The major race season is about to rev up at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with the second annual Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prix Powered by Mazda and featuring the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship May 1-3. Yet preceding all the on-track action are three community events that showcase the iconic Monterey circuit.
Before the deep, angry growl of race car engines dominate Mazda Raceway, bicyclists will have a chance to quietly navigate the circuit’s 11 turns at tonight’s Twilight Cycling Ride from 5:30-7:30 p.m. As an added bonus, there will likely be a few storied drivers ditching their four wheels for two to experience a little extra track time.
Families and all levels of cyclists are welcome and encouraged to attend the Twilight Cycling Ride as a safe cycling environment and a way to enjoy riding the circuit itself. Helmets are required and the cost is only $10 per rider.
On Thursday, April 30 during promoter test day, the community will be involved in two powerful ways. An integral part of the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula’s (SCRAMP) community outreach program is its “Hot Wheels and High Heels” event. Approximately 30 Monterey County civic and business women leaders will receive a VIP behind-the-scenes tour of the race paddock, meeting with some of the drivers and special guests, and experience heart-pounding hot laps in the Mazda Raceway pace cars.
The purpose of the program is to help community leaders understand racing, introduce them to events held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, which is a significant economic engine in the county, and develop closer bonds within the community. SCRAMP is a not-for-profit organization that has been operating Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca since its inception in 1957 and donates hundreds of thousands of dollars back to the community clubs and organizations who volunteer to help.
Closing out the day at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is the annual all-chamber mixer held atop the circuit in the Trackview Hospitality Pavilion. Chamber members and guests from Monterey, Salinas, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Marina, Seaside and Pacific Grove will come together to network, enjoy the scenery, and chat with race car drivers and motorsport leaders in a festive environment.
“These programs are just a tip of how SCRAMP and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca are involved in Monterey County,” says Gill Campbell, CEO/general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. “Many of our staff sit on volunteer boards and committees throughout the area and we, as an organization, deeply care about giving back.”
The racing begins on Friday, May 1 and continues through Sunday, May 3. The racing will be fast and hot and features many popular marques, such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Mazda, Chevrolet, Nissan and Ford, among others.
For a complete schedule and ticket information, visit MazdaRaceway.com or call 831-242-8200.
