WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

Tucked between the coastal hills of Monterey and Salinas, California, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca has been a staple in American motorsports since 1957. Originally built around a dry lake bed—Laguna Seca meaning "dry lake" in Spanish—the track has hosted everything from premier sports car series to motorcycles and historic racing festivals. With decades of rich racing history and a loyal fanbase, Laguna Seca remains one of the most iconic and beloved circuits in North America.

The Driving Line
Laguna Seca is known for being short, technical, and demanding. With tight corners, flowing elevation changes, and limited straight-line speed, it's a true driver’s circuit that rewards rhythm and precision over raw power. Here's a breakdown of what makes it so unique to drive and race on:

• Track Length: 2.238 miles (3.602 km)
• Number of Turns: 11
• Elevation Change: 180 feet (55 meters)

Key Challenges & Driving Notes

• The lap starts with a fast uphill run into Turn 1, a blind left kink that immediately sets up for heavy braking into Turn 2 (Andretti Hairpin) - a double-apex left-hander that’s critical for lap time.
• Turns 3 through 6 are all about flow—carry speed without overdriving.
• The Corkscrew (Turns 8 and 8A) is Laguna’s signature feature: a steep, blind, downhill S-turn that drops nearly 60 feet instantly. Entry precision is everything.
• The final sector (Turns 9–11) requires commitment on brake zones and a clean exit onto the front straight to set up overtakes.

Why It’s Technical
Laguna Seca offers little margin for error with minimal runoff and close barriers. Drivers must manage tire wear, brake temps, and traction carefully over a race distance. Its relatively low-speed layout demands discipline and smoothness more than brute force.