track improvements at laguna seca

The Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca is to see more improvements in preparation for its July Grand Prix. According to an official statement, nearly $7 million dollars is to be invested in an ongoing safety and facility upgrade.

The most dramatic improvements include an entire surface repaving, as well as creating additional run-off at turn 1. The latter requires the removing of a portion of the hillside as well as the demolition of the former media centre building that sits on top of it. The aforementioned centre will now be replaced by a state-of-the-art hospitality area. Additional runoff areas will be added at turns 3, 4, 6, and 7.

After a Yamaha Motor Corporation-funded $2 million upgrade one year ago made it possible for the MotoGP World Championship to return to the United States, these changes are being implemented with input from the Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme (FIM) and the MotoGP Rider Safety Commission.

“This is a significant upgrade for Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and continues to push us towards our goal of leading racetrack safety, not only compared to tracks in the United States but around the world,” said Gill Campbell, CEO/General Manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Campbell went on to emphasise the overall benefit of the project, not just for MotoGp:

“Whilst these changes were made in conjunction with Dorna and the MotoGP riders, it will also increase safety for everyone who runs at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, from track rentals and club competition to our other professional events like the American Le Mans Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series”

The 2005 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix drew a weekend attendance of 153,653, the largest event attendance in the 49 seasons of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

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