Laguna Seca, also known as WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, is a world-renowned racing circuit located in the picturesque city of Monterey, California. With its thrilling and challenging racecourse, Laguna Seca has become a favorite among professional and amateur racers alike, as well as a popular venue for spectators to witness high-speed competition in a stunning natural setting.
The 2.238-mile track at Laguna Seca is shaped like a figure-eight, with a long straightaway and a total of 11 turns. The most famous turn on the track is Turn 8, also known as “The Corkscrew,” which is a blind, downhill, left-right combination that drops 59 feet in just 450 feet of track length. This turn is not only one of the most challenging in motorsports, but also one of the most iconic and recognized.
Laguna Seca’s layout is designed to be challenging, but also to be forgiving to drivers who make minor mistakes. The wide track and large run-off areas help prevent major accidents, while still allowing drivers to push themselves and their cars to the limit.
The Laguna Seca circuit was built in 1957 on the site of a former military base, and it quickly became known as one of the most challenging and exciting racing tracks in the world. Over the years, Laguna Seca has hosted a variety of different racing events, including motorcycle races, sports car races, and even major international events such as the Formula One World Championship.
In 1988, the track underwent a major renovation, with new facilities and a redesigned layout that included the addition of the now-famous Corkscrew turn. In 2000, the facility was renamed Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, after a sponsorship agreement with Mazda.
In 2018, the facility was renamed once again, this time to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, after another sponsorship agreement. Despite the name changes, Laguna Seca has remained a beloved and iconic racing venue, with a rich history and a bright future.
Laguna Seca hosts a wide variety of racing events throughout the year, ranging from local club races to major international competitions. One of the most popular events at the track is the annual Monterey Grand Prix, which features a variety of different racing classes, including IndyCar, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and Trans Am.
In addition to traditional racing events, Laguna Seca also hosts a variety of other events throughout the year, such as car shows, vintage racing events, and motorcycle races. These events attract thousands of spectators from around the world, who come to witness the excitement and adrenaline of high-speed racing in one of the most beautiful settings in the world.
Laguna Seca is more than just a racing circuit – it’s a fully equipped motorsports facility that offers a wide range of amenities and services to both racers and spectators. The facility features a variety of different track configurations, including the full 2.238-mile circuit, as well as shorter layouts that are ideal for training and testing.
In addition to the track itself, Laguna Seca also features a variety of other facilities, such as a large paddock area for teams and drivers, a fully equipped garage and workshop area, and a range of hospitality suites and corporate boxes for spectators.
For spectators, Laguna Seca offers a range of different seating options, from general admission areas to premium grandstand seating with excellent views of the track. The facility also offers a variety of different food and beverage options, as well as a range of merchandise and souvenir shops.