Laguna Seca
Laguna Seca Raceway (branded as WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, and previously Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for sponsorship reasons) is a paved road racing track in central California used for both auto racing and motorcycle racing, built in 1957 near both Salinas and Monterey, California, United States.
| Location | Monterey County, near Monterey, California and Salinas, California, United States |
|---|---|
| Time zone | UTC-8 (UTC-7 DST) |
| Coordinates | 36°35′03″N 121°45′13″W |
| FIA Grade | 2 |
| Owner | Monterey County |
| Operator | A&D Narigi Consulting, LLC |
| Opened | 9 November 1957 |
| Construction cost | $1.5 million USD |
| Former names | Laguna Seca Raceway (1957-2001) Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (2002–2017) |
| Major events | Current:
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| Website | https://www.weathertechraceway.com/ |
| Grand Prix Circuit (1996–present) | |
| Surface | Paved |
| Length | 2.238 miles (3.602 km) |
| Turns | 11 |
| Race lap record | 1:08.4168 ( Álex Palou, Dallara DW12, 2023, IndyCar) |
| Grand Prix Circuit (1988–1995) | |
| Length | 2.214 miles (3.563 km) |
| Turns | 11 |
| Race lap record | 1:12.959 ( Paul Tracy, Penske PC-23, 1994, CART) |
| Original Circuit (1957–1987) | |
| Length | 1.900 miles (3.058 km) |
| Turns | 9 |
| Race lap record | 0:52.926 ( Mario Andretti, Lola T87/00, 1987, CART) |
The racetrack is 2.238 mi (3.602 km) long, with a 180 ft (55 m) elevation change. Its eleven turns are highlighted by the circuit's signature turn, the downhill-plunging "Corkscrew" at Turns 8 and 8A. A variety of racing, exhibition, and entertainment events are held at the raceway, ranging from superkarts to sports car racing to music festivals. Laguna Seca is classified as an FIA Grade Two circuit.
The name Laguna Seca is Spanish for dry lagoon: the area where the track now lies was once a lake, and the course was built around the dry lake bed. After the course was reconfigured, two artificial ponds were added.