Yahoo Autos Laguna Seca Is Officially Under New Management
Laguna Seca is a beloved gem of American auto racing, but its future has not been certain these past few years. The track needed new operators, and a contentious bidding process left its future direction in the air even before a local group sued over usage and noise levels. An operating group was selected, the lawsuit was settled, and as of Thursday, the Friends of Laguna Seca group has officially taken over Laguna Seca for the next 55 years.
The non-profit group is made up of local voices, including vintage racing legend Bruce Canepa. It plans to bring the facility up to a higher standard through major investments, both in the track and in the recreation areas around the circuit. The goal is to improve the track's standing as a tourist destination by attracting a wide variety of new, major events, increasing the track's positive impact on the region's tourism-focused economy.
The handover to the FLS group was briefly held up by a lawsuit from a group called the Highway 68 Coalition, which voiced concerns about the noise and traffic impacts of the track's growing popularity. That suit was eventually settled, a process that set back the FLS group's fundraising efforts.
The result was a seven-month delay in taking over operations of the track, but the group's 55-year agreement is now officially in effect. Friends of Laguna Seca will now work with the county and current operating contractors A&D Narigi Consulting as part of the track's complicated leadership structure. IMSA, IndyCar, historic racing, and other major events should continue as the track pursues other ambitious goals. The many track days, track rentals, and other revenue-driving opportunities to get on track at the legendary road course are expected to continue, too.
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