IndyCar’s latest visit to Laguna Seca produced rave reviews from drivers who enjoyed how the track surface has evolved in recent years.
The entire circuit was repaved with fresh asphalt in 2023, producing a dark, smooth, and grippy surface.
Drivers were tested physically and speeds were much higher, but that also led to much less room for exploration of different lines around the course.
The surface has degraded a lot in the past 12 months, however, which led to a much more forgiving experience. And nearly every driver praised the feel this past weekend.
Colton Herta finished third and clearly enjoyed his time on track, relating his long-term love of the historic track.
“It’s fun,” said Herta. “When you get to race here, when you have [tire] deg like we did, and it opens up lines and allows more race-ability, it makes this place a lot of fun.
“For me, this is my favorite racetrack in the country, and it really is a treasure every moment that we get to bring IndyCar here.
“It’s a super track. It deserves IndyCar, and really it needs IndyCar. We go well together.
“Love racing IndyCars here. Love the ability that the track kind of weathered and opened up lines, and now you can race here a lot better than the last two years. I think it shows it’s earned its spot on the calendar this year.”
Open wheel cars have been raced at Laguna Seca for much of the track’s history, including since its major redesign in 1988.
Many other racing events take place on the course as well, including sports cars, motorcycles, and nearly everything else in between.
The elevation changes and challenges to drivers have cemented it racing history, and it is clear that drivers still enjoy turning laps on the unique course.
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