Laguna Seca nearly done with small upgrades
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| Laguna Seca work almost done |
While the racetrack was quiet for several months due to the COVID-19 shut down, that didn’t prevent the County of Monterey and the new management team for the Laguna Seca Recreation Area from embarking on a number of improvements to enhance the guest experience. Over the initial six months, the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, which includes scenic campgrounds, biking and hiking trails, hospitality venues and the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca racing circuit, has remained a hub of activity.
“The park and track departments have been working tirelessly to elevate this facility to the world-class standards that visitors expect," said John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “Our intent is for visitors to recognize the efforts of our team and see the transformation when they arrive."
Completed projects include:
- Repairs to pit lane and widening pit lane entry from track at turn 11
- New fuel pumps
- Electronic flagging system
- Installation of a new water well
- Adding an in-house security department
- Refurbishing Stewards room
- In process of refurbishing BBQ Island
- Painting the garages
- Paving the Turn 4 vista
- Painting restroom and shower facilities, and landscaping the campgrounds
- Refurbishing interior and exterior of Pit Row suites
- Landscaping improvements throughout the park
An important part of the reopening plan is the additional health and safety measures that have been added. This includes Plexiglas shields in the Ticketing and Accommodations office, retail store, welcome entry booth, and the Operations office where guests frequently visit. Hand sanitation and washing stations have also been added throughout the campgrounds and paddock areas to help safeguard guests and the community.
The health and safety protocols put into place, and approved by the County of Monterey Health Department, allowed private track rentals to open June 1 and campgrounds July 1. Since then, feedback from renters and campers has been overwhelmingly favorable.
“Our intent is to provide the desired experience for our guests while keeping them as safe as possible. This includes a closed paddock to visitors, temperature checks, face coverings and physical distancing. People are understanding and accept the protocols before arriving on property and are adhering to them when they are here," Narigi added.