The track hasn't passed an FIM homologation and the event is based on an agreement "in principle" but that hasn't stopped people from getting into the USGP spirit. Laguna Seca started selling tickets for the 2005 USGP yesterday. And even, yes, PADDOCK PASSES for the event.

We found the availability of paddock passes at a MotoGP event to be a little hard to believe since the paddock in MotoGP is like that in F1: if you don't work there, or know someone at rights holder Dorna, you're not getting anywhere close to the action.

But, a quick phone call to the Laguna ticket office confirmed that they are indeed selling tickets and paddock passes for the 2005 USGP. A three day ticket costs $90 and a paddock pass $25 more. "Big dog" tickets with hospitality and parking will go on sale later.

We quizzed the ticket agent we contacted about what exactly one would get for access with a paddock pass at the USGP; she said "About the same access as you had at World Superbike: access to the cold pit and area around the garages." Many people feel that the lack of paddock access is what killed the first Laguna Seca USGP; and it will be interesting to see if this is fixed this time (don't bet on it).

In other Laguna Seca USGP news, many area hotels are already filling up for the "in principle" event; several Soup-heads report you could sit and watch big blocks of rooms fill up in Monterey on-line last night.

Some Monterey hotel-owners have flicked into gouge-mode and are tripling room rates for that weekend (Is there a special room in hell for these people? We can only hope). Get a confirmation fax if you're calling; we've learned the hard way that verbal confirmation codes are worthless.

Laguna Seca insiders say that construction in the Rainey turn area, turn two and even in the hump of turn one is slated to begin in November.