Thrilling Racing and Entertainment at the Monterey Festival of Speed

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca near Monterey, California, USA, will be hosting the Monterey Festival of Speed from 16 to 18 May 2008. Highlights of the action packed three-day auto racing program include the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, Formula BMW Americas Championship and the Cooper Tires Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda.

Auto racing fans can look forward to plenty of excitement at the world-class Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, with a track covering 2.238 miles, including eleven turns and a 300 foot elevation change. The Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca track features one of the most challenging and exciting turns in the motor sport world. Popularly known as the “corkscrew”, the turn has a blind crest and apex on the uphill approach, followed by a significant drop in elevation.

Saturday 17 May features the Grand-Am Rolex Series Prototype and GT cars in a mega-competitive 250-mile race. Grand-Am features cars from a number of manufacturers including Porsche, Mazda, Lexus and Pontiac. Considered to be one of the most cut-throat racing series in the United States, the Grand-Am annual season begins with the famous 24 Hours at Daytona race. Open-wheel race cars dominate the program on Sunday with the Cooper Tires Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda taking to the track. Auto racing fans can also look forward to enjoying the Formula BMW Americas Series race later in the day.

Camping facilities will be available for auto racing fans who have traveled to the Monterey Festival of Speed. Spectator facilities range from general grandstands, right through to premier suites, which include general admission, paddock access, parking pass and an air-conditioned dining area with breakfast, lunch and beverages served.

The Monterey Festival of Speed is taking place on the same weekend as the United States Armed Forces Day on 19 May. In a gesture to honor the men and women who serve to protect the United States, the management of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is allowing free admission at the entrance gates to active and retired military members and their families on presentation of a valid military ID.

In addition to enjoying the Monterey Festival of Speed race program, auto racing fans can look forward to plenty of family fun and organized activities throughout the weekend – be sure to be there!