WHAT:
The Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival returns to Sonoma Raceway, as more than 300 historic racing machines take to the track for a full weekend of racing. 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.
The field will include famous machines from Bugatti, Lotus, Corvette, Ferrari, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo and more; some of which have never tested the twists and turns of Sonoma's road course. There will be practice on Friday and qualifying on Saturday, with all featured races set for Sunday. Last year, the Pre-War Group alone represented an estimated value of $40 million.
This year's event will be highlighted by a celebration of the Sensational '60s, saluting the design technology and social developments that accumulated in many of the racing series and icons that are revered today.
WHERE:
Sonoma Raceway, 29355 Arnold Dr., Sonoma (800-870-RACE).
WHEN
June 2-4
CIRCUIT:
12-turn, 2.52-mile road course.
SCHEDULE:
Friday, June 2: Practice (all groups), 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, June 3: Qualifying (all groups), 8 a.m. - 5:25 p.m.; Sunday, June 4: Main Events (all groups, 11 laps), 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
LOCAL DRIVERS OF NOTE:
Bill Young (1948 MGTZ, Sonoma); Gil Lesage (1952 Jaguar Roadster xk120, Sonoma); Bill Angeloni (1954 MGTF, Sonoma); Damien Friary (1966 Chevrolet Corvette, Novato); Dave Lipsky (1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass, Santa Rosa); John Shirley (1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spyder, Sonoma); Stefan Szabo (1952 Bentley, Sonoma); Dennis Adair (1955 Elva MK1, Fairfield); Diane Cox (1960 MG A, Napa); Enrico Tenni (1962 Lotus 7, Sonoma); Doug Schultz (1969 Dodge Daytona, Vacaville); Jeff Abramson (1964 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster, Danville); Randy Peterson (1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88, Sonoma); Hugo Edward (1966 Chevrolet Corvette, Mill Valley); Charlie Smith (1962 Elva Mark VI, Glen Ellen); J. David Martin (1962 Huffaker Mark V, St. Helena); Michael McGarry (1964 Huffaker Gen. MK10, Walnut Creek); Jerry Kehoe (1987 March 87B, Santa Rosa) and Ed Matsuishi (1965 Porsche 911, San Rafael).
HISTORIC RACE CAR FESTIVAL:
Following Saturday's on-track action, a select group of historic race cars will depart the raceway under a full California Highway Patrol escort at approximately 5 p.m. The event will also boast a sampling of local food and wine provided in the picturesque Sonoma Plaza. Tickets are $30 in advance (800-870-RACE) or $35 at the event. All proceeds benefit Speedway Children's Charities.
ADMISSION:
$15 Friday; $40, Saturday; $40, Sunday; $60, weekend pass. Children 12 and under are FREE. Parking is FREE.
Call 800-870-RACE (7223) or visit Sonoma.Raceway.com/Historics for more information
