Laguna Seca Races July 21-23, Need Imput

[Route66]

The Superbike and MotoGP races are coming to Laguna Seca in Monterey on the same weekend. I've followed them on the Speed Channel but have never been to a race. Alot of viewing paddocks are sold out as well as some of the camping areas. So would I still have a good look at the race if I camped or stayed at a hotel and walked in? Any information from those who have been there and done that would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Terry

[waycoa]

Do not go through Ft Ord to get there unless you like getting stuck in a 4 to 5 hour traffic jam on a 1 1/2 lane back road with no shoulder. The sherrif's dept likes to ticket bikes that pass on the driver's side...the shoulder side is awful. So, inspite of what they say on the Laguna Seca web site, Hwy 68 is the best way in. Of course, if want to really see more of the race stay home and watch it on TV. I was in the BMW hospitality tent and watched a good part of it on TV when i wan't chowing down on snacks or the catered lunch (thank you Santa Cruz BMW). On the other hand it's fun to walk around the track and check out various vantage points such as at the Corkscrew which is crowded...the whole place is crowded and premium viewing is at a Premium!

Prolly doing at least once, eh? I've got no experience with hotel/motels. There's a good sized one with shuttle service by Hwy 1 and Reservation Road, if think. Nothing close enough to walk. Ride yer scoot down and take yer life in yer hands with all the rest of us crazies, eh?

[messenger13]

Although I haven't been to an actual MotoGP race, I'm a HUGE fan! I posted a thread not long ago containing information about a Podcast that contains just a BOATLOAD of information about all things MotoGP. It's called "MotoGPod". You can download each or every episode of their Podcast at THIS LINK (http://www.motogpod.com/podcasts.php). Listen to Episodes 4 & 5. Host Bob Hayes will give you some useful tips for attending Laguna Seca.

If you just left-click on those episode links, they should automatically play in your mp3 player of choice. Or, right-click and select "Save Target As...", and you can download each episode to your computer for later listening.

Hope this helps.

[KBandit]

The Superbike and MotoGP races are coming to Laguna Seca in Monterey on the same weekend. I've followed them on the Speed Channel but have never been to a race. Alot of viewing paddocks are sold out as well as some of the camping areas. So would I still have a good look at the race if I camped or stayed at a hotel and walked in? Any information from those who have been there and done that would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Terry

i've been going to laguna seca to national and world races for years, and i've always had a blast. the recent moto-GP race was not as much fun for me. it was just too darned crowded.

maybe i'm spoiled by all the years of clear track views and concession lines that are too long, but i can't say i enjoyed it. the grandstands were sold out, the hotels were sold out, there were long lines to get anywhere, and traffic was a nightmare. so much so that i'll be watching the event on speedvision this year.

sorry, it's how i feel.

as far as walking to the track ... that's a LONG walk! the nearest hotel is miles away.

[messenger13]

Good news for you Terry. Without Gary going, that's one less that'll be crowdin' the joint. :D

Have fun at LS. The week before the race, I'll be touring the New England states, stopping at the BMW MOA National Rally for a day then heading back home....Only to pack up the family and head out for our annual family vacation. It's a rough schedule, but somebody's gotta do it. :) Sure wish I was watching Rossi and Hayden with you though. :(

[ddavenport]

If you can find any tickets, buy them now. They were sold out last year and many were being sold on e-bay for a premium. That of course gave a lot of people ideas, so getting a face value ticket may be tough. I bought mine the day they went on sale.

I went last year with just general admission tickets and had a great time just walking around and seeing the track from all vantage points. Stayed at a hotel in Monterey and took the shuttle one day, rode my bike the next. Get there very early to avoid the traffic mess if you ride in. The motorcycle parking passes are limited and sell out fast also.

What may work out nicely for my fellow LTers is my plan to have a trailer at the track campground . I lucked into a camping reservation (thanks Mr. Gold!), but am still shopping for a toy hauler. If I'm there camped, I can host some get togethers for members of this exclusive group, LT style of course. Good coffee in the morning, BBQ after the race, and premium beer.

Anyone going can PM me and we can stay in touch.

[Route66]

Thanks alot for the maps, road wisdom, links, crowd warnings, and party invitation.
Darn I hate crowds, but maybe I could go just once... And maybe I'll see some of you at the RA Rally in Boise. Thanks again,
Terry

[waycoa]

Just remembering that some shuttles leave from Embassy Suites in Marina.

I always wait till the very last minute to get tickets just because that sometimes works out great for me.

Except last year when my 35mm camera jammed and wouldn't advance film just as Rossi and Hayden made an appearance six feet away! Major bummer when i picked up my slides after processing. Yup, still use a 35mm SLR.

[motogpmgr]

I always attend the motorcycle races at Laguna Seca. But the MotoGP took things to an entirely new level. More SOUND (!!!), color, speed, celebrities,
cool things to see and ogle. And to go with it, lots of people. You must buy your tickets now and get yourself some grandstand seats at turn 11 at the same time. There is a jumbo TV there that will keep you in touch with the race and give you a place to sit. Walk the track on Friday practice or Saturday qualifying to see the corners up close. The motel may be your biggest challenge. Start calling now in Monterey/Carmel. If no luck try Seaside and Salinas as the last choice.I think you will have a great time. And, it will be the last chance to see the 1000cc bikes and probably the last chance to see one of the greatest motorcycle road racers in history, Valentino Rossi. The bikes go to 800cc and Rossi goes to Formula 1 in 2007.

[tvguy]

I must say the crowd is huge but so was the event.55,000 or so. Last year we stayed in a hotel with 4 guys and spent $1000 for 3 nights - we were gouged for the rooms... The bus is the best and fastest way into the track and out again and it is FREE. There are ticket still available online at laguna-seca.com

The town of Monterey is beautiful and there is plenty of time to go to Cannery Row and see the Aquarium and the 1000's of bike. Plan on walking around town. It is the fastest way to get around.

The crowds are way better than an NFL game. You will have to stand in a 45 minute line to get a T-SHIRT. All the bike manufactures are there showing off the good stuff.

Call now if you need a ROOM... Carmel Valley is nice and anyplace in Monterey will work.... If you have never been to a race this is the only time you will see these guys in the US and after this year the 1000cc are no more

PM me if you want more info... JEFF :cool:

[messenger13]

You may be interested in THIS (http://stevejones.cc/suite/).

The ONLY way to see the USGP! http://www.bigbikeworld.com/forum/smileys/smiley20.gif

[DavidTaylor]

I go every year (WSB before MotoGP came to town) and it is definitely worth it! The hill above Turn 2 is general admission and is probably one of the best views at the track. Getting a room will be the issue. Most everything in a 25 mile radius is sold out, and they ALL gouge like crazy. For example, I'm paying $199 a night for a room that's maybe $60 the rest of the year. Last year we paid $239 a night for a $75 room and felt like it was a deal. But the bottom line is you'll have a great time, and seeing the best riders in the world on the best and fastest machines in the world is something to behold. Also, it's probably Rossi's last season in MotoGP, you know you want to see part of that!

[daisy3d]

I just posted my tickets F/S for this summer in the classified section. The whole sha-bang for two for the weekend. Think we want to do the MOA in VT instead.

Phil
Brooklyn, MI

[BillCav]

My Wife and I went to the Laguna and loved it. Actually saw a couple of movie stars (wow). My wife and I camped about a half an hour down the coast and this turned out to be the best for us, nice and quiet with the tent beside a stream. Then we zipped up to Laguna real early, got in before the crowds and saw some great racing. I still have my Wayne Rainey T-shirt, never worn.

Cheers, Bill