Any time auto racing fans discuss regarding the most challenging curves in a race track on the planet, they are going to frequently point out “The Corscrew” or Turn 8 and 8A of Monterey Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The turn, which has a very good reputation among race car drivers, is very tough to traverse due to the apex around the approach at uphill and blind crests that leads to drop in elevation.
The 2.238 mi (3.602 km) Monterey Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has 11 turns on its paved road. Yet, it is not just the “The Corkscrew” which is famous in the turns of Monterey Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Race participants also find the “Andretti Hairpin”, which is Turn 2, really demanding with its technical but very difficult twin apex. Turn 2 wasgiven its name after famous Mario Andretti, the Formula 1 World Champion.
Yet anotherprominent turn which earned a name of its own is Turn 9 which is now referred to as the “Rainey Curve” after Wayne Rainey former Grand Prix motorcycle racing World Champion. Helio Castroneves set the official lap record breaking speed of 1’07.722 in qualifiying for the 2000 CART Honda Grand Prix
The Monterey Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has been in existence since 1956 and was built with a cost of around $1.5 million. It was constructedright after business leaders from the area noticed the necessity for this kind of race track during that time considering that the races at Pebble Beach Road, that have been held over the winding highway of Del Monte Forest, were growing bigger in terms of market and racing competitors.
Instead of letting the races go somewhere else, well-meaning individuals formed on November 1, 1956 the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) as a non-profit charitable organization aimed at enhancing the business conditions of Monterey, California through motor sports.
In keeping with its vision, Monterey Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has income that exceeded more than a billion dollars in business revenues ever since its beginnings and as well as providing local charities over $10 million. SRAMP continues to operate the raceway to date providing experts on-site to manage every day operations and also the marketing and advertising and control of main events.
With racers from all over the country taking part in various events the entire year and audience attendance increasing as time passes, allied business services such as hotels, restaurants and diners also flourished.
Guests and competitors alike can enjoy the permanent outdoor camping facilities of the Laguna Seca Recreation Area in which the race trackis also based. Or simply they can take pleasure in the convenience of Monterey Hotels and Carmel Hotels in the area. There’s also quite a few Monterey Hotels that are quite accessible from the Monterey Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
There are many events that are organized yearly at Monterey Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. These include the American Le Mans Series, Moto GP, AMA Superbike, and Rolex Sports Car Series.
The Monterey Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca can also be booked if it is not holding major events. The Sports Car Club of America holds two club races in it annually for the Bay Area Region. Furthermore, different car organizations book the raceway to enable their members to drive their very own vehicles at top speed. One trivia for all those who enjoy racing video games, the Monterey Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was showcased in the video game hit Gran Turismo and as well as the Moto GP series.
Upcoming activities at the Monterey Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca include the Monterey Off Road Cycling Association (MORCA) Halloween Twilight Cycling on October 20 of this year. Guest and participants can click on http://www.iStayGreen.org for eco-friendly lodging.