Franchitti embraces Mazda Raceway history and challenge

Marino Franchitti

The 2010 season marks the 53rd year of motorsport at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Always a fan-favorite, the venue has a rich history of sports car competition dating back to its earliest days. So it’s no surprise that Patr¢n Highcroft Racing’s Marino Franchitti also has a soft spot for the picturesque circuit on the Monterey Peninsula.

Franchitti will drive Patr¢n Highcroft’s HPD ARX-01c in the six-hour enduro on May 22 – a new distance and date for the Series’ annual northern California stop. The Scotsman will partner with David Brabham and Simon Pagenaud, a winner overall last year at Mazda Raceway with Gil de Ferran.

“As a huge fan of the history of motorsport I always look forward to going to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and experiencing the unique atmosphere of the place and the unique challenges that the track provides," Franchitti said. “With the huge amount of dust that settles on the track you have to be very precise. It’s very satisfying when you get it right and I think the longer race length this year will provide a great spectacle for the California fans."

The American Le Mans Series Monterey presented by Patr¢n from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is a six-hour endurance race set for 2:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, May 22. CBS Sports will broadcast the race from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 29. Live radio coverage will be available on American Le Mans Radio presented by Porsche – a production of Radio Show Limited – as well as Sirius Channel 127 and XM Channel 242. Visit the Series’ schedule page for ticket and accommodation information. Live Timing and Scoring, track schedule, entry list and much, much more will be available on Racehub at americanlemans.com.