Laguna Seca Round to Run Behind Closed Doors

Photo: Rick Dole/IMSA

Next month’s IMSA event at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will be run behind closed doors, with officials from the circuit confirming Friday that ticketed spectators will not be permitted at the Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 event due to California’s COVID-19 protocols.

It is expected to be only the second IMSA race without fans this year, with upcoming rounds at Mid-Ohio, Charlotte Motor Speedway and the ten-hour Motul Petit Le Mans all expected to feature limited numbers of ticketed spectators.

The IMSA Hyundai Monterey Sports Car Championship, meanwhile, has been confirmed as the penultimate round of the WeatherTech Championship season, after initially being in jeopardy due to recent changes in track management and California’s increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

According to a statement from the circuit, current ticket holders for the event will have the option of transferring their tickets to the 2021 event, which is set for April 23-25, or receive a full refund. 

Due to the facility being on state park grounds, the Laguna Seca Recreation Area will be open for camping and “limited day use” on the race weekend.

Track officials have also confirmed that the Ferrari Challenge weekend, scheduled for Sept. 25-27, will be run behind closed doors as well with the same camping options.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John