Laguna Seca overhaul under way
The straight leading to Laguna Seca's famous Corkscrew is set to be revised.
Picture: Mazda Raceway
Construction has begun on nearly $7 million of improvements to Laguna Seca, as part of an ongoing safety and facility upgrade for the world-renowned circuit.
The biggest change to the track is from turn six to the Corkscrew, with run-off added to both sides of the straightaway, and the dip just before the Corkscrew will be flattened. Meanwhile, the entire surface will be repaved, while additional run-off will be created at Turn 1. This requires removing a portion of the hillside as well as the former media centre building that sits atop it. A state-of-the-art hospitality center will replace the former media centre building. Additional runoff will also be added at turns 3, 4, 6, and 7.
The improvements are being made with input from the Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme (FIM) and the MotoGP Rider Safety Commission. These new changes follow a Yamaha Motor Corporation-funded $2 million upgrade that occurred one year ago making it possible for MotoGP World Championship to return to the United States for the first time since 1994.
Laguna Seca is the only racetrack in the United States to receive Grade A homologation from the FIM, as well as Grade 2 homologation from the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The FIM and the FIA are the world’s governing bodies for motorcycle and automobile racing, respectively.
“This is a significant upgrade for Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and continues to push us toward our goal of leading racetrack safety, not only compared to tracks in the United States but around the world,” said Gill Campbell, track CEO and general manager. “These changes are only possible through the assistance and support we get through our partners and sponsors like Red Bull, Yamaha and Mazda.”
“While these changes were made in conjunction with Dorna and the MotoGP riders, it will also increase safety for everyone who runs at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, from track rentals and club competition to our other professional events like the American Le Mans Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series,” Campbell said.
The improvements are scheduled for completion in time for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix July 21-23, 2006.
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