This week’s IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge takes center stage at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for the Monterey round. The race carries extra resonance for California-linked teams since the track might drop from the calendar after 2026.
With 45 cars entered—31 in Grand Sport (GS) and 14 in Touring Car (TCR)—the field includes a strong group of Californian drivers and California-based squads. Fans from Marin County to Mill Valley and San Rafael are in for a treat.
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The weekend promises a tight battle. The GS and TCR grids will showcase some of the state’s best grassroots-to-professional contenders ahead of the mandatory Laguna Seca 120.
A Monterey round with a distinctly California flavor
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca draws a loyal crowd from across the Bay Area. Marin County towns like San Rafael, Corte Madera, Mill Valley, and Larkspur all have fans who follow carbon-fiber and horsepower with serious enthusiasm.
The 120-lap sprint around the famous Corkscrew will push strategy and speed for California teams. They’re all chasing valuable points in a season that could mark the end of an era at this legendary place.
GS entrants to watch from California
California’s GS talent is on full display. Sonoma-based Stephen Cameron Racing leads the way, along with a crop of hometown drivers who’ve become staples of the local scene.
Notable entries and storylines include:
- Stephen Cameron Racing — No. 19 Ford Mustang GT4, featuring Sean Quinlan of Palo Alto and Gregory Liefooghe of San Francisco. The duo have posted strong early-season results (eighth and seventh) and sit sixth in GS points.
- Murillo Racing — No. 24 Mercedes-AMG GT4 with Kenny Murillo from Rohnert Park and Aurora Straus from the same North Bay region. Murillo won in Monterey last year, which definitely adds some pressure for rivals on the Laguna Seca circuit.
- CarBahn by Peregrine Racing — Two BMW M4 GT4 EVOs driven by Steve Wetterau and Sean McAlister. Both drivers have California roots and a Monterey win from 2020, which signals depth and experience in this year’s GS field.
- Other notable California drivers include Thomas Merrill (Salinas) in the No. 14 Aston Martin, Jaxon Bell (Pacific Palisades) in the No. 23 Toyota GR Supra GT4, and Nicky Hays (Huntington Beach) in the No. 92 BMW. They all bring local flavor and big-track experience to Laguna Seca.
As the GS championship tightens, Bryce Ward and Daan Arrow have built a healthy cushion in Winward Racing’s No. 57 Mercedes-AMG GT GT4. Back-to-back podiums have given them a points lead that other teams will be chasing along the Monterey coast.
For Marin County readers, these battles offer a mix of Bay Area grit and the classic West Coast racing romance that defines Laguna Seca. It’s not hard to picture San Rafael’s car clubs meeting coastal wind and corkscrew turns just a short drive away.
TCR contenders to watch from California
The TCR class features some strong California representation. The leader board’s been shaped by both Bay Area and Southern California crews.
- Bryson Morris and Mason Filippi in the No. 33 Bryan Herta Autosport Hyundai Elantra N TCR. They’ve built a comfortable 40-point lead, which puts them in a great spot heading into Monterey—a big weekend for the green-and-white team.
These California-based TCR entries bring a wild mix of sprint-style aggression and sharp engineering. Laguna Seca always gets a little extra energy when local racers from Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and all over show up to battle.
There’s something about the mix of talent from Marin County’s circles and Bay Area manufacturers that keeps Monterey’s air buzzing with local pride.
Race weekend schedule and how to watch
The Laguna Seca 120 goes down Saturday, May 2, at 3:45 p.m. ET. It’s a late-afternoon sprint, so expect pit strategy and tire management to get tricky as the sun drops over Carmel Valley.
Fans in Marin can catch the race with several streaming options, including full coverage on Peacock and IMSA’s YouTube channel. If you’re into in-car and on-track footage, you’ll get plenty—no matter if you’re tuning in from Sausalito, Fairfax, or Novato.
Two practice sessions are set for Friday before qualifying. Teams will use every lap to dial in setups for the Corkscrew and that long run into turn one.
For Marin County readers and Monterey Bay fans, this race feels like more than just a showcase of speed. It’s a real celebration of California racing culture.
With so many entrants from the North Bay, East Bay, and Southern California coming together at Laguna Seca, you get a rare chance to see California’s best in action. The Sausalito crowd brings café vibes to the tailgate, and the San Rafael fans cheer every wild exit from the hairpin.
If you’re heading to the track, don’t forget your best Bay Area signs. Show up and support the local teams and drivers who really live and breathe the Marin County racing spirit.
Here is the source article for this story: California Ties Mean More for IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Competitors Racing at Monterey
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