Friends of Laguna Seca, the operator of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, has named Mel Harder as president and general manager of the Monterey, California, road course.

Harder brings more than three decades of motorsports experience to the role, most recently serving as team manager at Chip Ganassi Racing. His previous positions include senior vice president and general manager of Circuit of the Americas and senior vice president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"Our board and team are very enthusiastic about having Mel join us and his background makes him uniquely qualified to strengthen our efforts at WeatherTech Raceway and Laguna Seca Recreation Area," said Lauri Eberhart, CEO of Friends of Laguna Seca. "His insight and operational expertise will play a pivotal role in facilitating our long-term commitment to the local and motorsports communities, our partners and dedicated fans and our efforts to revitalize Laguna Seca for generations to come."

In his new role, Harder will collaborate closely with Eberhart and the entire raceway team to implement Friends' business model, which plans to enhance operational performance and develop new experiences and services for guests, motorsports series and partners.

For more information, visit weathertechraceway.com.