Motorsports

A Tale of Two Tracks

It’s not just on the car; it’s in the cars. Turner Motorsport uses the same LIQUI MOLY motor oils in their racecars as we can in our daily drivers. Thank you to LIQUI MOLY for supporting this column. Same but different? The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and the TireRack.com Monterey SportsCar Championship (let’s […]

Published

2 weeks ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

It’s not just on the car; it’s in the cars. Turner Motorsport uses the same LIQUI MOLY motor oils in their racecars as we can in our daily drivers. Thank you to LIQUI MOLY for supporting this column.

Same but different? The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and the TireRack.com Monterey SportsCar Championship (let’s call them “Long Beach” and “Laguna Seca” going forward here) both have eleven turns and are both early stops along the thirteen event IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship season. And that’s about where the similarities end.

Laguna Seca is a full-time race track (and camp ground!) with plenty of run-off space.

After attending both races in the same month earlier this calendar year, I was amazed at how different (yet both awesome!) the events were considering there were, at least from a sportscar racing perspective, mostly the same drivers in the same cars for the same race teams. There isn’t a right or wrong, a better or worse. It’s similar to when your friend presents two cars and asks “which one would you want?” and the answer is a clear…“yes.”

Long Beach, with its temporary walls winding around existing landmarks, creates a narrow course without much room for error. (Justin Rothberg here had very few errors in a two-win weekend.)

Right off the bat, let’s look at attendance. Long Beach has been setting records in recent years and eclipsed 200,000 attendees this year. It might have to do with location, too. Laguna Seca doesn’t come close to that, but Long Beach’s track literally winds its way through city streets and includes both IMSA and IndyCar, among others.

The track in Long Beach is surrounded by fourteen packed grandstands and countless other places to catch the cars whizzing by.

To get to Laguna Seca, it takes specific effort and while you can get back to your hotel or home easily, lodging doesn’t loom over the track as it can in Long Beach. Yet for a unique twist at Laguna Seca, the race also encircles an active campground.

The tents on the surrounding hills remind attendees that Laguna Seca is an active campground.

Long Beach is an event that has racing. Laguna Seca is a track you visit to watch racing. Long Beach has a central exhibit hall that does triple duty as a large vendor hall, an air-conditioned respite from the usual high temps, and the actual paddock for the GT America cars.

At Laguna Seca, you do have as many amenities and resources as you’ll need. And ease of access is relatively simple.

Laguna Seca has a few places to buy food. Long Beach has few places where you can’t buy food. Long Beach wraps up its evenings first with the Super Drift Challenge and concerts well into the evening. Lagnua Seca usually goes quiet by 7:00pm, allowing the neighbors who have built their homes by the track some respite from the sounds of race cars.

Super Drift is incredibly popular as the sun sets Friday and Saturday evenings.

Both environments provide extraordinary access to the cars, teams, and drivers. At both races, if you are in the paddock, look both ways or else you might get much closer to the cars than planned. BMW CCA local chapters at both tracks coordinate with the teams—usually Turner Motorsport, RLL, and Paul Miller Racing—for Meet and Greet events where the team owners, managers, drivers, and strategists share (some of) their secrets for and about the racing that weekend. You’re actually surrounding the racecar as the team scrambles to get it ready the forthcoming race, sometimes merely minutes following the gathering. If you seem too interested, they might hand you a tool and put you to work.

: Team RLL Technician Bernie Dutkofski puts in the work between races at Laguna Seca.

: The BMW CCA Meet and Greets provide even better team access. Here members are getting very unique insight from BMW M Head of Design Michael Scully.

: Tom Plucinsky, Head, BMW Group Classic USA, provided amazing insight to BMW CCA members during the Meet and Greet sessions.

In addition to the IMSA racing, which includes GTP and GTD racing at both events, both weekends incorporate other racing groups or organizations. At Long Beach, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is sort of second fiddle (yet a large fiddle!) to the aforementioned Indy racing. There’s also an Historic Formula Exhibition, GT America races, Stadium Super Trucks (replete with ramps brought out onto the track mid day!), and Super Drift.

At Laguna Seca, in addition to IMSA’s Weathertech Sportscar Championship, you can watch IMSA’s Michelin Pilot Challenge and Mustang Challenge, and the Lamborghini Super Trofeo. Both events provide great visibility to more types of racing to the fans of the other types. But if that wasn’t enough to sway you, Laguna Seca’s event hosted BMW parade laps around the track on Saturday, too. Come for one race, leave loving more racing.

Sure, it might not have been pushing the limits, but a parade lap on race weekend at Laguna Seca seems to bring out plenty of smiles.

As for track and racing comparisons, the best folks to provide that input are the ones racing. “Long Beach is a really short race. There’s not a lot of driving, but it’s really intense, lined with walls with zero room for error,” BMW Factory and Turner Motorsports driver Robby Foley says. “The surface is unique with some pavement and some other concrete areas, but it does have a lot of grip. Our environment is tough. There isn’t a lot of space in the paddock or the pits. But it’s a really special event. I look forward to it every year. You feel the heritage and passion from everyone there. You can also tell it’s a party for the fans, right there on the water. It’s special to be a part of it.”

Patrick Gallagher and Robby Foley pause (and maybe pose) during the Fan Walk at Long Beach during this year’s 50th Anniversary.

As special as Long Beach is to Foley, Laguna Seca has also captured a good part of his heart. “This is the first place I really drove,” Foley explains. “I did a racing school here when I was fourteen and have had a lot of success here with our Turner team. It’s also a beautiful place. I like the area in general. The track walk is incredible, giving us a chance to see some incredible views. TV does not do it all justice. It’s amazing to look at and a lot of tracks don’t have that surrounding beauty.

: The Corkscrew at Laguna Seca is one of the more technical parts of any course

: The drop between turns 8 and 8A is equivalent to a 59 foot drop. The drop from 8 through turn 9 is 109 feet, almost 10 stories.

“There’s a lot of elevation change at Laguna Seca, especially compared to the completely flat Long Beach course,” he continues. “The Corkscrew is technical, but the rest of the course is not as much. You do have to be precise with where you place the car entering the Corkscrew; being off by a couple of feet at the top will really affect how you end at the bottom. Laguna is a little smoother with longer and definitely more open corners. At Long Beach, corners are more rushed but slower. There, they’re all second gear corners except the hairpin but most at Laguna Seca are third and fourth gear corners.”

Always nestled around the racecars, Will Turner and the Turner team host Meet and Greets at both Long Beach (seen here) and Laguna Seca.

Nothing ever wrong will Foley’s input, but we figured we’d get some input from the team principal Will Turner. His team has raced at Long Beach for more than ten years but he has personally raced—and won—at Laguna Seca. “There’s a very different feeling with these two tracks,” Turner says. “For me, you get a quality track at Laguna Seca and then amazing energy from fans at Long Beach. From a track perspective, the traditional course at Laguna Seca is more forgiving. Over the years, they have modified the track with gravel traps or at least room you need for run off. With Long Beach being a street course, there isn’t room for error. Long Beach at 100 minutes is a lot shorter. This usually means pit as soon as you can. At Laguna Seca, tire degradation has historically been the issue.”

: Even with fewer people attending at Laguna Seca, the Fan Walk on the grid is shoulder to shoulder.

: With so many activities at Long Beach, the Fan Walk might be under-attended, especially considering the opportunity.

Even while focusing on racing, it is difficult for the teams to not recognize the atmosphere at a race. “Long Beach seems to be all about the fans. They’re everywhere and we get motivated by their energy. The grandstands are full all around the track. With Laguna Seca, it’s almost like a secret. There isn’t really a centralization of fans at Laguna Seca. But, there is simply more room in the paddock for us and the fans up north. Fans can get closer to the cars and there is a little more flexibility in the schedule. The Meet and Greet events with the BMW CCA are great at both races. Those are a little smaller lately, especially at Laguna Seca, but we’re always excited to talk with members and fans.

: The quarters in Long Beach are pretty tight.

: This maneuver is a lot easier with more space and fewer people at Laguna Seca.

“Between the two tracks, there couldn’t be any greater differences but both are so fantastic!” Turner summarizes.

Tags: Laguna Seca Long Beach race experiences

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Motorsports

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Will Return to PRI 2025

Greg Jones is Content Director and Editor of Engine Builder Magazine. Published: Jun 20, 2025 Introducing the Petty Hellcat Dream Giveaway – celebrating 60 years of street Hemi domination with a final build worthy of a king. Literally. Dream Giveaway has teamed up with NASCAR legend Richard Petty and the crew at Petty’s Garage to […]

Published

8 minutes ago

July 8, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Greg Jones is Content Director and Editor of Engine Builder Magazine.

Published: Jun 20, 2025

Introducing the Petty Hellcat Dream Giveaway – celebrating 60 years of street Hemi domination with a final build worthy of a king. Literally. Dream Giveaway has teamed up with NASCAR legend Richard Petty and the crew at Petty’s Garage to bring you something the automotive world has never seen before: a one-of-a-kind, supercharged Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody Redeye, upgraded to a pavement-ripping 885 horsepower and autographed by The King himself.

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Motorsports

Mayor Brandon Johnson open to bringing NASCAR Chicago Street Race back to Grant Park beyond 2025

Mayor Brandon Johnson said Tuesday he is open to bringing the NASCAR Chicago Street Race back, but only after including more people in discussions about a contract extension than when former Mayor Lori Lightfoot agreed to the original deal. When Lightfoot announced the three-year deal with NASCAR in 2022, Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) said he […]

Published

9 minutes ago

July 8, 2025

Your Sports Nation

When Lightfoot announced the three-year deal with NASCAR in 2022, Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) said he and other alderpeople who represent downtown Chicago were not consulted before the deal was signed. The five alderpersons whose wards encompass the 2.2-mile NASCAR race course have demanded to meet with NASCAR officials to discuss the race’s future in Chicago.

While Johnson did not specifically say he would include those alderpeople in discussions about possibly extending NASCAR’s deal beyond this year, the mayor said Tuesday, “Far more people are going to be involved in this process than when it was initially birthed. That’s my style of leadership.”

NASCAR wrapped up the two-day race in Grant Park this weekend, and its three-year deal with the city is expiring, but includes mutual options to return in 2026 and 2027.

Johnson said his administration is still in talks about possibly bringing the race back, but he suggested the race could be moved away from the July 4th weekend, given the extra burden the event places on police and other city resources.

“The 4th of July is already … quite frankly it’s a heavier burden for our law enforcement, because of so much activity that happens in Chicago. And as tourism continues to increase and more and more people continue to visit our city, the expectation of law enforcement and our first responders continues to grow. It’s something that I believe that will be part of the larger discussion. If, in fact, NASCAR returns, what is the optimal time in which the two days or three days should occur?” Johnson said.

Johnson also said, while the race has helped boost tourism in Chicago, he wants to make sure the event provides tangible benefits to the entire city, including disadvantaged neighborhoods outside of the downtown area.

“What’s the public benefit? This is not about my own personal endeavor. The larger question is how do neighborhoods across the city benefit from anything that we bring to the city of Chicago?” he said. “Everything has to be on the table. We have to explore all aspects. One thing that I can say that the city of Chicago, we’re a gift to America. We’re able to hold large-scale events, particularly large sporting events, and really appreciative of how the city has come together over these three years to be able to put on a display that is unique to anywhere else in the world.”

The mayor praised NASCAR officials for having already provided financial support for STEM programs for high school students in Chicago over the past three years.

Todd Feurer

Todd Feurer is a web producer for CBS Chicago. He has previously written for WBBM Newsradio, WUIS-FM and the New City News Service.

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Motorsports

Roman Ziemian Mobility Releases Feature Spotlight: Blending Motorsport Excellence with Cultural Impact

Published

28 minutes ago

July 8, 2025

Your Sports Nation

DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 July 2025 – Following Roman Ziemian’s influential insights into the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) AI startup boom in June 2025, Roman Ziemian Mobility has released a new feature article titled “Roman Ziemian: Champion in Motorsports and Advocate for Arts and Culture.” The article offers an in-depth exploration of Roman Ziemian’s extraordinary dual legacy-combining elite motorsport achievements with Roman Ziemian’s steadfast commitment to advancing arts, education, and cultural preservation.

This feature follows the overwhelming response to Roman Ziemian’s recent interview on the rise of AI innovation in the GCC, where he emphasized the region’s potential to lead in globally impactful, culturally grounded technological solutions.

Motorsport Excellence: A Legacy of Leadership

With over 20 years of experience and multiple championship titles, Roman Ziemian has cemented his status as one of the most accomplished figures in global GT and endurance racing. The article highlights his strategic approach to racing, technical expertise, and relentless pursuit of excellence that have defined his career.

“Motorsport is not just about speed; it’s about driving innovation, discipline, and creating a legacy that inspires,” Roman Ziemian shared.

A Cultural Vision Beyond the Track

Roman Ziemian’s influence extends beyond motorsport into the realm of cultural advocacy. As a devoted patron of the arts, he has supported initiatives spanning classical music, theater, and visual arts. His philanthropic efforts focus on nurturing emerging talent, fostering creativity, and preserving cultural heritage in both Europe and the Middle East.

Key Highlights from the Feature Include: “Success is not solely defined by podium finishes,” Roman Ziemian states in the feature. “It’s about creating lasting value-on the track, in the arts, and within the communities we serve.”

Roman Ziemian Mobility: Driving Progress Across Fields

The Roman Ziemian Mobility initiative encapsulates Roman Ziemian’s broader mission: to blend motorsport innovation with cultural and societal progress. By fostering meaningful opportunities in education, the arts, and technology, Roman Ziemian is creating a legacy that empowers future generations while elevating global standards for leadership and impact.

Hashtag: #RomanZiemianMobility

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Motorsports

2025 NASCAR Sonoma Entry List: All 37 drivers for Toyota / Save Mart 350

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The NASCAR Cup Series makes its only trip to California for the 2025 edition of the Toyota / Save Mart 350, where drivers will navigate the Sonoma Raceway. Here’s a look at the full entry list for this weekend’s race. 2025 NASCAR Sonoma Entry List Ross Chastain […]

Published

29 minutes ago

July 8, 2025

Your Sports Nation

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The NASCAR Cup Series makes its only trip to California for the 2025 edition of the Toyota / Save Mart 350, where drivers will navigate the Sonoma Raceway.

Here’s a look at the full entry list for this weekend’s race.

2025 NASCAR Sonoma Entry List

Ross Chastain (#1, Trackhouse Racing)
Austin Cindric (#2, Team Penske)
Austin Dillon (#3, Richard Childress Racing)
Noah Gragson (#4, Front Row Motorsports)
Kyle Larson (#5, Hendrick Motorsports)
Brad Keselowski (#6, RFK Racing)
Justin Haley (#7, Spire Motorsports)
Kyle Busch (#8, Richard Childress Racing)
Chase Elliott (#9, Hendrick Motorsports)
Ty Dillon (#10, Kaulig Racing)
Denny Hamlin (#11, Joe Gibbs Racing)
Ryan Blaney (#12, Team Penske)
AJ Allmendinger (#16, Kaulig Racing)
Chris Buescher (#17, RFK Racing)
Chase Briscoe (#19, Joe Gibbs Racing)
Christopher Bell (#20, Joe Gibbs Racing)
Josh Berry (#21, Wood Brothers Racing)
Joey Logano (#22, Team Penske)
Bubba Wallace (#23, 23XI Racing)
William Byron (#24, Hendrick Motorsports)
Todd Gilliland (#34, Front Row Motorsports)
Riley Herbst (#35, 23XI Racing)
Zane Smith (#38, Front Row Motorsports)
Cole Custer (#41, Haas Factory Team)
John Hunter Nemechek (#42, Legacy Motor Club)
Erik Jones (#43, Legacy Motor Club)
Tyler Reddick (#45, 23XI Racing)
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (#47, HYAK Motorsports)
Alex Bowman (#48, Hendrick Motorsports)
Cody Ware (#51, Rick Ware Racing)
Ty Gibbs (#54, Joe Gibbs Racing)
Ryan Preece (#60, RFK Racing)
Michael McDowell (#71, Spire Motorsports)
Carson Hocevar (#77, Spire Motorsports)
Katherine Legge (#78, Live Fast Motorsports)
Shane van Gisbergen (#88, Trackhouse Racing)
Daniel Suárez (#99, Trackhouse Racing)

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Motorsports

Hertz to Sponsor John Hunter Nemechek, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB at Dover

Published

30 minutes ago

July 8, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Hertz has a proud legacy in motorsports and we’re excited to expand our presence by partnering with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and John Hunter Nemechek for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover,” said Gil West, Hertz Chief Executive Officer. “This collaboration not only highlights our iconic brand on one of racing’s biggest stages, but also showcases Hertz Car Sales as a trusted source of high-quality used vehicles. It’s an exciting opportunity to connect with fans and customers through the thrill of racing.”

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Dover Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 20. The green flag waves at 2 p.m. ET, with coverage on TNT, the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM.

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Motorsports

Tyler Tomassi Tackles Talladega with MBM Motorsports

22-year-old to make drafting track debut in October STATESVILLE, N.C. (July 8, 2025) – Motorsports Business Management (MBM Motorsports) and Tyler Tomassi have paired up once again for a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entry in the Love’s RV Stop 225 at Talladega Superspeedway on Friday, October 17. The 22-year-old Rhode Island native drove one of […]

Published

54 minutes ago

July 8, 2025

Your Sports Nation

22-year-old to make drafting track debut in October

STATESVILLE, N.C. (July 8, 2025) – Motorsports Business Management (MBM Motorsports) and Tyler Tomassi have paired up once again for a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entry in the Love’s RV Stop 225 at Talladega Superspeedway on Friday, October 17.

The 22-year-old Rhode Island native drove one of his best NASCAR races to date on the 2.5-mile Tricky Triangle in Pocono, securing his second-career Top 25 finish. Now he will have his first opportunity to tackle a drafting superspeedway this fall back behind the wheel of the No. 69 MBM Ford F-150.

“I am thrilled to drive in my first ever superspeedway race! Talladega has been on my bucket list to experience my whole life as a NASCAR fan. Now, not only do I get to go to this renowned track, I get to go there as a driver,” said an excited Tomassi. “I can’t thank Carl Long and the entire MBM group enough for everything. Let’s get it!”

MBM Motorsports team owner Carl Long fielded the Floridian Motorsports No. 21 truck at this track last year, an entry that Mason Maggio drove inside the Top 3 and earned a Top 20 finish. Long knows how to coach up a young driver coming to a superspeedway early in their career.

“Tyler showed us a lot at Pocono, and I am proud that our MBM team gets to field him in his first Talladega attempt. Superspeedway racing is a unique skill set that takes both talent and luck to get right. We are working hard to give Tyler everything he needs to have a great run,” said Long.

MBM has yet to finalize the primary sponsor of the No. 69 truck for the 85 racing laps around the 2.66-mile superspeedway.

FOX Sports 1 has live television coverage of the Love’s RV Stop 225 on Friday, October 17, beginning at 4 pm ET.

Source: MBM Motorsports

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