The famous and historic WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway is planning several improvements to its 65-year-old tracks and facilities before the upcoming season, including replacing the pedestrian walkway over the Start/Finish line. Improvements planned for the raceway total $14 million and include new updates to tracks, facilities, and ADA compliance measures.
History of the Laguna Seca Raceway
First opened November 9, 1957, for the 8th Annual Pebble Beach National Championship Sports Car Road Races, the Laguna Seca Raceway has become a staple in the California racing community for sports cars, motorbikes, superbikes, and more. The iconic park has also hosted the Pope, the Grateful Dead, the Beach Boys, and several musical acts during the Laguna Seca Daze Music Festival in the ’90s.
However, as the raceway has grown, additions were often included on an as-needed basis, requiring updates and replacement over time. The raceway added the pedestrian bridge at the Start/Finish line 50 years ago. In 1988, the raceway added the infield area and current Turns 3, 4, and 5, which extended the early 1.9-mile track to 2.238 miles long.
In 2006, the Hospitality Pavilion replaced the old media center to host events at the raceway, including weddings, team meetings, corporate events, parties, and more. During the 2020 pandemic shutdown, local high schools held their spring graduation events at the raceway while complying with social distancing measures.
Upcoming Improvements in 2023
The famed track now features 11 turns, infield parking, campgrounds, an event rental pavilion, and more. With the demolition of the old pedestrian bridge, a new ADA-compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act) pedestrian and cart bridge with steel framing will replace it, 30 feet up the track from its previous location.
The Chairwoman of the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors, Mary L. Adams, commented that she has fond memories of enjoying races and events at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and that she appreciates the raceway’s influence in drawing new people to the area. The Board approved an initial $9.7 million for crucial repairs in April 2022 and another $5.6 million in July.
Other necessary renovations and improvements include track resurfacing, general site work, and facility upgrades around the park. The WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway president and general manager John Narigi estimates that construction will resume in February once all the demolition is complete.
Motorcycle Racing and Shows at the Laguna Seca Raceway
The current schedule for racing at the WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca includes motorcycle and car races on the newly resurfaced track, beginning regular season races with the Trans Am Speedfest event that starts May 5. The race season schedule builds out into October, with more races to be announced.
- April 20-23 – Sea Otter Classic (Bicycle)
- May 5-7 – Trans Am Speedfest
- May 12-14 – Motul Course de Monterey (IMSA)
- July 7-9 – MotoAmerica Superbike SpeedFest at Monterey
- July 14-16 – AHRMA Classic MotoFest of Monterey
- August 12-13 – Monterey Pre-Reunion
- August 16-19 – Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
- August 20 – Corkscrew Hillclimb & Community Day (Counter-Course Racing)
- September 8-10 – Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey (INDYCAR)
- September 28-October 1 – Porsche Rennsport Reunion 7
Contact Law Tigers for Motorcycle Law on the California Coast
The Laguna Seca Raceway has a long history of faithful fans and drivers who travel from all over the globe to race on this historic track. Fans who attend the races are just as enamored with the history of the track and racing at Laguna Seca. Don’t miss this season’s races!
For help with a motorcycle case in California, contact us at Law Tigers. We’re attorneys who ride, and we represent bikers across the country. Call us at 1-888-863-7216 for a free case evaluation.
