Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will not be part of the 2014 MotoGP calendar after an announcement by the circuit today. The popular venue has hosted the United States Grand Prix every year since 2005 but financial restraints have brought that run to an end, leaving the races at the Circuit of the Americas and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the championship’s two stateside stops.
In a statement released today, Laguna Seca explained the reasons for its departure and expressed its desire to return in the future.
“For 25 years, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has served as the “home” for Grand Prix motorcycle racing in the United States, having staged 15 world championship Grands Prix since 1988. Unfortunately, and in spite of loyal support from fans, sponsors and media, there will not be a 16th U.S. Grand Prix in 2014.”
Marc Marquez took the final U.S. GP victory for the time being in July (Photo Credit: Repsol Honda)
“At this time, the U.S. is only able to support two MotoGP events. The support provided by the states of Texas and Indiana make it difficult for us, as a not-for-profit, to currently compete.”
“Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca extends its gratitude to all those whose combined efforts made the U.S. Grand Prix such an iconic event; it took all of you – fans, sponsors, motorcycle community, media, volunteers and, not the least, Dorna Sports. Our pledge to you is to work diligently to return the MotoGP World Championship to Monterey, Calif., in the very near future.”
The Monterrey circuit is set to be replaced on the calendar by the Autódromo Termas de Rio Hondo, host of the Argentine Grand Prix, but will continue to host the World Superbike Championship after returning last weekend.
