SONOMA, Calif. (May 22, 2018) - An incredible collection of more than 300 cars will be on display in the paddock and on track when the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) returns to Sonoma Raceway for the Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival, June 1-3. Racers and fans will enjoy this Gold Medallion invitational event, which salutes race cars prepared to the rules of the era in which they were originally raced.
In addition to the collection of vintage race cars across a variety of classes, the event will mark the first of three appearances by the Pre-1920 Exhibition Series during the 2018 SVRA season. The 16 cars scheduled to hit the track are extremely rare, and in some cases the only example in existence. Long retired brands including Mercer, Packard, EMF and Locomobile are part of the series, as well as the National that finished seventh in the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 and the 1896 De Dion-Bouton that ran in the very first London to Brighton race. These unique and amazing machines will be part of their own run group and will also have a special paddock corridor with in-period tools, spares and other equipment on display. Drivers and riding mechanics will dress in the apparel of the early days, including leather helmets.
Another feature of the weekend will be the popular Historic Trans Am group. These are the actual cars of the glory days of Trans Am featuring the original Camaros, Mustangs, Challengers, Barracudas and Javelins as driven by the great talents of the era including Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones and Mark Donohue.
SVRA sponsors Jaguar and Land Rover will also be on hand to present driving experiences on courses set up around the facility. Professional drivers will coach fans who want to challenge their skills and feel the performance of a Jaguar F-Type on a certified autocross course. Anyone with a valid driver's license and closed-toe shoes can drive the cars.
On-track action begins at 8:10 a.m. each day. The weekend will feature practice, qualifying and races in each of the 12 race groups, as well as the pre-war exhibition laps during the lunch break each day. Tickets to the Sonoma Historics are $15 on Friday and $40 on Saturday or Sunday. A full-weekend ticket is $60 and parking is free. Children 12 years and under are admitted free all weekend. Trackside camping for the weekend is also available.
On Saturday night, June 2, a select group of historic race cars will depart the raceway under a full California Highway Patrol escort and head to the picturesque downtown Sonoma Plaza for the Historic Race Car Festival. After a ceremonial lap around the Town Square, the cars will settle into the Plaza for public viewing. Saturday's car show, benefitting the Sonoma chapter of Speedway Children's Charities, is the perfect opportunity for fans to enjoy historic cars and great food and wine in a scenic setting. The Historic Race Car Festival runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the event.
For tickets and more information on the Sonoma Historics, visit SonomaRaceway.com/Historics or call 800-870-7223.
