New deal keeps MotoGP at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca until at least 2014

MotoGP rights holders Dorna Sports S.L. and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca have put pen to paper on a new contract, meaning that the World Championship will continue to be run at the American circuit until at least 2014.

The Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix has been Northern California´s largest motorsports event since debuting in 2005. The opening two editions of MotoGP´s return stateside were won by home rider and 2006 World Champion Nicky Hayden, whilst the most recent race was won by current title holder Casey Stoner.

`This is tremendous news on so many levels,´ said Gill Campbell, CEO of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. `MotoGP is the world´s premier motorcycle racing series, and we now have the pleasure of hosting it for the next six years. Everyone from the fans, to the track, to the local community will benefit greatly from this extension.´

`We couldn´t have this contract extension without the assistance of our major sponsors including Red Bull, Parts Unlimited and, of course, Yamaha, who funded the major track improvements that have allowed us to continue hosting MotoGP,´ added Campbell.

`We are pleased to continue the relationship between the MotoGP World Championship and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca,´ said Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna CEO. `The facility has gone to great lengths to improve the experience for both fans and riders, and we look forward to continuing to racing on the Monterey Peninsula for years to come.´

The Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix attracted more than 140,000 fans in 2007. This year´s race takes place July 18-20 and includes support races from AMA Superbike-Supersport and the Red Bull U.S. Rookies Cup.