and pressure is a sidewall that can easily be excited and cause a lateral shake at the rear end of Porsche GT cars. It was an unexpected behavior and the first session was aborted to check for loose suspension and wheels. The magic of the first heat cycle was gone, but the remaining sessions were used to learn the tire and the grip potential and yielded a best lap time of 1:30.5 on the 5th session of the day.
Day 2, we install a brand new set of Cup 2 R and go for a second attempt on the first heat cycle of the tire. On the two warm up laps, the tire's rear end dance is ignored and lap 3 is completed with maximum attack. The result is a 1:29.1 lap time. Not a perfect lap with several mistakes that indicate a 1:28.x lap is possible.
Primary lesson learned:
- The Cup R exhibits a wobble at low temp/pressure - drive through it, it's not an issue.
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
May 5, 2023
Europe is home to some of the world's most iconic and challenging racetracks. But ask anyone who knows. Truly knows. What is the best race track in Europe? Spa-Francorchamps. Why? High speed corners. Elevation change. Unpredictable weather. A challenge for even the best drivers.
Raidillon. A high-speed right hander that leads up a steep hill following an even faster left hand entry at Eau Rouge. It requires drivers to precisely position the car as they climb a blind crest. At the limit - the car is weightless. Anything more than zero steering input will unsettle the car. As you make your way through the track's 335 ft of elevation change, remember that in the Belgian Ardennes forest, the microclimate doesn’t ask if, but when, how much, and at which corner it will rain.
One Serge Track Days member experienced this behind the wheel of a Porsche GT4 RS.
