Following a repaving project completed earlier this month, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has been homologated by the FIM for the 2007 Red Bull U. S. Grand Prix, July 20-22, featuring the only appearance in North America for the prestigious MotoGP World Championship.
The FIM’s official track inspector, Claude Danis, examined the historic 2.238-mile, 11-turn road course on Wednesday, deeming it in condition to be homologated for round 11 of 18 in the 2007 MotoGP World Championship.
In order to be homologated, a track must meet exacting safety and construction standards. Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is the only road racing circuit in North America currently homologated by the FIM, the world governing body for motorcycle racing, and able to host world championship events.
“It takes tremendous resources to bring MotoGP to the USA, ” said Gill Campbell, general manager and CEO of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, “The Red Bull U. S. Grand Prix only happens because of the passionate support from the fans, sponsors and motorcycle industry. ”
Over the last three years, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has received more than $8 million in safety improvements and renovations, due in large part to the return of the MotoGP World Championship to the United States in 2005. Safety improvements, funded in part by Yamaha Motor Corporation, include an increase in run-off areas through nearly every turn. The construction projects include the state-of-the-art Red Bull Energy Center hospitality area overlooking Turn 1.
“All of us at Yamaha are truly honored to be part of this effort aimed squarely at improving both rider safety and fan enjoyment at what is for sure one of the best spectator facilities in the entire country for motorcycle race fans, ” said Bob Starr, National Communications Manager for Yamaha Motor Corporation. ” And with this year’s repaving, we look forward to another incredible race that will bring each fan memories that last a lifetime. ”
The 2007 racing season marks the 50th Anniversary for Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, which has been operated since its inception by the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP), a not-for-profit corporation. Each year, SCRAMP donates net proceeds from each race season to the volunteer groups that help put on the races. Last season, SCRAMP donated over $400,000 to local charities and civic organizations.
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2007 with a world-class racing schedule including the Red Bull U. S. Grand Prix July 20-22, the 34th Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races August 17-19, the AMA Superbike Championship September 15-16 and the Monterey Sports Car Championships featuring the American Le Mans Series October 19-21.
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