When you think about iconic corners in motorsport what springs to mind? Is it on street circuits such as the tight twisting lines of Monaco, Singapore or Sochi? Or is it the more open and flowing layouts of Malaysia or Silverstone?
Could it even be closer to home with Scotland’s home of motorsport Knockhill or even that hidden gem of a karting circuit? We asked 7 of our expert Xtreme Team to give their favourite corners in motorsport and there are a few in here you might not expect…
Kenny, Operations Manager, Xtreme Karting Edinburgh
Turns 10-13, Maggots and Beckets at Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix. A series of 180- 130mph left, right, left right turns generating high g-force for the drivers and spectacular viewing for the fans. Having been on the track myself, it’s also surprising how much elevation and camber there is through the series of turns. One of the most famous turns on the F1 calendar which is also very rewarding for the drivers if they get it right!
Josh, Senior Race Marshal, Xtreme Karting Edinburgh
Keeping it karting related, mine would have to be turn two at Whilton Mill, crook corner. Keeping the throttle pinned with the engine screaming, you throw the kart into oblivion (T1) taking as much kerb as you dare. Almost instantaneously you then have to flick the kart right as Crook corner is upon you, forcing yourself not to lift off the throttle while on the limit of grip, you try and get yourself as close to the apex as possible. Praying the rear doesnt give up on you, you let the kart run wide onto the concrete run off area. Getting crook right is essential for a fast laptime as having too slow an exit, sliding too much on entry or touching the inside kerb can ruin your lap, throwing you into the barriers or leaving you vulnerable for a lunge into Christmas
Alan, Senior Race Marshal, Xtreme Karting Falkirk
Clarks at Knockhill. Watching the British Touring Cars coming through Clarks and seeing the right-hand side of the car struggle to keep contact with the tarmac is an unbelievable site. This then takes drivers onto the back straight before the hairpin. As a keen photographer snapping drivers coming through Clarks in anger leads to some pretty spectacular shots!
Murray, Race Marshal, Xtreme Karting Edinburgh
Eau-Rouge at Spa. I’m not sure what’s more exciting then see the cars of pinnacle motorsport go flat out through a corkscrew style corner, often side by side, and get to see drivers brave it found the outside, hanging on for dear life.
Kieran, Senior Race Marshal, Xtreme Karting Edinburgh
Rascasse, Monaco. As it’s a slow corner on a very narrow track, overtaking is very difficult – so the exit is crucial! Drivers can’t even afford to light the rear tyres up, as this will compromise your exit speed into the DRS zone – based on Formula 1.
Craig, Duty Manager, Xtreme Karting Edinburgh
The Corkscrew, Laguna Seca. Braking from 100mph+ (depending on formula of motorsport) into a blind corner! A chicane on a blind corner descending 59ft in 450ft of track, with offset camber can catch out even the most experienced drivers / riders.
Glen, Operations Manager, Xtreme Karting Falkirk
Turn 1 at Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas. From the grid straight drivers elevate up 133ft at up to 200mph towards a blind apex, wide left hander. The view on the way up is as epic as looking down from the Grandstand and is an overtaking spot for the brave and sure-of-brakes!
So, do you agree? What corner(s) are your absolute iconic in the world of motorsport? Follow us on Facebook and join in the discussion!
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