WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Accounted for $84.4 million in Direct Spending in 2018

February 5, 2019 by WeatherTech Raceway

MONTEREY, Calif., February 5, 2019 – The iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca accounted for $84.4 million in direct spending in Monterey County as a result of seven premier 2018 events. The study was commissioned by WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and conducted by California State University Monterey Bay and Fairleigh Dickinson University researchers. The County of Monterey-owned and operated facility attracted 263,888 visitors to the 2018 race events, with 79 percent of attendees visiting from outside Monterey County, according to the report.

The direct economic spending was segmented in the following categories:

Lodging - $15.05 million (48,664 room nights in Monterey County)

Food and Dining - $22.32 million

Retail and Entertainment - $39.44 million

Transportation - $7.63 million

A total of $6.5 million in county and state taxes was generated from the 26 race days. This includes $1.58 million in Transient Occupancy Tax and $4.9 in other tax proceeds. The study found that the average spending per person during the events was $690, which is higher than the County average of $497. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca also attracted visitors year-round for track rental days and during the Sea Otter Classic that were not accounted for in this study.

A total of 81.1 percent of non-resident attendees planned on returning to a race in 2019. The vast majority, 77.6 percent, also indicated a strong desire and more likely to return to Monterey County at a different time of year as a result of their experience at a race event.

Events included in the study were: Ferrari Challenge (May), Spring Classic (May), FIM Superbike World Championship (June), Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (August), Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prix (September), Porsche Rennsport Reunion VI (September), and California 8 Hours presented by Pirelli World Challenge (October).

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With the 2019 racing season quickly approaching, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca introduced a 2019 Season Pass that will allow enthusiasts to enjoy premier racing events on the schedule. At a $745 value, the Season Pass is available for only $420. Monterey County residents save even further with a preferred price of $350.

Each Season Pass provides gate admission, entry to the paddock so fans can enjoy the activities up close to the action, the open seating areas and the vendors and fan activities in the marketplace, along with general parking included. Children 15 and under are admitted free to all events when accompanied by a ticketholder.