On a sun-drenched stretch of the peninsula, just a few miles inland of the Monterey Bay, sits one of the country’s most famous road courses and its history is everything one would expect from a race track sitting just a stone’s throw from one of the country’s most famous car events.
Laguna Seca, or more officially, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, was built back in the 1950s as an answer to the area’s desire to continue sports car racing that was growing in popularity. When it was decided that the tree-lined coastal roads weren’t the safest roads to zip through, organizers found land out on Highway 68, and a 2 ¼-mile road course on a 550-acre piece of Monterey County hillside was created. To this day Laguna Seca is an integral part of what has become an international gathering known as Monterey Car Week.
This historic race track, located in arguably one of the most coveted places on earth, eventually became a county asset. It expanded beyond car week racing to host nationally sanctioned races in 1960. Since those early days, many hands have had a part in the operations. Most recently, the keys to the track and recreational area have been handed to someone with a hospitality (and no race) background. John Narigi, of A&D Narigi Consulting LLC, unanimously voted in by county supervisors, has been tasked with bringing Laguna Seca up to the level of hospitality and quality that Monterey County is known for, while incorporating his own personal mantra: In hospitality be good to your guests but be even better to your neighbors.
Narigi, just beginning his fifth year running Laguna Seca, came to the Central Coast from the Puget Sound area of Washington in 1993 to begin running the Monterey Plaza Hotel. He came to Laguna Seca with an understanding of the tour-ism industry, the area itself and, more importantly, how critical hospitality is to making any venue a success.
Officially holding up to six or seven major events a year, the race park is situated on old Fort Ord property and hosts hiking and biking trails, over 400 campsites and a chance, on any given day, to see race cars go really fast right in front of you. With facilities such as the Pavilion, events like weddings, quinceañeras, and company picnics and retreats can be easily accommodated. Narigi believes being there for community is important and knows the track is playing that role like he knew it could. During pandemic shutdowns, local high schools were welcomed to Laguna Seca to hold graduations. It’s also a site for regular blood drives and nonprofit organization events.
Laguna Seca recently finished an eight-month, $20 million track resurfacing project, also adding a much-needed pedestrian bridge crossing over the course at the start/finish line. Narigi has worked closely with county staff as well as earning support from the Board of Supervisors which he greatly appreciates. To be competitive in bidding for events, critical infrastructure is required. Narigi knows he must add value. He knows Laguna Seca is capable of staying world class with strategic capital improvements, but getting the events is just the beginning. Being guest friendly is important. Being guest and family friendly is even more important.
Kid zones and go-carting, highlighting local amenities and showcasing local cuisine, are all areas where Narigi and his team have concentrated their attention to make sure the guest, and the participant, experience is one that keeps everyone entertained and wanting to come back. As a county-owned facility under the parks department, he recognizes his bottom line doesn’t just come from the success of the events they hold, but from the amount of revenue put into the local economy. When Laguna Seca hosts events, spend goes up and it’s one of the county’s highest tax generators. In 2023 direct spend within the county was north of $280 million.
Spring starts Laguna Seca’s official season, beginning with the largest bicycling event of its kind anywhere, the Sea Otter Classic. Thousands of amateur and professional athletes, and even more fans, spend four days navigating the trails on mountain bikes. The race brings close to 80,000 visitors to the park.
Laguna Seca Raceway, however, was designed for horsepower. Featuring 11 turns, a 300 foot elevation change and a one-of-kind downhill series of turns known as “the corkscrew,” the track has hosted names like Andretti, Rahal, Rainey and Tracy. Since the 1960s, competitive racing has been a staple including annual events. With a grade 2 FIA track, series such as IMSA, Trans Am and IndyCars, and even MotoAmerica Superbikes, make a stop at Laguna Seca on their regular schedule.
During Car Week, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion brings vintage race cars back to the track to race while events like the Porsche Rennsport Reunion bring Porsches, owners and enthusiasts from all over the world for exhibition and some manufacturer camaraderie. Sprinkled throughout the year are events that introduce new types of racing, like Gridlife. Almost community-like, it mixes youth, entertainment, street cars and the sport of drifting. The racing is gentlemanly, as there is low tolerance for contact. Hondas, Chevys and BMWs are modified to meet specifications dictated by the East Coast club’s own standards. Less muscle car and more everyday driver, this home garage racing is a steadily rising trend that the track will welcome back in the coming year.
Other than revamping facilities and overhauling concessions to reflect the local area, Narigi is most proud of having hosted the Rolex Reunion of 2022 during Car Week, commemorating the 100th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most prestigious races in motorsports. “Laguna was transformed to a whole different look. Our guests were awed. Our participants were awed. The people who came from France who run Le Mans were awed,” Narigi recounts. An incredible 50 cars, all significant to the historic race, were gathered at Laguna Seca for this special event. “The brand of our Rolex Reunion was elevated, which will continue for all our public events.”
Critical to the future success is the execution of the long-term concession’s agreement currently in process between the County of Monterey and the nonprofit Friends of Laguna Seca. The objective of Friends is to enhance the entire park with investments that will address the critical needs of the infrastructure and bringing the recreational facility to the same level as other world-renowned businesses and amenities within Monterey county.
Events can only be held with a strong work force, and Laguna Seca works with 23 different civic minded groups, ensuring volunteer opportunities help local groups while, at the same time, giving the track much needed labor to run events. The Laguna Seca Volunteer Association works closely with the groups who collectively raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities. The track has also turned their cars and coffee events into fundraising opportunities.
Narigi is confident that he and his dedicated team are taking Laguna Seca in the successful direction needed to stay competitive, attracting world-class events, while continuing to be a substantial contributor to county coffers. He plans to do all this while keeping the reputation of the track stellar and in good standing with its neighbors. He’s proud of the industry he is now a part of and values the race industry leaders and local enthusiasts who have brought him up to speed. The county will continue to benefit from ongoing relationships made with sponsors such as WeatherTech, Mission Foods, Hyundai and others who make ongoing capital improvements possible.
For a complete 2024 schedule and information regarding park, camping and track entrance, hours and fees visit WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca at www.weathertechraceway.com.