Ducati Monster Forum

I'm going to Laguna Seca this July for MotoGP, but have some really naive questions.  I've copy&pasted the schedule below.  What is FP1, FP2, QP, and WUP?  Essentially, there are a couple of thing the wife would like to do (non-motogp stuff) so if I have to miss a couple of events, which ones are less important?  Thanks for your help!


Friday, 23 July 2010   
MotoGP FP1   13:55 - 14:55
Saturday, 24 July 2010   
MotoGP FP2   09:55 - 10:55
MotoGP QP   13:55 - 14:55
Sunday, 25 July 2010   
MotoGP WUP   09:40 - 10:00
MotoGP RAC   14:00

FP1 -- Free Practice 1
FP2 -- Free Practice 2
QP -- Qualifying Practice (where they determine who is on pole)
WUP -- Warm-Up Practice

The nice thing about Friday is that there aren't a lot of people there.  You can get really close to the bikes and generally get a really good view from the Corkscrew and other places that are packed with people on Sat and Sunday.  You can also walk around and watch from all different parts of the track, as there aren't crowds to prevent you from getting from point A to Point B.  I've always liked Friday for that reason.  That said, FP1 is the same as FP2, so whatever works with your schedule . . .

QP is fun to watch and I would try not to miss it.  QP time determines pole position for Sunday's race.  It doesn't really heat up until the last ten minutes.  Many will go out and do a race simulation for most of the practice.  Then they'll throw on qualifying tires and in the waning minutes rip out a fast lap in hopes of qualifying on pole. 

Don't worry about Sunday warm-up.

Spidey,
Thanks so much for your insights!

I'm never walking up that make the beast with two backsing hill again. Actually it will be a long time before I make it back to Laguna. Anyway, Friday is definitely a good day to watch all the action.

the trick is to not walk up the hill, but "around" it.

if you walk the path clockwise (opposite the direction of the bikes), you see all kinds of interesting things.

I did. I was winded by the time I got up to the screw. I decided to spend the rest of my time hanging out with the snobs in the Island.

So it is recommended to take advantage of less people and view the corkscrew on the practice days I gather?

Here's an odd question; what about dogs?  Say in the case of someone with an epileptic seizure-warning dog? 

Yes odd question.  I have no idea on the admission policy, but has the dog ever been around that loud of event?  The bikes literally scream by at 130db, and I think a lot of dogs would not tolerate that long.


mitt

i would say do not take a dog.  as in, that would be borderline cruel.  you can't exactly give him earplugs.

not sure of the whole context of the question, but if the next bit is about wanting to bring the dog b/c a seizure is somewhat likely and/or may be exacerbated by the event, i would say don't take yourself either.  being there is an experience but the viewing is actually better at home.

+1.  If you are in the area, you could check out practice or qualifying probably, but the race is pretty intense with noise, crowds, a lot of walking, hot weather, no shade, etc.  If there was a problem, it might be hard to get help, and then get out, with all the people.

mitt

There it is, I wasn't even sure of the decibel level from certain view points, yes 130dB is too loud for dogs, clearly I wouldn't bring a dog within range of that noise.  I wasn't so much worried about access allowance as the volume.  


It was for my mom, and generally when she travels the dog comes along, but it wouldn't exactly be an option to leave the dog with anyone back in NJ or out here for the day.  Pretty much decides that she'll have to sit this one out.