The temporary new way of looking at event management hasn’t stopped the new team of Monterey County’s Laguna Seca Recreation Area, home to the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca motorsports complex, from continuing to plan its 2020 race season. The 2.238-mile road course is nestled against the striking Monterey and Salinas hillsides and along the scenic Highway 68 corridor. The complex has hosted major motorsports and lifestyle events since its founding in 1957.

The Laguna Seca Recreation Area serves as one of the largest destination stops for visitors worldwide. Before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it was common to welcome visitors daily from throughout the country and around the globe making a pilgrimage to perhaps the most famous turn in all of motorsports—The Corkscrew.

Cars racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with the Corkscrew sign in the background

The race track and facility serve as a major reason for visiting the region where guests can also enjoy world renowned golf, amazing wine country experiences and a wide variety of hotels, and resorts.

While the track is quiet for now and the State eases its restrictions over the coming weeks, racing will return to Monterey. Fortunately, the earlier season races have been rescheduled to later in the year. For example the popular Ferrari Challenge Series now takes place September 25-27, and the two-wheel action of GEICO Motorcycle MotoAmerica Superbike SpeedFest has moved to October 23-25. The top priority of the track remains the safety and well-being of participants and their families, guests and our Monterey County residents, and the facility is implementing the highest level of comprehensive health and safety protocols.

World Superbike Championship at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

As one of the pillars of Monterey Car Week, the Monterey Motorsports Reunion originally scheduled for August 13-16 has unfortunately been canceled due to the ongoing uncertainty of hosting major public events due to the pandemic. Big plans are already in the works for next year’s return of these historic race cars August 12-15, 2021. 

This makes the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey that brings the NTT IndyCar Series to Monterey our first race event of the 2020 season. These high-powered open-wheel machines will race twice over the September 18-20 weekend on their way to clinch championship points. 

Closely following on the heels of the IndyCar races will be the Hyundai Monterey Sports Car Championship, which features the popular IMSA racing series October 30-November 1. Due to the pandemic and date changes, Monterey will be the only IMSA stop on the west coast, thereby showing the respect of our challenging race circuit and a desire for teams and sponsors to enjoy Monterey County’s natural inspiring beauty.

The 2020 season will be complete December 3-6 with the thundering return of the Trans Am Speedfest, which brings historic and modern-day Trans Am back to Monterey.

Cars racing at Weather Tech Raceway with a spectator crowd

The vast 542-acre Laguna Seca Recreation Area is open for day-use so visitors may enjoy its scenic beauty and wildlife while using the hiking trails. Visit WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for more information.