Known as the Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway after its primary corporate sponsor, this 2.2 mile circuit began life in 1957 and is situated near Monterey in California. It was built on US army land at a cost of $1.5 million after the nearby Pebble Beach Roadraces were abandoned over safety concerns. Though it has never hosted an F1 event, the track held a Champ Car race each year between 1983 and 2004, and is currently used for the American Le Mans series as well as the A1 series and Moto Gp.

Its infamous 'corkscrew' turn is considered one of the worlds most challenging corners, due to the drop in elevation as well as its blind apex. During the 1996 Champ Car race, Alex Zanardi passed Bryan Herta on the inside of the 'corkscrew' on the last lap to take a memorable victory. Several sections of the track have been renamed after American racing greats - Andretti hairpin, Rahal straight and Rainey curve.

Track management and promotion of major racing events is handled by SCRAMP (Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula), a non-profit organisation, which redistributes race track profits to local charities. Significant changes have been made to improve both safety and facilities over the years, including the addition of the infield section in 1988 and the widening of many gravel run off areas.