The United States has a plethora of tracks that drivers can experience if they fancy it. From the famous oval at Indianapolis to the significant elevation changes at Road America, or the Eau Rouge-esque turn at Sonoma Raceway, there are plenty of iconic circuits to choose from.
But specifically for Porsche enthusiasts, drivers can now take part in the Porsche Track Experience at Laguna Seca, following the announcement of the program’s second track location and a new partnership that sees the Stuttgart-based manufacturer become the track’s official car.
Experiencing the extreme elevation changes and the famous Corkscrew corner in a Porsche 911 GT3 is precisely what many drivers dream of.
Three Courses on Offer
Three courses are available at the 2.238-mile, 11-turn circuit in Monterey. The introductory Porsche Track Experience courses focus on maximizing track time while teaching high-performance driving techniques.
Designed for beginners and Porsche enthusiasts alike, drivers are grouped by experience level and guided by expert instructors through half-day, one-day, or two-day programs, with prices starting at $2,000.
For those looking to build on those fundamentals, an intermediate course priced at $9,000 helps drivers further develop their skills through skid pad, braking, and car control exercises. The two-day program includes instructor-led follow sessions, one-on-one coaching, and open lapping at Laguna Seca, with prior introductory course experience required.
At the top end, the $14,000 Three-Day Masters RS Race License Course prepares advanced drivers for competitive racing. Participants refine car control, race strategy, qualifying techniques, and race starts through intensive track time and one-on-one coaching supported by detailed data analysis. Successful graduates become eligible to apply for an SCCA Full Competition License.
All drivers must be 21 years or older to participate and possess a current, valid driver’s license. However, those enrolling in the top-tier course must have completed the Masters Course at Porsche’s other facility at Barber Motorsports Park and receive instructor approval.
Porsche’s Rich History With Laguna Seca
Porsche’s close connection with the Monterey Peninsula dates back to 1954, when a Porsche 356 claimed victory at the Pebble Beach road races. The brand’s ties to the West Coast grew even stronger in 1957, when Porsche secured wins in two classes during the opening weekend at Laguna Seca.
Porsche explained that the weekend marked the beginning of a long tradition of racing and winning for nearly 70 years, including a recent overall victory in 2024 with Porsche’s current prototype race car, the famed 963.
Laguna Seca has effectively become “a home away from home” for the Baden-Württemberg manufacturer, which helps explain why the last four Rennsport Reunions, the largest gatherings of Porsche enthusiasts in the world, have been held there, collectively drawing hundreds of thousands of fans.
As Porsche reflects on its long-standing history in Monterey, the company also looks toward the future with renewed optimism and excitement, now serving as the Official Car of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Porsche Talks on Latest Expansion
Before the announcement, Porsche’s only Track Experience location was at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama. The 2.38-mile circuit, like Laguna Seca, is part of the current IndyCar and MotoAmerica calendar.
Porsche Cars North America CEO Timo Resch said the addition of Laguna Seca was the next step for the program and described how popular the new location has already proven to be.
“Many of the greatest moments in motorsport history have happened at Laguna Seca,” said Resch.
“We are excited to be a part in the track’s exciting plans for the future and to allow the next generation of enthusiasts to get behind the wheel of a Porsche.
“Just like the East Coast, we have something for everyone from beginners all the way to advanced drivers pursuing a competition license for wheel-to-wheel racing,” he says.
“That’s backed up by the course list, which is largely booked up already.”
In Porsche’s official press release, Friends of Laguna Seca board member Bruce Canepa added, “We are thrilled to welcome Porsche as the official car of Laguna Seca.
“I have been a fan and owner of their cars for five decades. This partnership brings together two iconic brands, and we are excited to celebrate our collective histories and race into the future together.”