Hundreds Of Classic Corvettes To Converge On Northern California For 2002 Monterey Historic Automobile Races
Monterey, Calif. --- As many as 1,000 classic Corvettes will converge on Monterey, Calif., next week as festivities begin at this year's Monterey Historic Automobile Races. The Monterey Historics, known as the world's premier historic vehicle race, is honoring Corvette in its 50th anniversary year as its "featured marque."
"This will truly be an event to remember for Corvette fans," said Rick Baldick, Corvette marketing director. "While there are many activities planned to celebrate Corvette's 50th birthday over the coming months, we can't think of a better way to kick off our celebration than bringing together so many classic racing Corvettes."
A cornerstone to the activities at the Monterey Historics will be the featured marque tent. Featuring a chronological cross-section of some of the greatest Corvettes to attack the race track, this display tent will include a 1956 SR2, a 1957 Corvette SS, a 1959 Stingray Racer, a 1960 CERV-1, a 1960 Cunningham #3, a 1963 Grand Sport, a 1968 L88 Owens Corning car, the Greenwood Spirit of Sebring '75, a 1987 Corvette GTP and a 2001 Corvette C5-R.
The event also will feature a unique Corvette concept display, shown on "Corvette Island" at Laguna Seca. This display will include the 1961 Mako Shark, a 1965/1969 Manta Ray, the 1973 Aerovette and the 1992 ACC Stingray III.
The race weekend will include numerous opportunities to see the cars on the track as more than 60 Corvettes are currently registered to race in the Monterey Historics. The weekend also will feature a Corvette parade lap on Saturday as well as numerous special tribute laps through the weekend. A special "Corvette Corral," has been organized through the National Corvette Historic Museum, providing spectators and Corvette fans a view of nearly 400 classic Corvettes from all over North America.
Now in its 29th year, the Monterey Historics bring together 400 vintage race and sports cars spanning nearly every era of motorsports history, which travel to the California coast to challenge the 2.2-mile Laguna Seca Raceway. This year's race dates are August 16-18.
For more information on Corvette anniversary events or to purchase official Corvette merchandise, visit www.corvette50th.com.
