Friends of Laguna Seca announced today that Mel Harder has been named President and General Manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

 

Harder brings three decades of motorsports experience to his new role after most recently serving as team manager at Chip Ganassi Racing. His previous positions include senior vice president and general manager of Circuit of the Americas and senior vice president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Harder’s experience provides him with an extensive background in hosting international, world-class events and facility management.

 

“Our board and team are very enthusiastic about having Mel join us and his background makes him uniquely qualified to strengthen our efforts at WeatherTech Raceway and Laguna Seca Recreation Area,” said Lauri Eberhart, CEO of Friends of Laguna Seca. “His insight and operational expertise will play a pivotal role in facilitating our long-term commitment to the local and motorsports communities, our partners and dedicated fans, and our efforts to revitalize Laguna Seca for generations to come.”

 

In his new role, Harder will collaborate closely with Eberhart and the entire raceway team to implement Friends’ business model designed to enhance operational performance and develop new experiences and services for guests, motorsports series, and partners.

 

"The vision of Friends of Laguna Seca fuels the passion and energy needed to drive this venue forward, and I’m thrilled to bring my experience and enthusiasm for the world of motorsports to help lead the team,” Harder said. “I look forward to collaborating with our partners and the entire community to create unforgettable experiences as we continue the legacy of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca as a world-class entertainment destination.”

 

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca located in Monterey, California is operated and managed by Friends of Laguna Seca, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the revitalization and modernization of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and the Laguna Seca Recreation Area. Find out more at www.friendsoflagunaseca.org.

Latest News

View all

Laguna Seca Delivers Surprises for Ferrari Challenge on Sunday

Laguna Seca Delivers Surprises for Ferrari Challenge on Sunday

A mix of excitement and surprise saw several championship contenders fall from the podium and others rise, as the series heads to the Finali Mondiali in Mugello for its final event next month. Trofeo Pirelli. Dylan Medler (The Collection) dethroned...

Read more

Icons of Japanese Motorsport Named Featured Marque for 2026 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Icons of Japanese Motorsport Named Featured Marque for 2026 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

MONTEREY, Calif. (Sep. 4, 2025) – On the heels of a successful 2025 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca has announced that it will celebrate icons of Japanese motorsports as the featured marque for its 2026 gathering. Next...

Read more

Tomy Drissi Wins Historic IROC Series Unser Family Cup at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Tomy Drissi Wins Historic IROC Series Unser Family Cup at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

MONTEREY, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2025) – Tomy Drissi powered his 2006 Pontiac Firebird to victory in Saturday’s race for the IROC Series Unser Family Cup at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. This marked the first time the IROC Series has...

Read more