Racing started at Laguna Seca on California's spectacular Monterey Coastline in the late 1950's on the site of a former US Army base. Traditionally associated with sports car racing and the annual Monterey Historic Festival, the challenging road course has since 1983 also hosted a round of the CART Championship and has been the scene for many thrilling races. in 1997/98 the track hosted a FIA GP Championship race.

The classic track has been lengthened by adding 4 corners around the laguna and is most know for the daunting Corkscrew turn (between turn 7 and 9) a vicious left-right swoop plunging deeply downhill.

The hills around the track afford great viewing. Access and parking at Laguna Seca have improved in recent years: the new 25 acre Wolf Hill parking area just 300 metres from the start/finish line offers parking for more than 5,000 cars.