MAZDA RACEWAY LAGUNA SECA
World-class racing in Monterey

An awesone Porsche 917K uncorkes the corkscrew.
Photo: courtesy Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Monterey County's Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and its signature turn, the Corkscrew, has been the scene for some of the most jaw-dropping moments in motorsports. Consequently, the 11-turn road course is revered as racing Mecca among the international motorsports community and sports enthusiasts.

This year's season maintains a frenetic pace with six major racing events. From Ferraris and Porsches to prototype cars and motorcycles to historic race cars, visitors will be able to see it all up close.

The rarest Ferrari race cars from early Grand Prix to near modern-day Formula 1 cars will open the season May 20-22. Here's a chance to see and hear some of the wondrous V12 engine tones that made the Italian automaker so famous.

High-performance Daytona Prototypes return July 8-9 for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series in what is one of the most competitive series in North America. Superstar drivers provide close racing in both the prototype division and the GT class production-based sports cars.

The world's elite motorcycle riders compete in the MotoGP World Championship during the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix July 22-24. These daring riders, who race only twice in the U.S., provide heart-pumping action while attacking the course in close quarters and knee-dragging fashion. Even non-motorcycle fans appreciate the sound, speed and occasional spills.

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is a museum bursting to life. For 37 years, car buffs who appreciate the past and want to see authentic period-correct cars on the track visit Monterey for a celebration of car culture. This year's featured marque is Jaguar, which is commemorating the 50th anniversary of its iconic E-Type.

The ModSpace/Construct Corps American Le Mans Series Monterey, presented by Patrón, features modern high-tech racing with a "green" alternative fuel focus. The six-hour endurance race runs into the darkness the weekend of Sept. 16-18 and features multiple classes on the track at the same time to provide nonstop passing and pit lane activity.

Every three years, Porsche enthusiasts celebrate the marque with German fanfare. Yet, it's always been held on the East Coast. That all changes Oct. 14-16 as Porsche Cars North America hosts Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV to celebrate its heritage, its cars and the many people who drove them to victory.

The bustling Yamaha Marketplace is an ideal complement to the race paddock where visitors can stroll past shopping outposts and select from a variety of food and refreshments. It also hosts many hands-on, fan-friendly experiences that entire families can enjoy.

Tickets, VIP hospitality packages, parking and camping for all 2011 major events are on sale. For information and to purchase tickets, call 800-327-7322 or visit online at MazdaRaceway.com or ticketmaster.com.