Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca today welcomed the MotoGP World Championship’s arrival stateside for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, with a number of activities taking place in an already packed paddock. The most celebrated of such occasions was the induction of three-time 500cc World Champion Wayne Rainey into the Laguna Seca Hall Of Fame. The American was a popular and successful rider at his home circuit, and a small crowd clamoured to the scene of his induction, the eponymous Rainey Curve, to show their appreciation for the MotoGP Legend. Rainey was presented with a commemorative trophy and certificate signed by City of Monterey Mayor Chuck Della Sala on behalf of his constituency, and was also warmly received by Dorna Sports S.L. CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and Laguna Seca’s Ken Lofink. Current MotoGP riders were also out in force at the circuit today, undertaking laps of the newly repaved track on scooters and checking out the ambience of a buzzing paddock. Five of the biggest stars in the World Championship also spoke to the media in the pre-event press conference, namely series leader Casey Stoner, twice Laguna Seca winner Nicky Hayden, Sachsenring victor Dani Pedrosa and the home pairing of Colin Edwards and John Hopkins. All five commented on the unique feel of the American visit, and how they expected tyres to play a crucial role in the weekend’s proceedings. Many riders will be unveiling a special colour scheme or design for the race, and Edwards has entered into the spirit things by unveiling a special ‘Texas Tornado’ livery for his homecoming. He proudly showed off the new design in pit lane after his press conference turn, also dusting off the famous ‘Edwards t-shirt gun’ to treat the crowd to some souvenirs. One home rider who will not be taking part in the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix is Kenny Roberts Jr, who had been scheduled to make his return after a self-imposed three round hiatus. Brother Kurtis, who has been stepping in for last year’s fourth place finisher, will continue onboard the KR212V for his debut appearance at Laguna Seca. Practice for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix begins tomorrow at 10am local time (GMT +7) Casey Stoner “Laguna is starting to feel like a second home GP, as we only have one in Australia. The atmosphere really impressed me last year, and I feel more at home here than at a lot of European circuit. “All of the U.S. riders have hit form, so it will be a hard battle. Most bikes will be pretty similar, so it should hopefully be a close race. The first part of the season was a bit of a surprise for us, but now we are discovering why we are ahead of the others.”