Laguna SecaAbout Laguna Seca
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a road-racing circuit in Monterey County, California, USA, best known for its dramatic elevation changes and the famed Corkscrew corner.
The paved track measures 2.238 miles (3.602 km) and includes 11 turns; it hosts professional, club and historic racing events, including well-known motorsport festivals and series events. The Corkscrew sequence between Turns 8 and 8A is a defining feature and is celebrated for its sudden downhill drop and blind entrance.
The circuit opened in the mid-20th century and has been a regular venue for national and international racing series and historic events. It is a compact facility that combines spectator areas with paddock and support buildings for racing events.
Located in Monterey County, the raceway sits inland from the Monterey Peninsula and is commonly accessed from the towns and cities of the region.
- Track length and turns: The track length is 2.238 miles (3.602 km) and it features 11 turns, making it a compact but technically demanding circuit.
- Signature feature: The on-track signature is the Corkscrew, a downhill left-right complex with about a 59-foot (18 m) elevation drop between its apex turns.
What to See#
- The Corkscrew: A signature sequence of the circuit between Turns 8 and 8A that includes a steep, blind downhill drop followed by a rapid left-right complex; the drop is approximately 59 feet and is world-famous among drivers and spectators.
- The circuit: A paved road-racing circuit 2.238 miles (3.602 km) in length with 11 turns, used for professional and club motorsport events and historic racing festivals.
Best Time to Visit Laguna Seca
Plan around scheduled events-spring and autumn are best for milder weather and fewer crowds; summer hosts the busiest race weekends.
Weather & Climate near Laguna Seca
Laguna Seca's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in September) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (695 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 4° - 15° | 8° | 136 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 5° - 16° | 11° | 120 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 6° - 17° | 11° | 112 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 6° - 19° | 12° | 53 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 8° - 20° | 14° | 9 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 9° - 22° | 15° | 4 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 10° - 23° | 17° | 2 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 11° - 24° | 17° | 2 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 11° - 24° | 18° | 9 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 9° - 23° | 16° | 33 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 6° - 19° | 12° | 102 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 4° - 16° | 8° | 113 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Laguna Seca
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is in Monterey County near Monterey and Salinas. By car it’s about a 10-20 minute drive southeast from Monterey (via CA‑68) and a short drive from Salinas; ample event parking is available on site during race events. During major events organizers usually run shuttle buses from Monterey and Salinas; check the event’s transport info for schedules and pick‑up points.
Tips for Visiting Laguna Seca
- Plan your visit around official event days - WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is primarily an events venue, and the best spectator experience is on race or track days when grandstands and vantage points are open.
- Arrive early on event days to secure a good viewing spot of the Corkscrew (Turns 8-9) - that section is the most iconic and fills up quickly with photographers and fans.
- Buy tickets and parking in advance from the track's official site and check which spectator areas are open for each event (some races restrict certain grandstands or access points).