Laguna Seca

Nestled in the rolling hills near Monterey, California, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca stands as one of North America's most iconic racing circuits. This 2.238-mile track, whose name translates to "dry lake" in Spanish, has challenged the world's greatest drivers since 1957. Built on what was once a lake bed on former U.S. Army land, the circuit features 11 turns and an incredible 180-foot elevation change throughout its layout. With its technical corners, dramatic elevation shifts, and the legendary Corkscrew turn, Laguna Seca has earned its reputation as one of motorsport's most demanding and thrilling venues.

History and Origins

Laguna Seca opened on November 9, 1957, after the Pebble Beach Road Races were discontinued due to safety concerns. The track was constructed in just 60 days at a cost of $1.5 million on part of the U.S. Army's Fort Ord base. Pete Lovely won the inaugural race driving a Ferrari. Originally managed by the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP), the facility is now owned by Monterey County and operated by A&D Narigi Consulting. The circuit has undergone several name changes due to sponsorship, most recently becoming WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Track Layout and Technical Features

The FIA Grade 2 circuit runs counterclockwise and consists of 11 distinct turns across its 2.238-mile (3.602 km) length. Drivers face significant technical challenges, including the Andretti Hairpin (Turn 2), a double-apex corner named after racing legend Mario Andretti. The track features the Rahal Straight between Turns 6 and 7, named after Bobby Rahal, and Rainey Curve (Turn 9), honoring motorcycle champion Wayne Rainey. In 1988, the track layout was modified to add an infield section at Turns 3 and 4 to meet FIM minimum length requirements for motorcycle racing.

The Famous Corkscrew

Turn 8, known worldwide as "The Corkscrew," represents Laguna Seca's signature feature. This left-right chicane includes a blind crest followed by a dramatic 59-foot drop in elevation. Drivers cannot see the exit as they approach, creating one of racing's most unique challenges. The elevation drops at a 12% grade at entry, increasing to 18% at exit, with a total drop of 109 feet from Turn 8 to Turn 9. The Corkscrew demands perfect timing, precise car placement, and considerable bravery from competitors. After a fatal accident during practice in 1999, safety improvements expanded the runoff areas around this section.

Racing Legacy

Throughout its history, Laguna Seca has hosted many premier racing series including IndyCar, IMSA SportsCar Championship, MotoAmerica, Trans-Am, CART, Can-Am, and Formula 5000. The circuit has also welcomed MotoGP and the Superbike World Championship. Since 1974, the track has hosted the Monterey Motorsports Reunion (formerly the Monterey Historic Automobile Races), one of the world's most prestigious historic racing events.

Notable Moments

The track has witnessed many memorable racing moments. In 1996, Alex Zanardi executed what many consider the most daring pass in circuit history, overtaking Bryan Herta through the Corkscrew on the final lap of the CART race. Helio Castroneves set the official track record in 2000 with a time of 1:07.722 in a Reynard-Honda, though Marc Gené recorded the fastest-ever unofficial lap (1:05.786) in a Ferrari F2003 in 2012. The circuit continues to challenge drivers with its limited runoff areas, where mistakes often result in race-ending consequences, demanding both precision and commitment from competitors at all levels.