Much Needed Track & Facility Updates Coming to Laguna Seca

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors has voted 4-1 to adopt a resolution that will bring some key facility and track upgrades to the Laguna Seca race track, including a resurfacing of the track’s 11-turn course.

The news marks the first time the track has been resurfaced since 2007, and the investment also includes a new start/finish bridge, which will be larger and included the ability for golf carts to go across it.

The Turn 3 Paddock Pavilion will also be getting a bevy of changes and enhancements.

The timeline for the project has not yet been confirmed, but in their press release, the raceway says that the goal is for the work to take place between November 2022 and April 2023.

“I want to thank the supervisors and county staff who paved the way for us to begin the much-needed improvements to this world-renowned race track and recreation area for current and future generations,” said John Narigi, President and General Manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

“The investment is a significant step toward keeping this valuable economic engine running smoothly for the benefit of residents and businesses throughout Monterey County.”

While one of the most beloved race tracks in the United States, Laguna Seca has fallen well-behind the standards that come with holding premium racing events. As such, today’s news seems like the first step in addressing that well-known problem.

Will it be enough to see the return of events like the WorldSBK Championship? Likely not. Though, if Monterey County continues to re-invest in Laguna Seca’s facilities and infrastructure, we could certainly see that sentiment change.