It might be known as a power track, but Laguna Seca’s variety of corners, inclines, and occasionally sand-swept surface can make for battles between cars that have no business dueling. Such is the case here, as an EK Civic with minimal modification keeps with a decent driver in a 7.0-liter Corvette. It goes without saying that straight-line speed isn’t comparable, but the Civic makes up for it in other areas.

Understandably, the stripped and lightened Civic weighs a good thousand pounds less than the C6 Z06, but more importantly, is somewhat optimized for track use. With a high-revving B18C, the Civic only has about 240 horsepower at its disposal, but with Koni Yellows, a set of Nitto NT01s, and a talented driver, the gap is made up in the corners. The ‘Vette wears a tired set of Toyo R888 tires, which, with 505 horsepower under the right foot, only allow for a very careful application of throttle.

Worn tires and no room for a diamond line slow the Z06 down substantially in Turn 3.

Though the famous Monterey track has a reputation for rewarding brawny motors, it’s not about power here. Late-braking will only get you so far; carrying momentum through the corner is just as important, if not more so. With confidence in the car and neater lines, Tim manages to close the gap in the technical turns 2, 3, and 4, and amazingly, keeps up in the daunting Turn 6.

As the ‘Vette is a car that is usually traction-limited in the rear, the driver wisely takes a slightly sharper entry into the corners to minimize the load placed on the rear tires. In some corners, like turn 3, this approach isn’t as sensible, and the caution which he uses when applying the throttle is obvious. Despite the power advantage, Tim takes a tighter line and leans on the tires far more; the mid-corner speed is wonderfully fast.

Credit must be paid to the Corvette driver, however. His lines are clean, his braking strong, and his ability to adapt to worn tires is impressive. Even more remarkable, he maintains the gap from the Corkscrew to Turn 11, which is Laguna Seca’s section which best rewards momentum conservation. The corners are off-camber and downhill, and so a delicate touch – not brute force – is what goes a long way. Certainly, this driver was no slouch, and with some fresh rubber, would’ve likely sailed off into the distance.

Though it’s hardly a fair fight, especially uphill.

Yet, to keep up with a car with such a power advantage must be admired. It’s not exactly a David vs. Goliath battle here, as both cars are driven exceptionally well, but it does show the importance of sticky rubber and mid-corner speeds, even at Laguna Seca. It’s also a story of generosity. While Tim could easily sit back, gloat, and tell the internet tall tales of how he chased down the mighty Z06, he acknowledges the tire issue and refuses to inflate his ego. However, with a sterling drive like that, he could afford to feel a little full of himself.  We wouldn’t tell.