Mazda Raceway wants Champ Car back
"It was incredibly well attended," exuded Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca CEO/General Manager Gill Campbell about the turnout for the recent Champ Car test there. "I was extremely delighted to see the number of people here and from all over."
As she wandered the paddock, Campbell said she spoke with one person who was from New York and a couple of others from Oregon. "I could not have written a better script."
A part of the Spring Training included a fan forum, which has become a popular event at Champ Car races around North America. At the Laguna Seca forum, there was standing room only.
Of course, one of the questions put to Champ Car series co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven and series President and CEO Steve Johnson was whether Champ Car was considering coming back to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. That's not in the immediate future, but Kalkhoven & Company have not ruled out returning to these hallowed hills,
Kalkhoven complimented the fans in attendance noting their passion for the sport.
"People asked very good questions," said Campbell, who was a part of the forum panel.
I've long been a fan of Kalkhoven and remain optimistic that he will complete the turnaround Champ Car is exhibiting and, as a result, I believe down that road we will see Champ Car back at the dry lake. Right now, Laguna does not fit in Champ Car's business model, which most particularly includes urban festivals, but our day will come.
For a non-racing event, the attendance was terrific.
Campbell chose different words, "It was overwhelming," she said of the number of people. "I estimated (before the weekend) we might get about 1,000. I think triple that is more like it.
"The community came out and supported the event and the track. There were hard core fans and some who were not here before. It's a great way to start off our 50th (birthday celebration).
"We would love to have Champ Car return (for a race), but it would have to be a good business decision for both sides. We certainly have an interest. We haven't discussed it further than that."
Bank on it that they will talk. I can't help but feel Kalkhoven and Johnson as well as all the rest of the Champ Car administration, teams and drivers were impressed by the showing.
Kalkhoven grew even larger in my eyes after the forum. He had committed to coming on Tony Karis' and my radio show, but the forum ran a little late. When he could gracefully set his microphone down, he did so and sprinted across the paddock area to his transporter so he could call into the show, apologizing for his tardiness. Thanks, Kevin.