Laguna Seca Not Returning To MotoGP Calendar In 2014

Despite a contract renewal earlier this year to keep Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca On The MotoGP calendar through at least 2014, the famous and iconic Northern California racetrack has issued a statement today confirming the rumor that MotoGP will not be returning to Laguna Seca next year after all.

Citing an inability to compete with the funding Texas and Indiana provide to maintain events at the Circuit of the Americas and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, respectively, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, a not-for-profit, unfortunately received the axe. If there’s any consolation for international racing fans, the World Superbike series, which just made a return to the track after a nine-year absence, is still listed on Laguna Seca’s 2014 calendar.

The full statement issued by the track regarding MotoGP not returning in 2014 is included below.

“For 25 years, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has served as the “home” for Grand Prix motorcycle racing in the United States, having staged 15 world championship Grands Prix since 1988. Unfortunately, and in spite of loyal support from fans, sponsors and media, there will not be a 16th U.S. Grand Prix in 2014.

At this time, the U.S. is only able to support two MotoGP events. The support provided by the states of Texas and Indiana make it difficult for us, as a not-for-profit, to currently compete.

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca extends its gratitude to all those whose combined efforts made the U.S. Grand Prix such an iconic event; it took all of you – fans, sponsors, motorcycle community, media, volunteers and, not the least, Dorna Sports. Our pledge to you is to work diligently to return the MotoGP World Championship to Monterey, Calif., in the very near future.”