Marco Bezzecchi
MotoGP needs to bring back Laguna Seca to the calendar to improve the Grands Prix of the Americas.
As we approach the Americas Grand Prix this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, it evokes memories of past races held there.
Some of the most memorable moments in the United States in MotoGP history include the intense battle between Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi in 2008, Nicky Hayden’s emotional victories in 2005 and 2006, and Marc Marquez’s impressive hat-trick of wins in the USA in 2013, which featured a thrilling contest with Rossi.
What do all of these moments have in common? They all occurred at Laguna Seca. This circuit in California has not been on the MotoGP calendar since 2013, but it continues to hold a special place in many fans’ hearts.
With MotoGP visiting circuits like Goiânia in Brazil, which fell short of MotoGP’s standards, calls have been reintroduced for the series to return to classic circuits from the past, including Laguna Seca.
You’re in charge of MotoGP, what is the one track that you’d immediately add to the calendar?
MotoGP’s recent history in the United States of America
Currently, MotoGP have one round across the United States of America as they visit Texas for the Grands Prix of the Americas at the Circuit of the Americas.
However, as recently as 2015, they visited multiple circuits across the United States in a single season, as they raced at the Circuit of the Americas and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. But as previously mentioned, MotoGP held three races in America during the 2013 season.
Although the Circuit of the Americas has attracted large interest from Formula 1 fans, it has not been able to attract the interest of MotoGP fans, as the circuit still does not reveal its attendance rates for MotoGP, 14 years on from its introduction to the calendar.
Laguna Seca was removed from the calendar due to its safety issues and lack of adequate infrastructure at the circuit. However, this has not stopped calls that the historic circuit should be back on the calendar due to its success in the past alongside the Circuit of the Americas.
When you think of MotoGP, what is the circuit that comes to mind?
Neil Hodgson’s opinion on MotoGP returning to Laguna Seca
During TNT Sports coverage of the Brazilian Grand Prix from the Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna (Goiânia), Laguna Seca was raised in a discussion between Neil Hodgson and Gavin Emmett.
Hodgson who raced at Laguna Seca during his time in World Superbikes, MotoAmerica and the 125cc World Championship, expressed his desire for MotoGP to return to the circuit.
An opinion that was backed up by Emmett, who mentioned the 2013 season, when MotoGP went to three circuits across the United States of America.
Hodgson said, “I wish we went to Laguna Seca. What a track!”
Emmett added, “If only. I know people say we’re going to get more races in the US. There was a year we had three, if you remember. We went to COTA, Indy and Laguna Seca. We always loved going there.”
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