There’s something uniquely satisfying about flirting with the edge of control—about turning pavement boundaries into launch pads. For me, that thrill has always lived in the apex curbs. These subtle slabs of concrete are more than just part of the track—they’re opportunities to shave tenths, unlock faster lines, and get a little creative with the laws of physics. In my years of racing and coaching, I’ve come to love the corners that reward boldness and precision with just the right dash of chaos.
Some curbs punish you, some invite you in with open arms, and others practically dare you to attack them head-on. Below are my five all-time favorite apex curbs—ones that have stuck with me for their risk, reward, and pure fun.
#5: The Attitudes – Utah Motorsports Campus
The Attitudes at UMC aren’t just corners—they’re a dance sequence. Left. Right. Left again. Each turn flows into the next with increasing urgency, demanding total commitment. But the real wildcard is the apex curb on the right-hander. It’s wide—deceptively so—like it’s taunting you to just barrel straight over it. And yeah, you’ll gain a bit of time if you do.
But here’s the catch: that same curb can rip your undercarriage to shreds if you’re not careful. It’s like playing with fire—you might warm up your lap times, but push too far, and you’re in for a noisy, expensive lesson. The curb became such a magnet for abuse that by 2018, race officials stacked tires on it just to keep us in check. Still, that curb lives rent-free in my memory.
#4: Turns 3–5 – Circuit of the Americas
COTA’s esses in Turns 3, 4, and 5 might look tame on paper, but in reality, they’re a playground with invisible boundaries. The whole section feels like a massive slab of asphalt with some paint to suggest you shouldn’t just cut across. That’s what I first thought too—until the driver’s meeting.
Turns out, COTA has surveillance down to a science. A grid of cameras watches every tire placement, making sure you don’t break the unwritten code of curbing. But there is a loophole—you can kiss the curbs as long as two tires stay on the blacktop. That tiny margin of grace gives you just enough room to find a rhythm, dance through the painted maze, and keep your laps both fast and legal.
#3: Uphill Esses – Virginia International Raceway
Before I ever turned a wheel at VIR, I walked the track—and the uphill esses left a lasting impression. Back in 2008, without high-end sims or crystal-clear onboard videos, walking a track was the best way to learn its secrets. And this section? It told its story through the earth itself.
Behind each curb, the grass was worn down to bare dirt. That kind of erosion doesn’t lie—it says, “Everyone’s using these curbs, and you probably should too.” The trick here is letting your inside tires just skate across the top of the curbs. Do it right, and you smooth out the esses into a flowing arc that’s faster and more stable. Do it wrong, and you’re fighting the car all the way uphill. Either way, it’s a ride.
#2: The Corkscrew – WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
You can’t talk about iconic corners in North American motorsport without tipping your helmet to the Corkscrew. This turn is legend. For anyone who grew up on racing games like Gran Turismo, it’s a bucket-list bend. And in real life? Even more surreal.
What makes the Corkscrew’s apex curb special isn’t just its placement—it’s the entire experience. You crest a blind hill, pitch the car left, and then boom—you’re plunging down a two-story drop, trying to find the perfect balance between speed and survival. Clip the inside just right, and you feel like you’ve unlocked a secret shortcut through gravity itself. It’s not just a turn; it’s a free fall with style.
#1: Turn 12 – Streets of St. Petersburg Grand Prix
If this list were about curbs that simply feel awesome, Turn 12 in St. Pete would still win. There’s nothing quite like it. As a street circuit, St. Petersburg already has a gritty, unforgiving vibe. But Turn 12 adds some spice to the mix.
Every time you launch over that apex curb, you feel the left-side tires leave the ground. It’s brief, but unmistakable. And for that split second, you’re airborne in a street-legal fighter jet. There’s something unreasonably satisfying about a curb that literally makes your car jump—especially when the photos from it look like something out of a Hollywood chase scene. It’s pure adrenaline. Pure joy.
In Conclusion
To some, apex curbs are obstacles. To me, they’re opportunities—little bits of art on the racetrack canvas. The best ones force you to make decisions: go safe or go fast? Play by the rules or push their limits? And in those decisions lies the real magic of driving.
If you’re heading to any of these tracks, don’t just memorize the braking points and turn-ins. Learn the curbs. Respect them. And when the moment’s right, trust your instincts and take the leap—sometimes, literally.
