The NTT INDYCAR SERIES confirmed its return to the coastal destination of Monterey County and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The announcement of a multiyear agreement comes just minutes before teams rev up for today’s Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey that will be shown live on the NBC network at noon PT.
Having triumphantly returned to the Central Coast in 2019, the 2020 race was canceled due to the pandemic. Yet this weekend’s race comes full throttle on the teams’ path toward the championship.
The announcement also included the provisional 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule, which places WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca as the host circuit for the season finale, Sept. 9-11, 2022.
“The Monterey community and businesses have always held the INDYCAR SERIES in the highest regard,” said John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “Our track has seen such memorable moments as Alex Zanardi’s “The Pass,” Bobby Rahal’s unprecedented four consecutive race wins, which led to the naming of the “Rahal Straight,” and Mario Andretti’s final race as part of his Arrivederci tour and the naming of the Andretti Hairpin. We look forward to more memories being made in the coming years.”
“We were proud to return historic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2019 and it is gratifying to know their great event will continue to be a part of the schedule for years to come,” said Penske Entertainment Corp President and CEO Mark Miles. “The action-packed layout and world-famous corners have proven to be a spectacular showcase for North America’s premier open-wheel series.
“It remains an important addition to our calendar and a picturesque backdrop to the championship. INDYCAR is pleased to continue our partnership and looks forward to many more opportunities to spotlight the audacious athletes that make up the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.”
This weekend’s Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey is complemented by rounds 17 and 18 of the 20-race season of Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires. At stake for the Indy Lights champion is a scholarship valued at $1.3 million that will guarantee entry into a minimum of three NTT INDYCAR SERIES races in 2022.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca continues to expand its experiential activities for families by adding go-karts, a Ferris wheel, food trucks and an abundance of exhibitors to heighten the experience. The full 2022 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca season will be announced in the coming days.
For information, please visit WeatherTechRaceway.com.
