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New Race Events Rev Up Monterey SHORTCUTS AT LARGE 68 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 A s this year's race season opens, crews at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will welcome a high-profile new event to the track—and that means spectators can expect unprecedented excitement as four classes of cars tackle the track's famed curves at once. The May 2-4 Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prix includes the local premiere of the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, a series creat- ed by the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car and American Le Mans merg- er. The prototype and GT cars that will share the track during the week- end events feature distinctive technologies and travel at varying speeds. "It's a very exciting prospect because these two series, separately, were very different," says Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca CEO and General Manager Gill Campbell. "They had very different cars and appealed to very different audiences. Now, with the combination of the two, we're covering some incredible spor ts car racing." Following the Monterey Grand Prix, two additional headliners will gen- erate fast-paced action in anticipation of the popular Rolex Monterey Motorspor ts Reunion that takes place in August. The Ferrari Challenge returns to Laguna Seca on May 16-18. Amateur drivers with a range of experience race in this event, a unique showcase for the Italian automak- er's prestigious Ferrari 458 Challenge cars. Tickets star t at just $20. Bikes are also a big draw at Laguna Seca, and the July 11-13 eni FIM Superbike World Championship marks the event's only Nor th American stop this season. Some of the spor t's most talented drivers compete in three classes, driving high-performance cycles similar to those found in showrooms. Superbike World Championship tickets also star t at $20. Fan forums, autograph sessions and track walks give spectators exclu- sive access to drivers and team members throughout the season. It all makes for unforgettable outings, explains Campbell. "Watching it on television is one thing, but seeing it live—smelling it, hearing it—is definitely the way to go," she says. For this season's full racing schedule or to obtain tickets and additional Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca information, visit www.mazdaraceway.com or call 800-327-7322. —Renee Brincks A Mazda Tudor prototype takes a turn at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. This summer's events include the Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prix, May 2-4; the Ferrari Challenge, May 16-18; and the eni FIM Superbike World Championship July 11-13. Photo: Trevor Andrusko 044-70 Shortcuts_SU05 Carmel Magazine 4/25/14 4:37 PM Page 12