Why did MotoGP leave Laguna Seca?

Lachlan Thorne
May 5 2023
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Introduction: The End of an Era

In 2013, a significant chapter in the history of MotoGP came to an end when it was announced that the series would no longer race at the iconic Laguna Seca circuit in California. This decision left many fans and riders questioning why one of the most popular and challenging tracks on the calendar was being abandoned. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind MotoGP's departure from Laguna Seca and how it has impacted the sport since.

A Brief History of Laguna Seca

Before diving into the reasons for MotoGP's exit, it's essential to understand Laguna Seca's history and significance in the world of motorcycle racing. The track, officially known as WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, first opened in 1957 and has been a fixture in American motorsports ever since. The 2.238-mile circuit features 11 turns, including the infamous Corkscrew, a steep downhill S-shaped curve that has challenged riders and drivers for decades.

Over the years, Laguna Seca has hosted numerous prestigious events, such as the United States Grand Prix, World Superbike Championship, and the American Le Mans Series. In 1988, the track welcomed MotoGP for the first time, with the US Grand Prix becoming a fan-favorite event on the calendar.

The Financial Struggles of Laguna Seca

One of the main reasons behind MotoGP's departure from Laguna Seca was the financial strain it put on the organizers. Hosting a MotoGP race is an expensive endeavor, with the cost of sanctioning fees, logistics, and infrastructure improvements adding up quickly. The track has long struggled with budget issues, and in recent years, the county-owned facility has had to rely on the support of a non-profit organization, the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP), to keep it operational.

As a result, the financial burden of hosting a MotoGP race became increasingly difficult for SCRAMP and the track management to bear, ultimately leading to a decision to end the partnership with MotoGP.

Competition from Circuit of the Americas

Another factor that contributed to Laguna Seca's exit from the MotoGP calendar was the arrival of a new, state-of-the-art racing facility in the United States: the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. COTA hosted its inaugural MotoGP race in 2013, the same year as Laguna Seca's final event. With its modern facilities, larger capacity, and significant financial backing, COTA quickly became a preferred destination for MotoGP, ultimately contributing to the decision to leave Laguna Seca.

Logistical Challenges

The logistical challenges of hosting a MotoGP event at Laguna Seca also played a role in its departure. The circuit is located in a somewhat remote area, with limited access and infrastructure to accommodate the large number of teams, riders, and fans that descend upon the track for a race weekend. Additionally, the paddock and pit facilities at Laguna Seca are relatively small and outdated compared to other circuits on the MotoGP calendar, which made it increasingly difficult for teams to function efficiently during race weekends.

Noise Restrictions and Environmental Concerns

Laguna Seca is situated in a picturesque location surrounded by hills and residential areas, which has unfortunately led to strict noise restrictions being imposed on the circuit. These restrictions, aimed at minimizing the impact of racing noise on nearby residents, limited the amount of testing and practice sessions that could be held at the track. This made it challenging for MotoGP teams to prepare for the race weekend and ultimately contributed to the decision to leave Laguna Seca behind.

The Loss of National TV Coverage

One of the major blows to Laguna Seca's MotoGP event was the loss of national television coverage in the United States. In 2013, MotoGP's American broadcast rights were acquired by NBC Sports, which opted not to renew its contract to air the US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca. Without the exposure provided by national TV coverage, the event lost a significant portion of its audience and revenue, making it even more challenging for the organizers to justify the costs of hosting the race.

The Impact on American Riders and Fans

MotoGP's departure from Laguna Seca has undoubtedly had an impact on American riders and fans. For the riders, losing a home race means fewer opportunities to showcase their talents in front of a supportive crowd and a reduced chance of securing sponsorship deals. For the fans, the loss of Laguna Seca means one less opportunity to see their heroes in action and the end of a beloved annual tradition for many.

While the Circuit of the Americas has stepped in to fill the void left by Laguna Seca, there's no denying that the unique charm and history of the California track are sorely missed by the MotoGP community.

Conclusion: A Bittersweet Farewell

In the end, a combination of financial struggles, competition from newer tracks, logistical challenges, noise restrictions, and the loss of TV coverage led to MotoGP's departure from Laguna Seca. Although the decision was made with the sport's best interests in mind, it remains a bittersweet farewell for many riders and fans who hold fond memories of the iconic circuit. While MotoGP has moved on to new horizons, Laguna Seca will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who experienced the thrill of motorcycle racing at this legendary track.

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