For motorsports fans,there's nothing quite like the roar of engines and the thrill of competition. But our beloved race tracks are increasingly under threat.
Last month while browsing through my Reddit fewed I came upon this story that the iconic Leguna Seca Raceway is facing the threat of closure once again. A local group has filed a lawsuit calling the racetrack a public nuisance due to traffic and noise.
A trip down the memory lane reminded me that this is exactly the same story playing out at racetracks around the world.
Not Just a Local Problem
Laguna Seca's struggles are part of a broader trend that we have seen unfold over the past few decades. Even though some of these tracks were built far out, the urban sprawl caught up to them, followed by noise complaints and eventual closure.
The most recent example is Bandimere Speedway (Morrison, CO) which closed at the end of the drag racing season last year. the 65 years old quarter-mile dragstrip was the host to many historic racing events, including the first-ever NAHRA National event in Colorado and several NHRA Finals.
Take Bridgehampton Race Circuit in the USA as another example. It was once hailed as the most challenging course in America by racing legend Stirling Moss. Despite its popularity, noise complaints and safety concerns led to its closure in the 1990s. Today, it's a luxury golf course, though parts of the old track still exist for nostalgia's sake.
Then there's Brooklands in the UK, the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit. It thrived until World War II, after which it was repurposed for military use and never reopened for racing. It's now a museum, which at least, preserves its rich history.
Ontario Motor Speedway, known as "The Indianapolis of the West," was another casualty in the 80s - though it amazes me that no one seems to talk about it. Financial difficulties and competition led to its closure a mere decade after opening. Now, it's a mix of commercial and residential properties.
Riverside International Raceway in Southern California had a similar fate. Urban development pressures closed it down in 1989, and now a shopping mall and homes occupy its space.
Some Tracks Survive And Thrive
Not all stories end in closure. Some survive the test of time.
Silverstone in the UK faced financial and operational challenges in the early 2000s but survived thanks to strategic investments and mass community engagement. It still hosts the British Grand Prix, showing that adaptability and local support can secure a track's future.
Similarly, Monza in Italy is another historic circuit that has tackled noise and environmental complaints with various mitigation measures. By successfully adopting the racetrack to modern requirements, the management at Monza has ensured that the fastest racetrack in Europe remains a staple in the Formula One calendar.
The Legendary Laguna Seca And What’s Happening Now
Laguna Seca, established in 1957, is famous for its challenging layout. Most notably the Corkscrew turns 8 and 8A have been the driver’s real test for quite some time. It has hosted numerous prestigious events, from MotoGP to National Championships and World Superbike races.
Despite its storied past, a local group called the Highway 68 Coalition, filed a new lawsuit in March 2024 calling the racetrack a public nuisance due to noise and traffic. They argued that since the county took ownership in 2021, noise, traffic, and infrastructure issues have worsened.
In response, the Friends of Leguna Seca, an organization set to take over the management of the legendary racetrack have promised to conduct thorough sound impact assessments and make necessary changes to reduce noise and environmental impact.
Their latest settlement with the County of Monterey lets them keep the track running while committing to necessary improvements. So, the guillotine is not coming for our favorite racetrack, at least for the time being.
Although noise complaints seem to be the key issue, some are speculating that the hunt for closure has an underlying second story – that being the valuable plot that this track sits on. It’s an extremely attractive commercial and residential area, some locals are talking about projects that include hotels, exclusive resorts, golf and casinos, potentially bringing more high rollers to the area. And yes, you could say that a brick-and-mortar casino can be replaced with FatFruitCasino.com online alternative and other accommodations can be found further down the street, but when money starts rustling, it is hard to keep it quiet.
Looking At the Bigger Picture
Fortunately for all motorsports fans the lawsuit against Leguna Seca has ended on good terms. But it is a reminder of the delicate balance between progress and preservation. It's a call to action for racing fans and community members alike to find common ground and work towards solutions that honor both the legacy of the tracks and the legitimate concerns of its neighbors. Oh, and please we need a law against people moving next to racetracks!
Here's to the future of Laguna Seca Raceway - may it continue to fuel our passion for racing for generations to come.