WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, Into the Corkscrew

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Racin’ California

Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-famous speedway housed atop the high hills outside of Monterey, California. The speedway has hosted some of the world’s biggest racing stars over various racing series and continues to be a fan and driver favorite as the years progress.

In 2016 the SRO brought their endurance championship to the USA in the form of the California 8 Hour, the longest ever race to be held at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca since its opening. This race featured some of the world’s best GT3 and GT4 teams, including some of IMSA and Blancpain GT World Challenge America’s best, facing off in an exciting eight-hour battle. Supported by the Radical Cup North America Series, this event is not short on track time. And soon, the facility will see the IndyCar Series visit for their season finale.

Food & Beverage   4

Finding something to eat is easy to do at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, as the track is home to various food vendors and beverage carts around the property. At nearly every vantage point, there is something to eat.

The majority of food selections are standard burgers, hot dogs, sausages, and a few salads. One of the most popular spots, however, is a small unassuming shiny Airstream sitting in the middle of the paddock. Here, fans can get all sorts of beverages, from fresh hot coffee to iced coffee, blended mochas, and smoothies. In addition, the little trailer also has various selections of desserts and sweets, including homemade cookies and brownies.

Atmosphere   5

The weather in central California is almost always perfect. Rarely seeing the temperature rise higher than the low 80s, the atmosphere at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca is nearly all-but-guaranteed to be ideal. In addition, the facility is located on the top of the coastal hills outside Monterey, making it a perfect spot for a breezy afternoon. Large oak trees line the track at various places, giving fans somewhere to hide from the sun if it does get warm. Additionally, fans can camp over the weekend at the track, as the property serves as a recreational park during weekends when there’s no racing.

Neighborhood   4

Monterey is like much of the rest of coastal California; beautiful and relaxing. Boasting the weather and the scenery of the Bay Area with the small town feel of more inland locations, Monterey features a regional airport, numerous locations to stay, and a wide variety of places to eat. In addition, the world-famous Monterey Aquarium is just minutes from Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, as are Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row.

The locals are kind and courteous, always willing to give you directions and recommendations on where to go. And no matter what time of the year you are going, there is always some form of festival or celebration going on, such as Italian Fest, Jazz Fest, or Octoberfest.

For great food, check out Gusto’s Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza, or Hula’s Island Grill. Hotels are plentiful, including the Hilton Garden Inn Monterey and Hotel Pacific.

Fans   3

The fans in Monterey are big time race fans, having been flocking to Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca for years. They all know the best places to watch from, so asking for a little advice will be met with kind suggestions for the newbie race fan. They also know how to party, putting on some great cookouts overnight in the camping areas. And if you want help understanding what’s going on, you can ask anyone.

The fans cheer loudly with every close pass and thrilling corner on the track, making for an enjoyable race event.

Access   3

Getting to Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca is a bit of a difficult task, thanks in part to the traffic coming in and out of the canyon in which the track is located. While the route from either Salinas or Monterey is pretty straightforward, the roads are almost all one-lane thoroughfares, meaning one slow car can make traffic a nightmare. Additionally, getting up the side of the mountain once inside the track’s gates can be daunting to those who aren’t used to driving up steep inclines.

Parking is plentiful and available at various locations on the property, with additional parking passes available for different parking lots. Once you are at the raceway, moving around is aided by various bridges across the track to get from the inside to the outside of the course; just be sure to bring your hiking shoes, as the hillside walks are pretty impressive. There is however an alternate entrance from Monterey via Perimeter Road, taking you through the Fort Ord National Monument and into the track’s western entrance.

Return on Investment   5

The track itself is very challenging, making for some of the most exciting and closest racing in the sport. The famed corkscrew complex is also world famous for its difficulty, giving the best of drivers fits on race days.

Tickets to the races can be varied, from $20 for lower-end races to $60 for bigger events. The annual 8 Hour race is now set to be held in March, while IMSA visits later in their season. Motorcycle racing is also a highlight throughout the year, while vintage race weekends attract massive crowds.

Extras   4

The corkscrew is the biggest draw here, and the hillside viewing at the track gives fans the best chance to view one of the most intimidating corners in all of racing. Spectators also can experience a great fan zone here at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, featuring numerous autograph sessions during race weekends.

Something that is also different about Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca is the hiking trails on site; walking up the hills to several of the viewing spots can be a workout unto itself. The weather also gives fans a beautiful backdrop from which to watch racing, as the typical morning fog in California creates a dramatic vista in the early hours.

Final Thoughts

If you want to find a historically significant spot to watch racing that features brilliantly perfect weather conditions, a culturally vibrant city nearby, and the essence of thrilling action on track, you should look no further than Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca. The fans will welcome you with open arms, and the symphony of motors roaring through the mountains will fill your heart with joy. This is definitely a bucket-list track for true racing fans to visit.

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Food and Drink Recommendations

Gusto’s Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza

1901 Fremont Blvd

Seaside, CA 93955

(831) 899-5825

http://www.gustopizzeriapasta.com/


Hula’s Island Grill

622 Lighthouse Ave

Monterey, CA 93940

(831) 655-4852

http://www.hulastiki.com/


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Entertainment Recommendations

Old Fisherman’s Wharf

#1 Old Fishermans Wharf

Monterey, CA 93940

https://www.montereywharf.com/


Cannery Row

Monterey, CA 93940

http://canneryrow.com/


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Lodging Recommendations

 

Hilton Garden Inn Monterey

1000 Aguajito Rd

Monterey, CA 93940

(831) 373-6141

http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/hilton-garden-inn-monterey/


 

Hotel Pacific

300 Pacific St

Monterey, CA 93940

(831) 373-5700

http://www.hotelpacific.com/


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Stadium Info

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
1021 Monterey Salinas Hwy
Salinas, CA 93908

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca website

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca website

Year Opened: 1957

Capacity: 11,000

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