Mazda Ends Naming Rights Deal With Laguna Seca Race Track After 17 Years

The Mazda Laguna Seca is one of more iconic race tracks in the world and has been synonymous with the Japanese car brand for eternity now. However, the association will now finally see an end as Mazda has decided to not renew its naming contract with the Laguna Seca race track, bringing an to the 17 year association. The name change will take effect from April 1, 2018. With Mazda falling numbers on the sales chart in the US, it now seems the brand can no longer sustain costs for the partnership which remains one of the longest at the track.

In a statement, Mazda said, "After 17 seasons as the title sponsor for Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Mazda has chosen to end its naming rights agreement with the storied race facility. We will continue to participate in key event weekends, as racing is a part of our DNA.

"The relationship between Mazda, the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) and the County of Monterey has been a wonderful one, and this decision was not reached easily. We wish the facility, the management team and the millions of fans who love the track as much as we do many more successful racing laps into the future."

(The Laguna Seca has host some of the most iconic races over the years)

Located in sunny state of California, the 3.54 km Laguna Seca Raceway was created in 1957 and has been a host to several iconic races for cars and motorcycles. The corkscrew turn is one of the most famous in the world with its hair-raising elevation and the track regularly features in a host of virtual games, giving enthusiasts a glimpse of what it can offer. The track has been honed by a host of legendary racers over the years including Roger Penske, Dan Gurney, and Parnelli Jones, along with MotoGP riders including Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner and Marc Marquez.

Nevertheless, Mazda did announce that it will continue to support other efforts in motorsports. The automaker will compete in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship under a prototype team named Mazda Team Joest.