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BEDFORD, MA (2 March 2007) iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations today announced a partnership with Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca that will see one of racing's most famous curves replicated in three dimensions with accuracy measured in millimeters. "The Corkscrew," and the other ten turns that make up the storied central-California circuit will join the more than sixty tracks already included in iRacing.com's sophisticated online racing simulation.
"The Corkscrew is perhaps the most recognizable turn, or rather pair of turns, in the world," said Scott McKee, vice president of marketing for iRacing.com. "But the role that Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca plays in the sport goes far beyond that. As host to both of the major sports car series in the U.S., a key testing site for open-wheel racing, and the West Coast home of our partner Skip Barber Racing School, this circuit is important to everyone in road racing, from fans to aspiring drivers to the top level pros. It is sure to be one of the most popular circuits in our sim."
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The 2.2-mile Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca course will be replicated using proprietary exactrac™ laser scanning technology, which very precisely captures every feature of the facility, from guardrails to grandstands, and each facet of the racing surface, including gradient, camber changes, cracks, curbs and patches. The result will be a nearly exact digital model of the circuit that, in three different configurations, has challenged the world's best racers since 1957.
Designed as a training tool for real-world racers and the foundation for a new branch of motorsport known as simracing, the iRacing.com simulation combines authentic driving dynamics, thanks in part to highly sophisticated physics and tire models and a virtual wind tunnel, with a broad spectrum of racing opportunities. Starting in 2007, drivers will be able to participate in racing schools, including a recently announced online version of the Skip Barber Three-Day Racing School, test a wide variety of cars on tracks around the world and compete in time trials, races and even season-long championships.
"Whether for cars or motorcycles, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has been the setting for world-class road races throughout the last half-century," said Gill Campbell, the track's chief executive officer. "But this sport is nothing if not competitive, and just like the drivers, we can't be content to rest on our laurels. Even as we celebrate our fiftieth year, we're taking actions to maintain and, if possible, even enhance our position in the sport. Partnering with iRacing.com will ensure that our circuit plays a prominent role in the newest form of motorsport."
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will kick off its 50th anniversary season with a test session for the Champ Car World Series and Champ Car Atlantic Championship powered by Mazda, Mar. 7-10, and will host a free "open house" community day Mar. 10. The 2007 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca schedule will include the U.S. Sports Car Invitational featuring the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, the 34th Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races presented by Toyota, the AMA Superbike Championship, and the Monterey Sports Car Championships featuring the American Le Mans Series.
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