Racers Will See Improved Run-Off Areas and Curbing at Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix MONTEREY, Calif. (June 16,2005) Following the conclusion of a $2 million track improvement project that saw the run-off areas increased and improved in all turns and the installation of more motorcycle-friendly curbing, the world famous 2.238-mile, 11-turn Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has been homologated by the Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme (FIM) for next month’s Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix (July 8-10). “The inspection was very good,” said Claude Danis, the official track inspector for the FIM. “We can see that all of the work we requested to be done was completed properly. There are some provisional protective devices (e.g. air fence and hay bales) to be installed before the race. The track is in condition to be homologated for MotoGP.” Suzuki MotoGP rider Kenny Roberts Jr, the 2000 World Champion, visited the circuit two weeks ago as a Riders Safety Representative and was very positive about the changes made to the circuit. “Laguna Seca has done 100 percent within their capability to make the track as safe as possible for the MotoGP,” said Modesto-native Roberts Jr., the son of three-time world champion Kenny Roberts. “They have made significant changes in all areas that they were able to make changes in. “In my opinion they have done the best job on the curbs in comparison to any other racetrack and this will significantly reduce the riders risk and workload. “I believe from a Riders Safety Representative standpoint, that barring any freak accidents, then Laguna will be a very safe MotoGP circuit.” Work began on the 2.238-mile, 11-turn road course back in January with the relocation of the Turn 9 bridge and excavation of the hillside on the outside of the turn. Following the rainy season, an intense 45-day period of construction began on May 2. The $2 million improvement project is being funded by Yamaha Motor Company and includes improvements in every turn around the circuit. The building of new gravel beds and the enlarging of existing beds was a major part of the project. More than 15,000 tons of gravel was brought in over a two-week period. Details on the track improvement program are available online at ~http://www.laguna-seca.com/PressReleases/index.cfm?ID=153~ Tickets are available for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix by calling (800) 327-SECA or logging onto www.laguna-seca.com or www.ticketmaster.com. More information on the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix is also available at the www.RedBullUSGrandPrix.com