New WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca president Mel Harder says the famed road course has seen an appreciable rise in ticket sales for IndyCar’s annual visit.
The former IndyCar Series executive wouldn’t be drawn on the number, but RACER understands it’s in the vicinity of a 20 percent improvement over 2024’s figure. Based on the visuals with busier crowds in the paddock over what’s normally seen on Fridays and Saturdays, the increase in attendance is noticeable. It’s relative, of course; the grandstands won’t be packed on Sunday, but there are more people on the ground in 2025.
“Ticket sales are trending positive,” Harder told RACER. “It’s been really strong compared to what it was last year. We’re doing a few new things that we hope are being received well. We’ve got some new experiences here in lake bed, the promenade area, with a roadhouse saloon. There’s live entertainment. There’s a bar-like setting with games in it. There’s a pool table – just really setting the experience that it’s something special to come out to be involved in what we’re doing.
“But we’re trying to be consistent also with the experience. When you drive in the admissions area, it’s all new. It’s paved. It’s a refined process. It’s much simpler than it has been in the past. It runs much smoother. We have trams [people] can get around the property instead of having to walk everywhere. There’s a lot of new things, new items built or renovated. We have the new three-sided video pylon that’s working great.“
“Restrooms have also been redone, so we’re really looking at the fan experience all around. When people come out here, we want it to be a consistent and excellent experience that people have with good entertainment. The autograph session was the biggest we’ve ever seen for IndyCar since it returned. It’s been a great event so far.”
Harder says his first time working with IndyCar as the person in charge of hosting and facilitating the Java House Grand Prix of Monterey has been a positive experience and one he wants to have many returns.
“They’ve been great partners to support us for this event, and we’ve been able to do a lot of things off track, to media activations and their FOX TV relationship has been really strong,” he added. “I think it’s been a big part of our ticket sales. The interest that we’re seeing on track is fantastic with everything Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward and the other drivers are achieving this year.
“I think the series has produced some fantastic races here this year, so I look forward to that happening again on Sunday. The plan is, and not only from this circuit, but also from the community that you know, IndyCar is a big part of this area, and we want to see it continue.”
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