---
title: "Racing Fraternity Chimes in on IndyCar’s Return to Legendary Laguna Seca"
description: "Yesterday's announcement was received with open arms by racers and fans alike."
date: "2018-07-18"
modified: "2018-07-18"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/22247/racing-fraternity-chimes-in-on-indycars-return-to-legendary-laguna-seca"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "Graham Rahal"
  - "indycar"
  - "Indycar Series"
  - "Laguna Seca"
  - "motorsports"
  - "racing"
  - "Racing News"
  - "Scott Dixon"
  - "simon pagenaud"
---

# Racing Fraternity Chimes in on IndyCar’s Return to Legendary Laguna Seca

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/07/gettyimages-715086.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

IndyCar shocked the racing community on Tuesday by confirming a three-year deal to race at the newly named WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, [formerly Mazda Raceway](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/17129/mazda-raceway-laguna-seca-will-now-just-be-laguna-seca>) Laguna Seca, starting with the 2019 season finale next September.

Since then, drivers, team bosses, former racers, and of course, racing fans, have shared their excitement over the series' [return to the iconic venue](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/22226/indycar-confirms-weathertech-raceway-laguna-seca-2019-return>) in Northern California, which has played host to many of American open-wheel racing's best moments. And with the surge in popularity that IndyCar has enjoyed in recent years, signing a deal to race at one of the world's most famous road courses will only catapult its domestic and international allure even more.

![message-editor%2F1531933170547-gettyimages-51295767.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1531933170547-gettyimages-51295767.jpg>)
*Andretti corner (Turn 1) at Laguna Seca., *GETTY**

"I am really excited to go back to Laguna Seca, one of the most iconic circuits in this country and one that's synonymous with IndyCar racing," said RLL Racing driver [Graham Rahal](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20698/a-visit-to-graham-rahal-performance-where-indycar-precision-meets-the-lawless-aftermarket>), whose last name adorns one of the straights at the Californian circuit. "I know that all of the drivers including myself will love being back. I anticipate great crowds as shown at the Champ Car test we did in 2007, and I am sure the event will be a great success for the region."

"Selfishly, I am excited to blast up the Rahal straight once again and enjoy the awesome Corkscrew," he added.

Even Rahal's father, Bobby, took to his [Twitter](<https://twitter.com/BobRahal/status/1019294189819838464>) account to express his sentiments on the series' announcement. He did so by sharing a photo of one of his most popular race cars, one of which he drove to four consecutive victories at Laguna Seca in the '90s.

https://twitter.com/_/status/1019294189819838464

Other IndyCar drivers and personalities also showed their [excitement on social media](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/22218/indycar-toronto-drivers-post-race-reactions-on-social-media>), albeit in less heartfelt but equally meaningful and even funny ways.

https://twitter.com/_/status/1019320193217155072

https://twitter.com/_/status/1019285202340851713

https://twitter.com/_/status/1019302631683051520

https://twitter.com/_/status/1019292278819520512

It may be a long time until the cars roar onto the track for the first time since 2004, but I may just say that it's been well worth the wait.

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)