Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey
WeatherTech Raceway * Laguna Seca
September 20-22, 2019
Round #17 - Final Race of 2019 Season
GENERAL INFO – IndyCar returns to the historic race track in 2019 after a 15 year absence. Besides WeatherTech Raceway, this track has also been known as ‘Monterey.’ This permanent road course is about 10 miles inland from the Pacific Coast. Located on California’s beautiful central coast. The track was built 62 years ago and owned by the County of Monterey and enjoys spectacular views with many elevation changes. The Monterey county park is open year around.
This is the final race of the 2019 season and the season ending race will produce the champion! If you have extra time, explore the area, quite a tourist destination. Make sure to have a hotel reservation before leaving home.
Take time to walk the course. Travel light and remain portable. Make sure to dress comfortable including comfortable walking shoes. Be prepared for weather changes, hot, chilly and/or wet. Bring sunscreen, lawn chair, hat, camera and binoculars. Many elevation changes, so be prepared for strenuous walking. Race weekend Indy Lights and Indy Pro 2000 will also use the track. Kids 15 and under are free general admission and paddock with a paying adult! Bring the family!! Complimentary golf cart shuttles are available to move you within the track to assist your mobility. Ask at a guest relations station and they will radio for a ride.
The track, whether there is an event or not, is open year around. It is owned and operated by the County of Monterey. You’ll find many diverse groups using the track such as racing schools, various car clubs, motorcycles and SCCA regional racing events. Camping and hiking experiences are also offered.
The Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation will host “Legends of Laguna Seca” golf tournament on 9/18 at The Club at Pasadera. The 501© 3 nonprofit group was formed to compliment enhancement projects at the track. Call 1-831-242-8200 for further information and costs.
A WORD FROM THE SPONSOR - * WeatherTech was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Bollingbrook, IL, suburb of Chicago. The company produces automotive protection and vehicle accessories. They distribute products to 84 countries worldwide. The development, engineering, and manufacturing all remains in house, truly a United States manufacturing firm. Their motto is ‘Concept to Consumer’. They are the title sponsor of an IMSA auto racing series.
SPECIFIC LOCATION – 1020 Highway 68, Salinas, CA 93908
TRACK WEBSITE – www.weathertechraceway.com
TRACK CONFIGURATION – Permanent road course, 2.2238 miles, 11 turns.
PREFERRED AIRPORTS – San Jose International (SJC), 75 miles; Oakland International Airport (OAK), 106 miles; San Francisco International Airport (SFO), 107 miles; Sacramento International Airport (SMF), 109 miles. If flying in, it will be a fly and drive destination.
PARKING – Preferred parking is available for purchase in the Lakebed. General parking is free in all general parking lots. Call 1-831-242-8282 to purchase preferred parking.
CREDENTIALS – Credentials can be picked up at the Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey, Seaside, CA 93955. Follow signs to credentials inside of the hotel lobby.
ENTRY POINTS – Avoid the main entrance at Highway 68. All vehicles are instructed to enter the track via South Boundary Road. Ignore the race traffic signs and deviate from these directions! South Boundary Entrance is open to all in bound and out bound traffic. Barloy Canyon Entrance is also available.
PROHIBITED ITEMS – No drones or glass bottles. No cooler size limits. Motorcycle riders and all-terrain vehicle operators must wear an approved helmet. Bicycles, mountain bikes are along allowed on paved roads. Motorized vehicles, bicycles, roller blades or skateboards are not allowed in the Marketplace. No pets in spectator areas; service dogs welcome. Pets are allowed in the campgrounds, but all must be on a leash. No fireworks, freestanding scaffolding or structures permitted in the camping areas. All marked fire lanes must always be kept clear. Only licensed vehicles may be operated on perimeter roads.
TICKET INFO – A variety of ticket offers are available from single day to weekend admission. Grandstand tickets, paddock passes and general admission all offered. Consult the website at www.weathertechraceway.com for further information or call 1-813-242-8282. ADA accommodations are available for parking and seating. All grandstands are non-reserved, first come, first served. Arrive early to get your choice of seating. Will call is located at the Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey, Seaside, CA 93955 on the main floor.
CAMPING – General, RV and tent camping is available in 6 different locations. Open camping is in an unimproved field, no spaces marked. This is based on a first come, first served basis. A general admission is required and sold separately of the camping permit. Reservations up to 5 business days before the event. After that time, it’s a take your chances there will be room when you arrive. Dumping of grey water onto the ground is prohibited. A central disposal station is available, located at the top of A Road. During major motorsports events, the dump station is closed until Sunday evening. Ask camping host for mobile disposal services. Some campsites have water and electricity. Call 1-813-242-8282 for clarification. Campfires are allowed, bring your own firewood or purchase at the campground.
QUESTIONS? – www.weathertechraceway.com or 1-813-242-8282
Judy Bickel with assistance from Lee Levinson, both IndyCar Nation members