last901

Just received this today. I think many of you have been to Monterey and Laguna Seca for some event over the years. It's a classic venue and one would be hard pressed to name a single driver or rider who hasn't done a lap or two in anger. there.

Looks like it may not be the monument we thought it would be for much longer.


http://www.velocetoday.com/shakeup-f...h-anniversary/

Mufflerbearing

Hope it survives. I took my basic training just over the hill at Fort Ord.

Lots of racetracks have disappeared. Anyone remember the Aurora Speedway? It was next to Playland which was a large amusement park I was able to attend as a reward for being a school crossing guard complete with a vest and a little Stop flag. No, no pictures.

last901

Guess that was before photography, huh? I also won a trip to Playland for being a crossing guard at Summit school just off Pike st on Capital Hill. Wasn't able to make the trip for somereason, possibly because Ms Ames made me sit in the cloak room and forgot I was there until the following Monday.

I do remember Aurora Speedway, but since I lived in the south end so my "home" track was Sea-Tac Speedway in Midway. Same idea, same mayhem. Just got to love a Jalopy driver with the name, "Filthy Phil" Anderson.

Are we having more fun now at our advanced age than we were when we were youthful adolescents? I think I am, but really can't remember that far back.

JETninja

I'll be there this Sept for the Tudor Sports Car Race, it'll be our 17 year in a row going to it. Have done many laps on that track too! It's a blast to drive on....

George's_Vette

Wow, I've been there multiple times for Super Bike races and stood around and chatted with Dan Binks and crew in the Corvette pits about the upcoming Tour de France race. Nothing like walking the front straight with all the cars and crews prior to the start of the big race. Awesome experience. Love the Corkscrew. Harder then it looks.

Took the Keith Code MC driving school in Colorado Springs at the Pikes Peak track there. Was a blast on a sport bike. Gotta be fun when they black out the bikes speedometer. Just ride it like you stole it.

Hope it survives. It's a great venue

last901

Well, George, I didn't realize you were a Moto piloti, like Kamran and me. Well, admittedly I sold my Ducatis and the Triumph Thruxton and miss them terribly - although at my advanced age, it's probably just as well I did. I still have my leathers and riding gear, but my wife says they make me look fat(ter) and smell like a goat ranch.

But to your point, I too hope Laguna Seca survives. SCRAMP has done a great job over the years and the opportunities to bring tourists into the area, vis-a-vis Laguna Seca with related spending that goes to charities will be missed. While the Monterey area is considered by many to be a haven of billionaires and such, I think it's the money that comes in from tourism and racing events that fills the coffers for the various charities. It might seem a juxtaposition but one has only to drive a short distance from Monterey into the surrounding communities to understand the need is high. Hard to believe that the taxes raised from development will match what the track provides. There is no Boeing or GM plant in Monterey to provide lots of employment. The sardines even left the place, leaving Cannery Row to souvenir shops and a wonderful aquarium.

I've sent the article to my close friend who is well placed to explain to me what's really going on. Hope to learn more...

Are you coming over for the Corvette event later this month?