Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/128684
038-066 Shortcuts_SU05 Carmel Magazine 4/26/13 10:32 AM Page 6 SHORTCUTS EVENT Photo: DMT Imaging MotoGP Brings Big Bike Action to Laguna Seca Laguna Seca's premier motorcycle event of the year features technically advanced bikes and international riders. At MotoGP Qatar on April 4, Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo beat teammate Valentino Rossi. American racers include Colin Edwards and Nicky Hayden. hen the Red Bull United States Grand Prix roars into town July of qualifying races set the stage for Sunday's headlining event, while memo- to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Off-track dynamics promise an extra three-day schedule. More than 137,000 fans bought tickets to last year's gath- W 19-21, it brings the world's most prestigious motorcycle drivers dose of drama leading up to this year's event, as a young phenom makes his MotoGP debut and two veterans who've clashed in the past open the rabilia exhibits, paddock tours, live music and other activities round out the ering, making it the track's biggest-selling spectator event of the year. The marquee participants and high-energy atmosphere attract plenty season as teammates. of international media attention and a passionate fanbase. world champion, Jorge Lorenzo, on the Yamaha factory team... There's lots for Valentino Rossi. And there are young fans—people bring their chil- Laguna Seca spokesperson. In addition to watching the two talented rid- out and buy the same bikes these guys ride and have them painted with "This year, nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi joins the reigning of talk about how they will get along," says Johanna Koch, Mazda Raceway ers navigate their rocky relationship, enthusiasts are eager for an appear- ance by 20-year-old Repsol Honda racer Marc Marquez. The 2012 Moto2 World Champion started driving motorbikes at age 4 and has recorded more than 25 major wins to date. This is the ninth year that the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, which features the MotoGP World Championship, will take place at Laguna Seca. An assortment 46 C ARMEL MAGAZINE•SPRING/SUMMER 2013 "People get all dressed up. They're waving their Italian flags and rooting dren—and the kids are all decked out in their gear," Koch says. "People go the same paint schemes. They really deck themselves out, because they really have their favorites." For updated event information and to buy tickets for this year's Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix and MotoGP World Championship, visit www.mazdaraceway.com or call 800/327-7322. —Renee Brincks