Mastering Turn 5 at Thunderhill: Taming The Cyclone
Turn 5 at Thunderhill Raceway, affectionately known as “The Cyclone,” isn’t just another corner—it’s the ultimate proving ground. This blind, uphill climb into a sharp downhill descent is as thrilling as unforgiving. Miss your marks, and you’re in for a wild ride (or a quick trip off track). But nail it? You’ll shave precious seconds off your lap time and earn bragging rights.
The Cyclone isn’t about luck but skill, precision, and a steady hand under pressure. Whether you’re chasing the perfect lap or just trying to keep the car pointed in the right direction, mastering this creature of a turn can make or break your day at Thunderhill. Let’s break down everything you need to know to tackle The Cyclone confidently.
What Makes Turn 5 a Challenge?
Turn 5 begins with a steep uphill climb and a blind crest, followed by a sharp downhill descent. The elevation change lightens the rear of the car, making it easy to lose control if you're not prepared. A cautious approach can cost you time, while an overly aggressive line could end with a spinout. The key is balancing confidence with control.
Key Strategies for Conquering Turn 5
1. Approach and Turn-In: Find the Hash Mark
As you exit Turn 4, hug the right edge of the track going uphill. Look for the small white hash mark painted on the track—this is your turn-in point. Turning in too early will compromise your line, so aim for a slightly later turn to set yourself up for the crest.
2. Smooth Steering and Braking: Stay in Control
Your inputs here should be deliberate and measured. Avoid abrupt steering corrections or heavy braking, as these can upset the car's balance. Align your braking with your steering input to maintain stability on the approach.
3. The Blind Crest: Straighten and Commit
As you approach the crest, work to straighten the car at the apex. This minimizes the risk of the rear end stepping out on you. A well-timed throttle application just before the crest will help stabilize the car as you prepare for the descent.
4. Exit: Use the Full Track
On the downhill exit, aim to ride the inside edge of the curb. Let the car naturally flow to the track limits, balancing the throttle and steering to avoid oversteering. Maximizing your use of the track while maintaining control into the next section is key.
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Quick Tips for Success
• Turn Later: Use the hash mark as your reference for a delayed, precise turn-in.
• Straighten at the Crest: Keeping the car perpendicular at the apex limits sliding.
• Maximize Track Usage: Allow the car to flow wide on exit to carry momentum.
Insights: Insights from seasoned racer Daniel Kulas (@DanielKulas). From identifying the ideal turn-in point (hint: keep an eye out for the hash mark) to maintaining control over the crest, we’ve got the tips to help you master this iconic corner.
Practice Makes Perfect
Turn 5 isn't a corner you'll master on your first try. It takes laps—and plenty of them—to build the confidence and muscle memory needed to handle the blind crest and rapid descent. Stick with it; you'll see the rewards in your lap times.
Ready to Tackle Turn 5?
Thunderhill has track rental dates available this February and March, with weekday and weekend session discounts. Whether looking for private testing or organizing a group event, this is your chance to sharpen your skills on one of the track's most famous corners.
See you on the track, Ted 🏎️ 🏁
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At Thunderhill, we’ve been delivering a superior motorsports experience for over 30 years. Our track remains one of the finest, safest, and cleanest road courses in America. Beyond the track, our team continues to set the standard for world-class customer service, exceeding expectations at every turn.
