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TireRack.com Monterey SportsCar Championship 2025: Key Details For Racing Fans
The TireRack.com Monterey SportsCar Championship at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca promises an exciting weekend of racing from May 9-11, 2025. The highlight will be the first two-hour, 40-minute sprint race of the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. This event is the series' sole stop in Northern California and includes races in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America, and Mustang Challenge.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, located at 1021 Monterey Salinas Highway, Salinas, CA, features a 2.238-mile circuit with 11 turns. The main race spans two hours and 40 minutes. Last year's winners included Nick Tandy and Mathieu Jaminet in the GTP class with Porsche Penske Motorsport's Porsche 963.
This year, 36 cars will compete across three classes: Grand Touring Prototype (GTP), Grand Touring Daytona Pro (GTD PRO), and Grand Touring Daytona (GTD). Porsche Penske Motorsport has already secured three consecutive GTP wins this season. Porsche also boasts a five-year streak of GT class victories at this track.
AO Racing's "Rexy" Porsche has claimed two wins this year in GTD PRO and GTD categories. However, they will switch to "Roxy" for this race. Eight automotive brands have achieved victories in IMSA-sanctioned series so far, including BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, and Toyota.
Bobby Rahal will serve as Grand Marshal for the event. He will give the ceremonial "Drivers, start your engines!" command and engage with fans throughout the weekend. Rahal will also watch the Nos. 24 and 25 BMW M Team RLL BMW M Hybrid V8s compete in the championship.
Porsche Cars North America has become the Official Car of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and plans to open a Porsche Driving Center there in 2026. TireRack.com's multi-year agreement includes naming rights sponsorship of the iconic "Tire Bridge" and title sponsorship of the championship weekend.
Special Events for Fans
The raceway will host an Electrify Your Career in Motorsports workshop during race weekend. This offers participants networking opportunities and insights into the industry through various sessions and tours. Lauri Eberhart recently launched a Monterey Chapter of Women in Motorsports North America.
On Mother's Day, special activities include Latte’s with Lauri on Sunday morning and a Women in Motorsports Panel on Saturday. Schwarzkopf will provide free hair styling services at their Color on Tour Hairstream alongside other beauty activities on-site.
Local Drivers Take Centre Stage
Several drivers from California will compete close to home this weekend. In GTD class races are Kenton Koch from Glendora, Elliott Skeer from San Diego, and Adam Adelson from Los Angeles. The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge features eight drivers with California ties including Thomas Merrill from Salinas.
Aston Martin THOR Team’s Valkyrie prototype makes its debut at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Fan-favourite Robert Wickens returns using hand controls due to a spinal cord injury; he partners with Alec Udell in DXDT Racing's Corvette Z06 GT3.R.
Community Engagement Activities
An IMSA fan party takes over downtown Salinas on Wednesday evening before race weekend begins officially on Friday morning at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca itself! This free event features drivers' appearances alongside music performances plus prizes up for grabs along Main Street between five o'clock until seven pm local time!
The live qualifying stream airs Saturday afternoon via Peacock within U.S., while international viewers can tune into IMSA TV Live or YouTube channels outside America! NBC Network provides live coverage starting noon Pacific Time Sunday when flag drops marking start main event broadcasted worldwide simultaneously online platforms mentioned earlier too!
The world-renowned WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is nestled among scenic hills in Monterey County offering thrilling experiences both drivers spectators alike thanks challenging turns elevation changes including famous Corkscrew corner! Friends Laguna Seca non-profit organisation manages operations ensuring top-tier racing entertainment delivered annually attracting motorsport enthusiasts globally year after year consistently delivering unforgettable moments everyone involved!
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