After 17 years, one of the America's most exhilarating racetracks in the U.S. is getting a new name!
Starting April 1st, Laguna Seca - home to the famous Corkscrew turn - will officially be renamed the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Mazda had been the track's title sponsor since 2001, but earlier this year, the automaker announced that it would be ending the partnership.
According to the Monterey Herald, the naming rights are part of a five-year deal worth $5 million, and it gives WeatherTech exclusive rights to negotiations until 2027. This is less than Mazda paid to have its name on the track, but Mazda also had unique track access for vehicle events, which aren't necessary by WeatherTech. The county-owned track hopes that having a sponsor that is not an automaker will help attract other automakers to the venue for events or promotions.
Laguna Seca is one of the most iconic racetracks in the U.S. measuring 2.238 miles with 11 exciting turns. The highlight, of course, is the Corkscrew, which is an S-shaped section of the track that drops about 50 feet in altitude in over a 450-foot span.
This move further cements WeatherTech as a major force in the racing industry. The company is the title sponsor of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and WeatherTech Racing runs in the series' GTD class in the No. 63 Ferrari 488 GT3. WeatherTech is based in Bolingbrook, Illinois, and outside of the racing world, the company is known as one of the top manufacturers of vehicle accessories including floor liners and side window deflectors.
NEXT: NEXT-GEN FORD EXPLORER GOING RWD, ADDING PERFORMANCE MODEL
WATCH
