Salinas Street Fest Kicks Off Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey in Raucous Festive Evening

June 21, 2024 by WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

More than a thousand fans turned out for the Salinas Street Fest that closed off parts of Main Street in downtown Salinas last night to celebrate the kickoff to summer and the return of the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

For Isabella who just arrived from Southern California, the party was an opportunity to meet some of the INDYCAR drivers and see the cars up close before the races begin. 'I'm having a great time and really look forward to the races this weekend,' she said. 'I'm a Pato fan, and this is just my second race of the season.'

Oliver, who drove in from Sacramento and is attending the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey for the first time echoes the sentiment, 'I'm excited to see the racing and see how Pato does. 'I'm having a great time tonight and excited to meet him and get his autograph.'

Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O'Ward, Alexander Rossi and Nolan Siegel were joined by Colton Herta of Andretti Global w/ Curb-Agajanian meeting fans and signing autographs. Presented by Mission Foods, the evening brought the drivers to the streets as part of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca's community initiatives program.

KION-TV Sports Director Maxwell Glenn enjoyed the evening and served as MC, giving away tickets and engaging with fans. Also supporting the Street Fest with activities for attendees were Mission Foods, Tanimura & Antle and Sunbelt Rentals.

In association with the Salinas Chamber of Commerce and City of Salinas, the Street Fest was attended by both locals and visiting fans, media, business executives and community leaders, and city and county officials.

New this year to the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey is a live performance by country star George Birge, who is known for his top hits 'Mind on you' and 'Cowboy Songs.' Abby Leigh Anderson of the nationally syndicated Bobby Bones Show opens for Birge when they perform on the race paddock stage Saturday at 6 p.m.

Single and multi-day tickets are available, with kids 15 and under admitted free with a paid adult, are available online at www.WeatherTechRaceway.com or at the admissions gates.