Sonoma responds to Laguna IndyCar developments

Sonoma Raceway president Steve Page has sent a clear message to the Verizon IndyCar Series: If WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is added to the 2019 calendar, the SMI-owned circuit will not seek a new contract after its current deal expires in September.

“Sonoma Raceway has invested heavily to build IndyCar’s brand and following in Northern California over the last 14 years, and we would be happy to continue that effort, but only under a sustainable business model,” he said in a statement released Friday morning.

“If the series determines their long-term interests are better served by moving the Sonoma race to another venue, that is a business decision they are obviously entitled to make, and we will turn our attention to other opportunities.”

Page’s reaction follows an announcement from the Monterey circuit involving a press conference on Tuesday at the former IndyCar venue. The Monterey County Board of Supervisors will vote on a proposal for IndyCar to return next year and series CEO Mark Miles is expected to be present for the vote and the anticipated signing of a new contract.