Superbike World Championship brings huge economic boost to Central Coast

Mazda Raceway in Laguna Seca is bustling with world class riders, fans and the smell of fuel in the air for the Superbike World Championship.

“It’s nice to see this actually happening here,” said Superbike fan Robert Santiago. “I love motorcycles, so I enjoy just standing around here watching them and all that.”

At least 50,000 people are expected to come to the race this weekend generating nearly $12 million dollars in economic impact.”

“Ticket sales are up in advance by 28 percent Friday, they were up 33 percent today at the gate,” said Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca CEO Gill Campbell. “So if you factor in that increase it’s going to be a major impact this year.”

Based on an economic impact report, Monterey County can expect to see profits flow across the board.

“Everything from spending in restaurants, hotels,” said Campbell.

“Anytime there’s a race over there with the Laguna Seca we get really full,” said Turn 12 Bar and Grill manager Matthew Fisher.

After the 11th turn at Laguna Seca, lots of riders and fans head to Turn 12 Bar and Grill in downtown Monterey.

“The superbikes will give us an increase of business of maybe 30-40% for the weekend over a normal weekend, which is great,” said Fisher.

Preparations were underway during the day, for a large group of 70 riders and fans.

“We got a bunch of spots blocked off where they’ll pull their motorcycles in.”

The race kicks off again Sunday, tickets are still on sale.