Laguna optimistic of decent crowd

The track is hoping for a strong attendance for the American round of the self-proclaimed World Cup of Motor Sport, despite the recent uncertainty over whether the event would take place.

Track spokesman Reece White told autosport.com that familiar names to the circuit would ensure a decent turnout from a crowd loyal to the track.

White says that former Laguna Seca Champ Car racer winners Bryan Herta (Team USA) and Patrick Carpentier (Team Canada), combined with recognised names such as Christian Fittipaldi (Team Brazil) and Graham Rahal (Team Lebanon) will bring the Californian public to the race-track this weekend.

"As far as the event goes, interest is gaining as we get closer to it," White said. "You have to understand that what the US has struggled with open wheel racing in recent years and it is not a healthy sport for a number of reasons including the Champ Car/IRL split and last year's F1 race at Indianapolis. A race in March is also new to everyone here.

"But we have fans who are fans of the race track and trust us and what we put on. It will be the fastest single-seater race we have all year. Herta and Carpentier have both won here and there are other names people recognise too.

"It is not going to be huge or a record breaker, but there will be enough people for sure to make a good event."