Laguna Seca Future Secured Despite Legal Complaints

Laguna Seca was first sued by a party known as Highway 68 Coalition as it claimed that the noise during race weekend and track days was disturbing the local residents. However, a member of Donut Media - an American digital content brand - headed down to the circuit to complete a track day and interviewed some of the residents, who weren’t bothered by the noise one iota.

Regardless, since then Highway 68 Coalition continued its attempts to have all racing banned from Laguna Seca, and with it ruin one of the most famous circuits in the world. Laguna Seca was built in 1957, long before any residents were in the area.

But Laguna Seca can now breathe a huge sigh of relief after an establishment called Friends of Laguna Seca and Highway 68 Coalition have settled on their differences, which will allow racing to continue as a new 55-year plan has been outlined. Friends of Laguna Seca is a local non-profit organisation that takes care of the safekeeping of the race track and surrounding area around Laguna Seca. 

Laguna Seca is not just one of the most famous circuits in the United States, but in the world. Now known as the WeatherTech Raceway, the California-based circuit has hosted some of the biggest racing organisations, including MotoGP.

In fact, Laguna Seca ignited the rivalry between Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner following their epic duel in 2008. A weekend that had been dominated by Stoner, the Ducati rider was thought to be a shoo-in for victory, however, Rossi had different ideas as he managed to ruffle the Australian’s feathers and ultimately take a surprise victory in what remains one of the best MotoGP races of all-time.

American single-seater series Indycar continues to race at Laguna Seca, but MotoGP has not been present at the track for many years. Safety conditions of the track have been some of the reasons why, but the circuit has also faced legal issues in recent times

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place last month as the Friends of Laguna Seca completed its official start as the safekeeper of the raceway in its entirety.