Sports car racing’s golden eras will return to the Monterey Peninsula when the IMSA Monterey SportsCar Championship adopts a full “Throw-Back” theme, May 1-3, 2026, at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Recently earning IMSA’s “Golden Ticket” Award that recognizes excellence among premier promoter partners and North America’s top racing venues, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is looking ahead to 2026 with a retro, immersive, fan-focused concept that honors the sport’s rich heritage while showcasing world-class contemporary competition, track officials stated in a press release.
IMSA Stars Honor Endurance Racing Legends at Laguna Seca
During the event, modern stars of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will celebrate the legends who shaped endurance racing. While teams and manufacturers may retain their current liveries and number panels, the focus will be on honoring team brand identities and the rich heritage that defines the sport, noted the release. The event serves as a tribute to the icons, milestones and moments that built endurance racing’s legacy.
“By embracing IMSA’s history, we’re creating an experience that connects past and present, welcoming longtime fans who remember the golden eras and introducing a new generation to the sights, sounds and spirit that define this championship,” said Mel Harder, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “It’s about preserving tradition, celebrating excellence and reinforcing why Laguna Seca continues to hold such a special place in the heart of motorsport.”
The celebration will begin with an official “Throw-Back Street Party” in downtown Monterey on Wednesday, April 30. Fans will have the opportunity to see race cars up close and meet teams and drivers. Throughout race weekend, additional racing-themed activations and fan events will take place around the Monterey Peninsula, offering curated experiences designed to engage both longtime enthusiasts and new fans, officials said.