Friends of Laguna Seca and A&D Narigi announce they are parting ways.

A&D Narigi Consulting has had a successful five-year run at Laguna Seca. It will not see a sixth.

On Friday, Nov. 22 Friends of Laguna Seca announced that its management agreement with John Narigi’s organization to oversee operations at the county-owned recreation area, which includes WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, would end on Dec. 31. According to statements issued to the press, it was a joint decision.

In August, Friends of Laguna Seca signed a 55-year concession agreement with the county to take over financial responsibility for the iconic facility. At the time it was emphasized that A&D Narigi would continue to handle day to day functions.

“I am extremely proud of my teams’ efforts, which have yielded impressive results,” Narigi said.

When his organization took over management of the track and recreation area in 2020, the property had been in turmoil. The county’s relationship with SCRAMP—Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula—which had run the track since it was built in 1957, was severed in 2019 under accusations of poor financial management. At the time, Assistant County Administrative Officer Dewayne Woods noted the organization was more than $2 million in the red.

In a press statement, FLS President Ross Merrill praised A&D Narigi, saying the group “has done a great service…in returning the operations of the track to profitability.” He also cited improvements made over the past five years.

Among the improvements made during Narigi’s term were major projects, such as track resurfacing and a new ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge, as well as new amenities, like an expanded food court.

Friends plans to assume day-to-day management of the facility starting on Jan. 1, 2025. The organization announced that all existing employees will remain in place.