Laguna Seca Raceway was established in 1957 and is a world class road racing track for automobiles and motorcycles. Several changes have recently been completed in a $22 million construction project including a new pedestrian bridge and track resurfacing. In July, there will be a major shift in the county ownership structure. The track is the number one revenue creating venue for Monterey County, generating tourism, retail spending, etc. Our speaker will discuss not only all these new developments but also current operations and behind the scenes color. Accompanying our featured speaker will be two other members of the car racing community, Bruce Canepa and Ross Merrill. 

John Narigi assumed his current position in late 2019 after 26 years as President and GM of the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa. He has served on numerous boards, such as the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, the Monterey Peninsula Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Monterey Hospitality Association Executive Committee. John has received various awards including “Hospitality Professional of the Year” and “Outstanding General Manager of the Year.” He is from the Northwest, graduated from Gonzaga, and lives in Corral de Tierra.

Bruce Canepa has businesses dealing from design and development to historical/collector car sales, restoration and racing. He has raced Super Modified and Sprint Cars, and various other racing cars, and was Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Driver in three different categories. His team was 3rd in the 24 Hours of Daytona and in his first Pikes Peak International Hill Climb he placed 2nd. Bruce has the course record that still stands there for the tandem axle big rig event. And he still races in historic events.

Ross Merrill is CEO of Merrill Farms in Salinas Valley, 8,000 acres of produce crops. He is heavily involved in car racing, restores Porsches, and is President of the Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation. He still races.