Friends of Laguna Seca Enters New Era for the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, Home of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

Photo and Story by Kahn Media

Executives from Friends of Laguna Seca (Friends) and A&D Narigi, as well as officials from the County of Monterey, celebrated a new beginning for the Laguna Seca Raceway and Recreation Area on Thursday, August 15.

Friends formally assumed its long-term commitment to the internationally famous raceway on August 1. To commemorate the historic moment, Friends CEO Lauri Eberhart, Friends President Ross Merrill, Friends Vice President Bruce Canepa and the entire Friends board of directors joined John Narigi, president and general manager of the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, Fifth District Supervisor Mary Adams, and key county employee contributors for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, passing of the keys, and a champagne toast.

“This is an incredibly exciting day in the history of this legendary facility,” said Eberhart. “It’s been a long road to get here, but we are excited to work collaboratively with the employees and volunteers of Laguna Seca Raceway and Recreation Area, A&D Narigi, and the County of Monterey to ensure that motorsports fans, outdoor enthusiasts, and the entire community can enjoy this exceptional place for decades to come.”

“To achieve this, we needed a collective desire to ensure that Laguna Seca is brought up to the highest standards and can exceed everyone’s wildest dreams," said Adams. “I thank everyone who has been part of the plans. It's wonderful to have everyone here on behalf of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors and all of the residents in our County, particularly the residents of our lovely Fifth District.”

Friends, a local nonprofit, has already begun a business plan and facility assessment with the goal of solidifying WeatherTech^® Raceway Laguna Seca as one of the world’s premier road-course facilities, while maintaining and enhancing the facility’s long history of volunteerism and community engagement. The initial focus will be on upgrading key fan amenities as well as making much-needed investments in basic infrastructure and functional elements of the park.

“All of us at Friends of Laguna Seca are pleased that our valuable partnership to restore, revive, and revitalize the Laguna Seca Raceway and Recreation Area has officially begun,” said Merrill. “We appreciate the efforts of everyone who helped accomplish this important milestone in the long history of Laguna Seca.” 

“This week, we are celebrating 50 years of historic racing in Monterey, and today we take the green flag on a new 55-year chapter in the history of Laguna Seca,” added Canepa.

The celebrations continue this weekend as WeatherTech® Raceway Laguna Seca hosts the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.

For more information about Friends of Laguna Seca, visit www.friendsoflagunaseca.com.