Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

This track is world-renowned and we are always fortunate when we get a date to drive this great course. It's located about halfway between Salinas and Monterey, CA on State Highway 68. If we're there on weekday mornings, plan on some traffic delays on 68, as it's the main artery between the two towns. There is one main entrance off of 68 – and plan on a steep hill. If you're towing a Camaro with a Mini-van, it might not make the hill!! The track is owned by Monterey County, so while you're on the property, you will be watched closely by County Sheriffs and Park Rangers. Also – there are different sound levels allowed for different types of events. Ours will almost always be a 92db level, that is monitored by Laguna officials (we pay them to do so), and their word is final. Usually, you will get one black flag warning if you are over the limit, and they will ask you to make a repair or modification to your car before returning. If you flunk a second time, you will be black-flagged for the day. Sorry folks, no money back if this occurs. Weather can be a factor at Laguna. It is not unusual to find the mornings very chilly and foggy – even to the extent that there can be an occasional "fog hold" on the track event if all flag stations cannot be clearly seen. But, frequently by noon, you can be running around in your shorts as it can heat up during the day once the fog clears. Think: layers for Laguna.

While the classic layout has not changed, the course itself has undergone major renovations over the last two years, thanks to the MotoGP Grand Prix motorcycle race that is now held there every summer. Runoff, thankfully has been greatly increased, with many gravel traps installed as well. These traps are bad news/good news thing for us. They don't allow much margin for error, as in some places they are only a few feet off track, meaning that what might have been a harmless on/off excursion becomes a call to the tow truck. The good news is that if you go off at some speed, these traps will keep you from meeting a K wall. NOTE: It's important that everyone running Laguna find their tow hook (check your owners manual on how to tow your car) and install it if possible. More than once we've blown 15 minutes getting a car unstuck that had no tow hook. Bottom line is: keep it on the track and you'll be fine! The gate generally opens at 7:00 AM – you'll go up the hill, past the Ranger Station at the entrance, then turn right and follow the signs to the paddock. You'll sign the waiver upon paddock entry, and drive toward the row of pit suites ahead and to the right – you'll find us close to this long concrete pit suite building. If you bring a moped or motorcycle, you'll be required to wear a helmet if you leave the paddock.