Laguna Seca: The Corkscrew that Captivates

Tucked into the rolling hills of Monterey County, California, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable tracks in North America. Its elevation changes, dramatic scenery, and legendary turns have tested everyone from amateur HPDE drivers to world-class pros.

A Track That Twists History

Originally opened in 1957, Laguna Seca was created after local racing outgrew the safety of nearby public roads. Built on military land at Fort Ord, the track’s early days were home to classic sports car battles and west coast motorsports legends.

The circuit’s most infamous feature—the Corkscrew—is a blind, left-right chicane that drops over five stories in elevation in just a few seconds. It’s been called the most challenging turn in America, and maybe the world. Drivers who’ve tackled it never forget it.

Over the decades, the track has hosted everything from Can-Am and Trans-Am to MotoGP and IMSA. Today, it remains a top-tier facility and a dream destination for track day junkies and time attack warriors alike.

Still Going Strong

Laguna Seca is widely used by NASA, SCCA, and other grassroots groups, offering a bucket list experience for those looking to test themselves on sacred tarmac. Whether you’re chasing lap times, chasing down a Miata in Turn 2, or just chasing vibes, this place delivers.

“Some of those overtaking moves... I was friggin’ so nearly on the floor, it wasn’t funny.”  — Casey Stoner, MotoGP World Champion, on battling at Laguna’s Corkscrew (Crash.net)

🏁 Track Facts

• 📍 Location: Monterey, California
• 🛣️ Configuration: Full Circuit
• 📏 Length: 2.238 miles
• ↩️ Turns: 11
• 🟢 Status: Active
• 📅 Upcoming Events

Got something cool from your last trip to Laguna? Share it and we might feature you in a future post. Keep chasing that 5hp.

Photo: Lorenzo and Stoner 2012 Laguna Seca by MotorPhoto is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.