Officials of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca announced June 13 the cancelation of the 2020 Monterey Motorsports Reunion, one of the two major anchors of the annual Monterey Car Week. The other anchor, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, already has been canceled.
Race track officials cited the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic for their decision.
“The highest priority is for the health and safety of race participants, crews and their families, as well as guests and our Monterey County residents,” John Narigi, track president and general manager, was quoted in a news release.
“As was our plan, we waited until June after weighing all the options and different scenarios before making a final decision. No matter how much we hoped, no one can fully anticipate what state mandates will be in place that will affect public events and social gatherings.”
The announcement was made just days after media reports that negotiations between the track’s new management and the new volunteer workers needed to stage a major event had broken down.
The Laguna Seca Volunteers Association was to take the place of the long-time Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula volunteer group under the new management plan. The breakdown in negotiations apparently revolved around the availability of county-mandated insurance coverage for the volunteers while they were at the track, which is owned by the County of Monterey.
Regarding the Reunion cancelation, the track said it will refund all entry fees, as well as camping space and ticket purchases.
The raceway will be available for private track rentals, officials noted.
“While large public events and gatherings are not permissible under current state mandates, the County of Monterey Health Department has approved WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca’s reopening plan for private track rentals that have strict health and safety protocols,” the track said.
The track also said it would host a “Driver Appreciation Weekend” under the rental guidelines on August 8-9 so racers can exercise their vehicles on the historic circuit.
“We empathize with the participants who want to enjoy their cars at speed, many of whom have not had the opportunity to do so this year,” Narigi said. “The Driver Appreciation Weekend is designed to thank participants for their ongoing support, feedback and patience during these challenging times.”
Wow! All these cancellations while here in New Zealand we’re at Level 1 which means everything back to normal except our borders are still closed to international visitors – even Australia which has the same attitude to Covid-19 as our government. Go figure.
What a pity USA’s commander in chief is mad. At times like this you all need Jacinda – or someone like her.
Your events will continue to be cancelled while ours thrive. Eat your hearts out – and make sure you vote properly, not just for the guy who says, YES you can keep your guns.
YOUR hobby is dying so rednecks can keep their guns.