Laguna Seca adjusts, stays on course
Without one vehicle negotiating its 18 percent devilish descent on turn 8 descent or even one engine starting, Weathertech Laguna Seca Raceway has negotiated a lot of racing in recent weeks.
But it›s all been behind the scenes and against the calendar clock and uncertainty of the coronavirus.
Joining the ever-lengthening list of sports teams and venues, the raceway and recreation area has amended its yearly calendar with a series of rapidfire announcements.
Competition will now begin in July, continue into December and will include a rare doubleheader.
“Our top priority continues to be safeguarding the well-being of associates, and all those who enter the Laguna Seca Recreation Area,” said John Narigi, the raceway›s president and general manager. “We continue our planning of the events, working with our partners and community to ensure that when California officials lift the shelter-in-place order and everyone is healthy and safe, we haven’t missed a step.”
With the cancellation of the Detroit Grand Prix in late May due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey will now also include a second race Sept. 19. It will join the previously scheduled race Sept. 20
“Given all the race rescheduling efforts due to the COVID-19 crisis, Indycar executives contacted Dewayne Woods with the County of Monterey and asked if we would be willing to conduct back-to-back races over the Sept. 18-20 weekend,” said Narigi, “We enthusiastically said ‘yes, of course.’ «
Because of the health crisis, the Trans America Speedfest and IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship and Sea Otter Classic cycling festival, all international events, have been rescheduled. Local events, including the Twilight Cycling event and Cars & Coffee, both scheduled for late April, have been canceled.
Besides the pending return to racing, recreation area officials closed the campground to new reservations.
Campers already sheltering in place can remain at their sites if rental fees are current. While the track remains closed, hiking and biking trails remain open, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We have a 500-plus acre park and people want to come out for a little respite,” said Barry Toepke, the recently returned director of marketing and communications. “You see the
deer and the bobcats around; there›s more wildlife. It’s quiet.”
Toepke said because of the rescheduled calendar of early in the season, the recreation area›s hillsides remain green.
“Being such a big park, there’s a lot of landscaping that needs to be done,” he said. “Without on-track activities, our team can go out a start the landscaping and clean up the weeds. When we do open our doors, hopefully in July, people are going to notice the difference, that the place looks good.”
In addition to maintenance, management had also planned to begin a track repaving project in September. But the rescheduling of the race calendar has postponed the project.
Two weeks after the Motoamerica Superbike Superfest, the Ferrari Challenge Series is scheduled (July 23-26). It will be followed by the Monterey Pre-reunion (Aug. 8-9), Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (Aug. 13-16), Monterey Sportscar Championship (Sept. 4-6), Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey (Sept. 18-20) and Trans Am Speedfest (Dec. 3-6).
The Sea Otter Classic will be held Oct. 1-4.
“We are continuing,” said Toepke. “We are still planning that when this (pandemic) has lifted and people need a place to go, we are here and ready for them.”
A 30-minute podcast with Toepke about the amended Laguna Seca season is free and available on the website link: www.theweeklydriver.com/podcast.
Spectators who have already purchased tickets to any impacted events can use their tickets on rescheduled dates. Additional ticket information is available via email: tickets@laguna-seca.com or via the website: www.weathertechraceway.com. James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, publishes a free weekly automotive newsletter and podcast. Signups are available on his website: www.theweek lydriver.com. Contact email: james@ jamesraia.com.