Laguna Seca AMA/GP 1983
With the Laguna Seca MotoGP race just days away I thought it would be appropriate to post some photos of the track circa 1983. This was one of the most contested years with Freddie Spencer edging out Kenny Roberts by 2 points for the World Championship. The track was very fast and very dangerous. As you can see there was very little room for runoff and if you did crash there were none of the modern safety features.
Fast Freddie
Fast Freddie: Fast Freddie Spencer at Laguna Seca Raceway riding his way to the championship in 1983 on the Honda NS500.
King Kenny on the Charge
King Kenny: Kenny Roberts (now Sr.) rippin' through the old turn 3 at Laguna Seca Raceway.
The Train Leaving Turn 3
Exit turn 3: Before the infield you were flat out from turn 9 (now 11) into turn 4 (now 6) the speed carried through turn 3 had a huge pucker factor.
Randy Mamola Riding to Victory
Randy Mamola Riding to Victory: Randy Mamola from San Jose, California riding to victory at Laguna Seca. Although Freddie Spencer won the GP title in 1983 Randy showed the local fans the future at this local race.
The Corkscrew - Is there a better turn on any other track?
The Best Turn Ever (6a-6b): This view from the outside of turn 7 (now turn 9) is lost to the bridge move. It is beyond my comprehension why anyone would ruin the view of one of the most famous turns in the world of racing to reposition a foot bridge.
The Most Famous Corner Ruined
The Best Turn Obstructed: It's hard to imagine any race fan would think this is a good place to move the bridge. For now the view of the best corner complex in the world is now blocked by a foot bridge.
Location Info
Laguna Seca
1021 Salinas Monterey Highway
Salinas, CA, 93908United States
36° 37' 11.8344" N, 121° 39' 5.22" W
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About the author
Author Name
Dwight Domonkos
Author Bio
Dwight is a longtime motorsports and motorcycle enthusiast. He's been riding full-time since the early 1990's (but he did borrow a few friends' bikes for a quick trip to the grocery store in his younger days.)
Dwight is a Roadcarvin.com co-founder and serves as editor and photographer, and manages business development.
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Great photos! I remember
Great photos! I remember doing a track day at Laguna Seca, I agree totally about the 'pucker factor' coming out of the corkscrew. Basically, I sucked (it was my first track day) and I kept thinking I was going to run off the damn track.
-Birdman