Laguna Seca in trouble?

Could Laguna Seca be a victim of the Dorna efforts to reduce the amount of races in America in favour of new expanding markets?

With the surprise news over the weekend that the MotoGP paddock will return to Indianapolis in 2014, and the news that the MotoGP paddock will return to Brazil in 2014, the Mazda Laguna Seca raceway could be in trouble.

Back in the spring, Carmelo Ezpeleta said that Dorna want to reduce the amount of races in Spain and America and move into new circuits. When the news broke it was widely expected that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway would be the victim stateside.

However with confirmation of next years event taking place, in spite of rumours that the IMS would terminate their contract a year ahead of schedule, and even talks that they may renew further, ontop of the large new contract signed with the Circuit of the America’s it could yet see Laguna Seca faced without a race in 2014.

Despite being a fan and rider favourite, Californian law only allows the MotoGP machines to race in Montery, and this could be a pivotal factor against the legendary circuit next year. There have also been safety concerns expressed at Laguna, particularly around the famous ‘corkscrew’ corner, as well has poor facilities and relatively small attendances.

Dorna are also said to be keen on keeping MotoGP in Indiana with bikes in arguably the most famous motor racing venue in the world, and with COTA tied up Laguna Seca is a lot more vulnerable than many would assume.

A lot of Indianapolis’ future lies with how willing, and open circuit owners are to refurbishments and changes to the current event, with riders not happy about grip levels and the current surface changes.

Laguna Seca does currently have a contract for next season, but it is widely expected, with the addition of both South American rounds that one of Laguna or Indy will make way.