But this IS in the wine country with HISTORICS!
ME DOESN'T STAND STILL for the 250 historic sports and race cars competing in the Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep Wine Country Classic May 31 through June 2, 2002 at Sonoma's Sears Point Raceway. The rare cars will be heating up their tires and roaring back to life in what many consider to be more of a kinetic museum than a motor race.
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For the first time in the race's 16-year history, three of the most popular types of cars will compete on the same weekend: the rumbling Trans-Am muscle cars, streamlined FIA Manufacturer's Championship cars and the shrieking Formula One machines. These powerful entries will be complemented by cars bearing such famous names as Bugatti, Alfa Romeo, Porsche, Jaguar, Cobra, Maserati, Lotus, Ferrari, among many others.
The Wine Country Classic is a celebration of motor cars and the people who built and raced them. "It's an opportunity for the caretakers of these race-proven cars to share them with others," explained Steven Earle, president of General Racing Ltd. and the event organizer. "The Wine Country Classic is not so much about crossing the finish line first as it is about safely enjoying what the car was originally intended to do."
FIA Manufacturer's Championship cars, which have endured one of the most difficult and famed races of all time - the 24 Hours of Le Mans - will contribute to the international field. The famous Porsche 911 RSR, Ford GT-40 and Lola T-70 will again compete with rivals from the likes of Chevron, McLaren and Sauber in this exciting and highly competitive group.
An extensive field of historic Formula One cars, considered the premier series of all motor racing, will also line up. Fans will immediately know when the green flag waves as the unmistakable high rev wail will fill Sears Point. The entry list reads like a '70s Grand Prix grid, with cars from Brabham, McLaren, Tyrrell, Williams and March.
A counterpart to Europe's finest racers is the pure American muscle of a full field of Trans-Am cars. The Camaros, Challengers, Javelins, Boss Mustangs and Firebirds that captured America's interest between 1966 to 1972 will again flex their muscle-car power for fans as they navigate Sears Point's 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course. These are the same vehicles that made household names of drivers like Parnelli Jones, Dan Gurney, George Follmer and Roger Penske.
Vehicles competing in this premier vintage race range from the truly antique, with less than 50 horsepower, to the exotically sleek approaching 600 horsepower. In addition to the Formula One and Trans-Am cars, fans will see a diverse field of more than 250 sports and racing vehicles, such as the very rare 1916 National AC, 1926 Bugatti T-39A, 1955 Jaguar D-Type, 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa and 1963 Lotus 27 Formula Juniors, among the highlights.
Almost an equal to the racing action is the open paddock, where fans can enjoy an up-close look at these beautiful racing machines and talk to the owners about the historical significance of their cars.
And when it comes time to relax before the racing, the Food and Wine Pavilion is conveniently situated near the always entertaining Turn 11 to provide the ideal setting for guests interested in sampling some of Sonoma Valley's finest local wines and gourmet foods.
Admission to the Wine Country Classic is $5 at the gate on Friday; $25 Saturday or Sunday ($20 daily if purchased in advance); and $35 for a weekend pass ($30 if purchased in advance). Advance tickets may be purchased by calling (800) 870-RACE or logging onto
www.searspoint.com.
Vintage Race Car Festival Enhances Racing Flavor
Adding to the ambiance of the racing weekend will be the Sonoma Valley Vintage Race Car Festival, which will be held at the quaint Sonoma Plaza from 5:30 to 8 pm on Saturday, June 1. The annual parade of 30 selected vintage race cars will make their way from Sears Point Raceway to the town square where the automobiles will be showcased in a concours-like setting.
Guests will enjoy delicious samples of local wines and gourmet food provided by preeminent Sonoma Valley restaurants. Tickets are $30 in advance and all proceeds benefit the Valley of the Moon Boys and Girls Club and the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau. Additional information for the Saturday evening event is available by calling (707) 996-1090.
1999 Wine Country Classic Photo Album
Contact Information:
Wine Country Classic Info
doug@montereyhistoric.com
General Racing LTD.
Monterey Historic Automobile Races, Wine Country Classic,
Chrysler Classic Speed Festival, Vintage Auto Expo USA
P.O. Box 489
Buellton, CA. 93427
Phone: 805-686-9292
Fax: 805-686-9242
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