[DeTomaso] Monterey races cancelled!

[Gray Gregory]

I hope so too! The whole deal that led up to the new management group taking over was very strange and reeked of back room politics!

Gray

-----Original Message-----
From: DeTomaso <detomaso-bounces at server.detomasolist.com> On Behalf Of Julian Kift
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2020 8:45 PM
To: De Tomaso Forum <detomaso at server.detomasolist.com>; Mike Drew <MikeLDrew at aol.com>
Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] Monterey races cancelled!

The SCCA Regional Race ran at Laguna last weekend, suggesting the Reunion could have at least run without public attendance. One has to wonder whether the full Pre-Reunion & Reunion cancellation isn't more entwined within the fact that the Volunteer group just terminated negotiations with the new track management for support of the facility. I for one sure hope the politics behind the track won't result in its ultimate demise.

https://www.montereyherald.com/2020/06/12/laguna-seca-volunteer-group-ends-raceway-negotiations/
https://racer.com/2020/06/11/laguna-seca-volunteers-terminate-contract-negotiations/

Going to be a lean season, the Sonoma SCCA Regional event at the end of the month just got cancelled yesterday as Sonoma County still isn't permitting groups of more than 10.

Julian

________________________________
From: DeTomaso <detomaso-bounces at server.detomasolist.com> on behalf of Mike Drew via DeTomaso <detomaso at server.detomasolist.com>
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2020 6:14 PM
To: De Tomaso Forum <detomaso at server.detomasolist.com>
Subject: [DeTomaso] Monterey races cancelled!

All,

You didn't have to be Nostradamus to see this one coming.....

Monterey Motorsports Reunion Canceled Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Public Gathering Implications

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will Host Private Driver Appreciation Weekend Aug. 8-9, 2020


MONTEREY, Calif., June 12, 2020 -  After considerable discussion and consultation, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca's new management team has regrettably canceled the 2020 Monterey Motorsports Reunion. The difficult decision was made to ensure the safety and well-being of entrants and guests resulting from COVID-19 conditions and its impact on large public events.

"The highest priority is for the health and safety of race participants, crews and their families, as well as guests and our Monterey County residents," said John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. "As was our plan, we waited until June after weighing all the options and different scenarios before making a final decision. No matter how much we hoped, no one can fully anticipate what state mandates will be in place that will affect public events and social gatherings."

All entrants and ticket purchasers will receive full refunds of their entry fees, camping, parking and ticket purchases.

While large public events and gatherings are not permissible under current state mandates, the County of Monterey Health Department has approved WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca's reopening plan for private track rentals that have strict health and safety protocols.

Following private track rental guidelines, a "Driver Appreciation Weekend" has been created for August 8 and 9 to allow the significant number of entrants who have expressed interest in still running their cars on the challenging circuit the opportunity to do so.

"We empathize with the participants who want to enjoy their cars at speed, many of whom have not had the opportunity to do so this year," Narigi explained. "The Driver Appreciation Weekend is designed to thank participants for their ongoing support, feedback and patience during these challenging times."

The weekend will have a closed paddock to follow current protocols established for private track rentals. Cars will be accepted on an individual basis based on their existing entry into the Monterey Motorsports Reunion and placed into corresponding groups.

"With hotels and restaurants opening, we hope our participants will enjoy the hospitality that makes the Monterey peninsula so special," Narigi added.

For the latest event information, visit WeatherTechRaceway.com.


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