Story By: ALICIA BUSA / WEATHERTECH RACEWAY LAGUNA SECA – MONTEREY, CA – The Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey, held June 21-23 was a resounding success, marking an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages. The event, hosted at the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, brought together thousands of racing enthusiasts for a weekend filled with high-octane action, entertainment, and community engagement.
The earlier summer date was a success as ticket sales were up 9 percent over 2023 with a total of 40,000 in attendance. Friday attendance was higher than normal likely due to the event falling during school’s summer break and Mission Foods partnering with local grocery stores to offer a free Friday ticket. Mission Foods CEO Juan Gonzalez was the Grand Marshal of the event and was there to greet fans and start the race on Sunday.
The campgrounds were also bustling with over 350 campsites reserved. While locals enjoyed one of the first hot summer days in weeks, the nights and mornings stayed cool and out of towners reveled in the marine layer as temperatures soared across the country.
“This past weekend provided a fresh revitalization of the entire Laguna Seca Recreation Area, and from initial feedback, the teams, sponsors and fans took notice,” said John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “There are many plans ahead that we are excited to see come to fruition.”
Amid varying fuel and tire strategies and numerous restarts, Alex Palou won the NTT INDYCAR Series Race on Sunday, taking the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship lead with his second victory of the season in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.
Palou can now count two wins, four podiums and four career starts at the Northern California circuit. Two-time and reigning series champion Palou, who started from the pole, beat Colton Herta’s No. 26 Gainbridge Honda of Andretti Global with Curb-Agajanian to the finish by 1.9780 seconds.
California natives Colton Herta and Alexander Rossi took podium number 2 and 3, respectively, and while both could claim the famed track as their home race, it was Palou who seemed nostalgic about Laguna Seca. “I love this place, I wish we could race here more often,” he said in the press conference. Adding later, “when you love a track so much, I think you get a little extra help.”
INDY NXT driver Louis Foster swept a double header weekend, as he earned his fourth victory in the last five races and took the championship lead. Foster also dominated at the picturesque Central California circuit by driving his No. 26 Copart/Novara Technologies car of Andretti Global to a 4.3962-second victory over the No. 18 HMD Motorsports car of rookie Caio Collet. Foster beat Collet to the checkered flag by 8.2445 seconds in Race 1 Saturday.
“Andretti has given us an amazing car,” Foster said. “I’m just out there doing my thing. It’s been a great weekend. Sunny skies in California. You can’t ask for anything more. So, super, super happy with that.”
Adding to the excitement of the races and enthusiasm from the drivers, the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey featured outstanding entertainment options. Saturday night saw a spectacular country concert starring George Birge for the first time at the podium stage. Sunday, the Hagerty Marketplace featured a powerful performance by The Rock Band from the 191st Army Band out of Dublin, California., energizing the crowd and providing the perfect soundtrack to a thrilling day of racing.
In fact, the Hagerty Marketplace was a bustling hub of activity throughout the weekend. Visitors enjoyed exploring a wide array of vendors offering everything from automotive memorabilia and accessories to gourmet food and locally crafted beverages. The Marketplace provided a vibrant atmosphere where fans could shop, eat, and immerse themselves in the world of motorsport.
The event catered to fans of all ages with dedicated Kid Zones that offered fun and engaging activities for the youngest racing enthusiasts. From Go-Karts, interactive games and rides, to the MY Museum Wheelie Mobilee, the Kid Zones ensured that families had a memorable and enjoyable experience.
The success of the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of numerous volunteers and 17 local service clubs who helped with everything from running the Go-Karts, to directing traffic. Their tireless efforts in supporting track management during the event were instrumental in creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees The community spirit and volunteerism on display were a testament to the strong local support for this iconic venue.
Fans can mark their calendars for 2025 as the NTT INDYCAR Series returns July 25 – 27 for another summer weekend of fun. Season and Family Passes will be available in late 2024 and event tickets will soon follow.