SCRAMP Pushes to Maintain Control of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

The Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) has put together a letter pushing to maintain control of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and keep it under local operation.

It comes with the report earlier this summer that the International Speedway Corporation is in talks to take over track operations.

SCRAMP Board President Gregg Curry wrote an open letter addressed to track neighbors and friends, noting the impact of the local presence in comparison to a potential track takeover.

Curry confirmed the ISC negotiations in the letter, however pushed hard to ensure the SCRAMP organization is given an equal and fair opportunity.

More importantly, he also noted the Board of Supervisors has entered into a 90-day due diligence with ISC.

“These closed-session meetings resulted in the Board of Supervisors entering into a 90-day due diligence agreement with International Speedway Corporation (ISC) to take over management and operation of the raceway,” Curry wrote in the letter.

“ISC is a for-profit, publicly traded corporation based in Daytona Beach, Fla., whose primary business is the ownership and management of NASCAR race tracks.

“SCRAMP is requesting a fair and open process where we be given equal consideration to continue to improve and manage operations of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and that this process be held in the open with the benefit of public participation and review.”

Curry noted what SCRAMP has done for the track in its more than 50-year history.

“SCRAMP has grown from presenting a single motor sports event in 1957 to annually producing five major events which generate a $200 million economic benefit for Monterey County,” Curry wrote.

“More than 300 local community members annually commit thousands of hours volunteering at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the love of motorsports in Monterey County.

“SCRAMP has invested more than $50 million in the Laguna Seca facility, and we continue to be committed to upgrading Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to enhance the overall experience for spectators, sponsors, participants and visitors.”

The letter ends with an open plea to contact local Monterey County Supervisors on the matter.

The full letter can be found at this link, here.