It's a sad day for motorcycle racing fans the world over. Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has announced that after it will no longer be on the MotoGP calendar for 2014. The circuit has held 15 world championship grands prix over the last 25 years.
Fans and riders alike have historically had nothing but positive things to say about the legendary track near the seaside town of Monterey, California. Its Corkscrew feature, in which racers plunge several stories in elevation while snaking through an S-curve, is a highlight that has generated some of the most fantastic moments in recent racing history, and there may not be a pro-grade circuit in the world that allows fans to get closer to the on-track action.
MotoGP racing will still come to the United States on two separate occasions in 2014, once at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas and again in Indianapolis. According to the group in charge of Laguna Seca, it will "work diligently to return the MotoGP World Championship to Monterey, Calif., in the very near future." We certainly hope so. Feel free to red the brief press release below, but not before reliving one of the greatest races at the track ever recorded on video.
2014 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix Statement
For 25 years, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has served as the "home" for Grand Prix motorcycle racing in the United States, having staged 15 world championship Grands Prix since 1988. Unfortunately, and in spite of loyal support from fans, sponsors and media, there will not be a 16th U.S. Grand Prix in 2014.
At this time, the U.S. is only able to support two MotoGP events. The support provided by the states of Texas and Indiana make it difficult for us, as a not-for-profit, to currently compete.
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca extends its gratitude to all those whose combined efforts made the U.S. Grand Prix such an iconic event; it took all of you – fans, sponsors, motorcycle community, media, volunteers and, not the least, Dorna Sports. Our pledge to you is to work diligently to return the MotoGP World Championship to Monterey, Calif., in the very near future.
2014 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Schedule
May 2-4 ~ Tudor United SportsCar Championship
May 16-18 ~ Ferrari Racing Days
August 8-10 ~ Pre-Reunion
August 15-17 ~ Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
October 10-12 ~ SCCA National Championship Runoffs
TBD ~ Superbike World Championship
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
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