I was talking with J.A. while I got this story ready to publish, and he made a good point: Laguna Seca's future would likely look a lot different if the track was privately owned.
Photography Credit: T. M. Hill Photographer/Marc Miramontez/Bob Heathcote/Ken Manfred; Courtesy WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
Racing will continue to go on this year at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, according to the County of Monterey. This word comes despite a lawsuit from the Highway 68 Coalition to stop motorsports events at the storied track.
Who’s the Highway 68 Coalition? Per the legal complaint filed in December, they are “an unincorporated association of property owners living and owning property in the Highway 68 corridor of Monterey County.”
They made the complaint against the County of Monterey and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. The group also named the concessionaire at the track, Friends of Laguna Seca, as a “Real Party in Interest.” (Read that as, hey, you’re involved.)
Boiling down the 17-page document, the Highway 68 Coalition contends the use of the public grounds for motorsports is unlawful. In fact, they state, “Motor vehicle racing and race car driving are neither allowed nor permitted uses,” citing zoning and permits dating back to the 1980s.
Furthermore, they claim the number of motor vehicle events has “substantially increased” from 2021 through 2023 when compared to “1974 until 2021.” With the increased activity has also come “higher permitted noise levels,” as well as increased traffic and water demands, among other concerns.
They also brought Friends of Laguna Seca into the mix as well. The County approved a concessions agreement with them last July. The Highway 68 Coalition says that the approval should have been subject to environmental review instead of being considered as “Existing Facilities” and “Normal Operations of Facilities for Public Gatherings.”
A representative from WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca declined to comment. Instead, they referred us to the County of Monterey. Nicholas M. Pasculli, County Communications Director and Chief Public Information Officer responded with this prepared statement:
“We have received inquiries about the status of the lawsuit concerning the County’s operation of Laguna Seca. We are confident in our position and look forward to a speedy resolution of the lawsuit. Additionally, please note that the lawsuit does not in any way impact our 2024 activities at the track—we look forward to an exciting season! We are thrilled to extend a warm invitation to everyone to join us in the celebration of the thrilling events planned throughout the year.
“While there may be ongoing legal discussions surrounding the County’s premier recreation area, we would like to emphasize our commitment to providing an exceptional experience for our community, vendors, sponsors, and visitors alike. Our focus remains steadfast on ensuring that the upcoming events proceed seamlessly, offering unparalleled entertainment and showcasing the rich history of Laguna Seca.
“Laguna Seca has always been an integral part of our community, a beacon on the central coast of California, and a vital economic driver. We acknowledge that there are legal matters at hand; however, we encourage all stakeholders to approach the 2024 season with optimism and continue supporting the incredible legacy that Laguna Seca embodies.
“The best way to show solidarity is to participate actively in the events lined up for this year. We invite vendors, sponsors, and visitors to engage in business as usual, contributing to the success of our beloved raceway. Your attendance not only reaffirms your support for Laguna Seca but also helps us demonstrate the profound impact this iconic venue has on our local economy.
“As we navigate through proceedings, we remain confident that the spirit of Laguna Seca will prevail, and the 2024 season will be an unforgettable testament to our shared passion for motorsports and community engagement. We look forward to welcoming you to Laguna Seca County Park and Weather Tech Raceway for an exhilarating season ahead.”
I was talking with J.A. while I got this story ready to publish, and he made a good point: Laguna Seca's future would likely look a lot different if the track was privately owned.
In reply to Colin Wood :
Not certain. Look at the issues Arizona Motorsports Park has had out here. They're located RIGHT NEXT to an AFB which has far louder traffic and yet, they are still subject to noise complaints from nearby home owners (93db limit at track).
In reply to QuikMcshifterson :
But is it privately owned? I agree that the fact that it's a county owned track makes a big difference.
I bet all the real estate agents tell the buyers of nearby houses that the race track only has a few years left !
Probably been telling them that for 20 plus years :)
In reply to californiamilleghia :
That's something I see here in my neighborhood.
My house is just a few houses down from a railroad track, so when a train comes through, you hear it. (I personally don't mind at all. Trains are cool.)
The house across the street went up for sale a while ago, and the listing pretty much said that the tracks were rarely used, when, in reality, the train runs twice on Monday and Wednesday.
QuikMcshifterson said:In reply to Colin Wood :
Not certain. Look at the issues Arizona Motorsports Park has had out here. They're located RIGHT NEXT to an AFB which has far louder traffic and yet, they are still subject to noise complaints from nearby home owners (93db limit at track).
Hey, are you local? PM me. I run with a private group at AMP and there are occasionally some slots available: Once you're in, you are invited to future events.
The debacle at AMP is just stupid. The F35 boys do afterburner TNGs and don't pop the sound meters somehow, despite being so loud that shouted conversations at AutoX corner stations are impossible.
Hell, my turbo Miata almost popped sound there the other day. I was letting it hit fuel-cut redline on the back of an AutoX run through the timing lights and nearly tripped the dB meter. But Luke? No problem.
Don't forget that AMP existed before those homes. Asshat developers built homes there and didn't inform buyers that there was a racetrack there. Buyers moved in next to a racetrack and AFB and were surprised to hear cars and planes. They complained loudly and got AMP shut down for many years, but Uncle Sam had the last say about their own noise emissions.
There's little doubt in my mind the county owning the track is the only reason it will continue to exist.
My city of about 40,000 people is home to the State Fairgrounds which includes a 3/8 mile high banked dirt track located well inside the city limits. Every Sunday night racing during the summer from 6:00pm well into the night, sometimes until midnight, including World of Outlaws sprint car racing and with no sound restrictions. You can hear it easily from my house 1.75 miles away, not that I care and not to mention the State Fair outdoor concerts at full volume.
State owned land.
I've always thought it would be a good idea for any homebuyer to camp out in front of a house they're intent on buying for a few days, ideally a full week. Issues like this make me think that perhaps it should be mandatory. It would expose a lot of scummy real estate agents too...
As far as private ownership, I assume NCM circuit is owned by GM, and that's another track with very strict sound limits.
Sounds like the County is well aware of what benefits the track provides. I have seen this go "the other way" with the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (Pismo Dunes). State Parks 'ologists and leadership continue to submit to any challenges and roll-over without a fight, and the Park continues to shrink in size, irregardless of the greater benefits it provides.
Circle track in Dixon just shut down, but there's rumors of developers wanting to build a new race track in Northern CA, so I guess there's hope.
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