INDUSTRY: SCRAMP, Monterey near financial deal

A financial reconciliation between the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP), which runs Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and Monterey County, which owns the facility that houses the 59-year-old circuit, is expected to be completed in the next two weeks.

"SCRAMP and the County are targeting the end of August to be reconciled on all outstanding financial aspects," SCRAMP board of governors president Mike Smith told RACER.

Although the amount of money owed to the county by SCRAMP has not been disclosed, it's believed the sum has brought stress to a relationship that fractured in 2015 when the board conducted a private search to replace SCRAMP.

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The news could have a positive impact in the county's search to reach a new management agreement for the legendary road course. Monterey's board of supervisors started a search earlier in the year to identify parties with an interest in earning the next concession agreement to run the track, and three finalists have emerged.

SCRAMP, in partnership with the International Speedway Corporation, has joined forces, a local group of successful business owners under the "Friends of Laguna Seca" banner has stepped forth, and a team assembled by Long Beach Grand Prix founder Chris Pook has reached the final stage of the search and must submit their proposals to the board by Aug. 25.