MotoGP Won’t Return To Laguna Seca In 2014

Marquez Passes Bradl at Laguna Seca this year

National Speed Sport News reports that the MotoGP World Championship will not return to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in 2014.

“We had a contract through 2014. Dorna (commercial rights holder of MotoGP) worked with us very hard to make it work for next year, but we just couldn’t make it work financially," said Gill Campbell, CEO and general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. “We have already talked about it returning in 2015. That’s my carrot. If I can do it I will."

Campbell stated that the decision makes sense financially, but noted that didn’t make it any easier.

“As a business decision, this made sense. Emotionally, it is devastating," Campbell said.

The track first hosted MotoGP in 1988 during the 500cc era, with Eddie Lawson claiming the inaugural event on a Honda. The race was held at Laguna Seca from 1988 to 1991 and returned after a one year break for the 1993 and 1994 seasons.

MotoGP returned to Laguna Seca in 2005, with American rider Nicky Hayden riding a Honda to victory. Hayden added a second MotoGP victory at Laguna Seca the following year. Casey Stoner and Wayne Rainey each hold a record three MotoGP triumphs at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Instead they will race on the boring Indy Speedway infield road course. There is no justice in this world.