Story By: ALICIA BUSA / WEATHERTECH RACEWAY LAGUNA SECA – MONTEREY, CA – On Saturday, June 8, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca hosted its second Cars & Coffee event of the year, attracting over 600 vehicles.
The gathering featured an impressive array of vintage, custom, rebuilt, and notable cars, making it a memorable event for all attendees. The event successfully raised $2,740 for the Community of Big Sur through the Big Sur Food and Wine Foundation.
Despite the official start time of 7:30 a.m., the lakebed was already half full by then, showcasing a diverse lineup of vehicles, from brand-new Porsches and Tesla Cybertrucks, to patinaed trucks with raccoon tails affixed to antennas. Attendees, some traveling from over an hour away, enjoyed the chance to admire the cars and stayed to watch the SCCA races taking place that day.
The event was a significant opportunity for the Big Sur Food & Wine Foundation, tagged as the beneficiary by Communications Manager and Cars & Coffee Coordinator Alicia Busa, who also volunteers for the foundation. Recently, the Big Sur community faced challenges when highway closures isolated the area, impacting local businesses just as the summer season was beginning. “The Big Sur Food & Wine Foundation continues to be a major benefactor and promoter for many of the businesses and community programs in Big Sur. It felt like a good time for us to step up and help contribute,” said Busa.
The event also provided a platform for other businesses to participate. Tanimura & Antle, the track’s local agriculture sponsor, gave away bags of fresh produce for small donations, which also supported the Foundation. Coastal Roots Hospitality served Captain + Stoker Coffee, bringing their signature hospitality to the event. Both businesses have previously been featured at the Foundation’s November Food & Wine Festival as well. Additionally, local automobile dealer MyChevy sponsors the quarterly gathering of enthusiasts.
To date WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca has already raised nearly $6,500 for community organizations this year. The next Cars & Coffee event is scheduled for Saturday, August 31, with the beneficiary to be announced soon. The car-loving community’s support ensures these events are always a success.