It has to be done. To leave works of art like this tucked away in some forgotten corner of some dusty garage would, indeed, be a crime. To not let the vintage power plant, with sometimes appropriately vintage driver, out onto the track where it can sing as it was intended could certainly be considered a tragedy. And it should be. The SVRA (Sportscar Vinstage Racing Association) is doing their best to ensure that this never happens. By giving these cars and drivers not only an event, but an entire series of events throughout the year to participate in, there will always be somewhere to make sure your trusty vintage racer can be driven and appreciated by those that love them. A full calendar of nearly twenty events all across the country ensures that if you’re a fan of vintage cars, you’ll be able to able to see them race at a circuit near you.
More than many other venues, however, this is where they belong – blasting their way around the equally historic facility here in Sonoma. Which, despite its seemingly ever changing name, has not lost it’s earned and widely regarded reputation as one of the most prestigious road courses anywhere in the world. Don’t believe me? Come see for yourself. You’ll be hooked the first time you see a gang of angry race cars charge up the steep, off camber first turn hill, into turn two which is equally off camber. Challenging for the most modern of machines, this track puts these aged weapons of mass enjoyment through their paces and gives no quarter to those who aren’t up to the task.
Here are some of my favorite photos from last weekends SVRA Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival.
With plenty of opportunities around the USA to see these incredible machines, you really don’t have an excuse not to get out and take in this truly unique automotive experience.
