Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix Preview: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

One year ago in pictures...

By Matthew Miles | Photos by James Wirth/f1stop.com

July 2009

Photos: USGP Laguna Seca 2008 >>

Photos: Casey Stoner Crash >>

Photos: Umbrella Girls >>

Last year's Red Bull USGP at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was one of the most memorable MotoGP races in recent history. The legendary central-California circuit was the site of a pivotal, no-holds-barred battle between Valentino Rossi and then-reigning MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner, the outcome tilting the championship chase in the favor of eventual title-winner Rossi.

Photographer James Wirth had a front-row seat for much of the action. Here, we've compiled an assortment of his favorite images from last year's race weekend, including umbrella girls and a 19-photo sequence of Stoner's tipover in Turn 11.

Practice for this year's event, which includes the AMA American Superbike, Daytona SportBike and American SuperSport classes, begins on Friday, July 3. The MotoGP race, which will be broadcast live on Fox, is slated for 2 p.m. PDT on Sunday, July 5. Let the fireworks begin!