The King is Dead! Long live the King?

In a move that stunned me if not thousands Mazda announced that as of March 31, 2018, there will be no more Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. That's not to say or imply the world class track in Monterey, California will cease to exist, just that Mazda's naming rights will end. From that date on, unless someone else comes forward with some cash, the track will once again be known as Laguna Seca Raceway, or just Laguna Seca.

I'm not sure what's going on with Mazda. This was not the only stunning news. A person long linked to Mazda's racing side has been let go. Wherever he lands Dean Case will be a valuable asset. He has been a tireless, enthusiastic supporter of Mazda Motorsports and animal rights.

I know Mazda's sales have been off this year; is this the reason? Or are we just seeing a monumental shift in priorities?

I would like to thank Mazda for everything they've done to improve Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The track has come a long, long way from the dusty, and sometimes smelly, track of years ago. It has always been a first class track but for a long time it was a first class track with really, really poor amenities. No longer thanks in part to Mazda.

Maybe there is an auto company out there with deeper pockets than Mazda?