Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time: The Rolex Motorsports Reunion

Before the race weekend even happened I knew what the title would be. I knew that driving these incredible machines must be something akin to a religious experience. Then I went and looked at what the readings from this Sunday would be as far as Catholics are concerned. My beautiful wife is Catholic, if you’re wondering why I ended up there.

And there it was – one of the first readings for this, the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time: a passage from Hebrews, Chapter 12, verse 1.  A clear sign if I ever saw one, it goes something like this:

Brothers and Sisters:

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden that clings to us, and persevere in running the race that lies before us…

Seems appropriate, doesn’t it?

If you find yourself wandering around the paddock area of the Rolex Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca then you probably have realized, in just the first few minutes, that your head is on a swivel, and there’s absolutely no way you’re going to be able to see everything in just a day.  Maybe even two.  Classic and rare automobiles from all over the world assemble here for a full week for the reunion and they’re not just here to look pretty.  These cars all will hit the track with an enthusiastic rage that some have been experiencing for over a century.  Think about that for a second.  A race car that’s been built for the sole purpose of going fast and has been doing so for a century!  If that’s not enough to get you inspired about, not only the history of racing, but what’s going on now and even what’s to come…then there’s something seriously wrong with you.   These vehicles are remarkable anyway, but the fact that the owners and drivers get them out on track and flog them, regularly, makes them even that much more special.

Here are some of my favorite vehicles and photos from the Rolex Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway, Laguna Seca.

The full galleries from Saturday and Sunday are posted below.  Enjoy!

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