Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival_Fans in for Vintage Treat

Captions for attached editorial-free photos (high resolution available):

 

ChrisMacAllister: Chris MacAllister (Indianapolis, Ind.) will race his
McLaren M8F Can-Am at the 2010 Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival June
5-6, 2010.   Credit: Kyle Burt 

 

Sonoma Plaza: Sonoma Plaza will be the venue for the Sonoma Valley Race Car
Festival on Saturday, June 5, during the Sonoma Historic Motorsports
Festival.   Credit: William Edgar, Edgar Motorsport

 

SonomaHMF: Cobras (shown) are sure to be favorites at the 2010 Sonoma
Historic Motorsports Festival June 5-6 at Infineon Raceway (no credit
needed)

 

 

 

SonomaHistoricLOGOinsert.jpg

 

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SONOMA HISTORIC MOTORSPORTS FESTIVAL FAST APPROACHING; 

 

FANS IN FOR VINTAGE TREAT

 

SONOMA, CALIF.  (May 18, 2010) - Representing each decade of the 20th
Century, 13 historic race car groups will attack the very technical 2.52
mile road course at Infineon Raceway <http://www.infineonraceway.com/>
during the upcoming Sonoma Historic Motorsports
<http://www.generalracing.com/>  Festival.  Over the weekend of June 5-6,
2010, the roads in and around Sonoma will be traversed by classic sports
cars and elegant grand touring vehicles as they shuttle their stylish
passengers through rolling California hills, past vineyards and wineries on
eucalyptus-lined roads that wind between the luxurious inns and restaurants
of the Sonoma wine country and the track.

The drivers of these vintage race cars are a unique breed, and most have had
a racing past either as a professional or amateur.  Some have waited until
they've raised a family or nurtured a growing business to pursue the hobby,
but the common denominator is their shared passion for these cars and the
art of driving them.

Chris MacAllister, a native of Indianapolis, went to his first Indy 500 as a
boy and instantly became a race fan.  He began racing vintage cars in 1983,
and his stable of vehicles is remarkable.  "It is difficult to say which car
is my favorite," said MacAllister.  "The Gulf Mirage is one I enjoy driving
because of its handling.  There is a sense of comfort and confidence because
of the grip and smoothness of this car."  His 917 Porsche, he says, is
extraordinary in its presence, and his Lotus 49 F1 car is special, because
it was the car Jim Clark drove in 1967.  "Jim Clark was my hero and still
is, so it's quite a thrill to drive this car.  The Lotus 49 was mated to the
incredible Ford Cosworth V8 which ended up winning 155 Grand Prixs over the
years."  

 

MacAllister's sentimental favorite, however, is his GT40 which he has owned
for 26 years.  It was his first vintage racer, and he will bring it to the
Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival this year.  "The other car I will bring
is my McLaren M8F Can-Am which is the most difficult of my cars to adapt to.
The steering is heavy, the shifting of gears and everything else about it is
hard, but this car is really fast."  

With such a wealth of options, MacAllister chooses which car to take to an
event based on what classes are available for a specific event and what
other motorsports events are on the calendar that he might wish to enter.
"I also consider when I last drove a particular car or if I have something
new in my collection that would be exciting to drive," he added.

Since 1993, MacAllister has raced at every event organized by General Racing
<http://www.generalracing.com/> , organizers of the Sonoma Historic
Motorsports Festival <http://www.generalracing.com/> . "I am grateful to
Steve and Debbie Earle for creating remarkable events that consistently
bring out great cars and fair competition while setting the standard for
vintage racing in America."

Milwaukee driver Tom Mittler took to the sport a little later in life - at
age 40 when his wife suggested he find a hobby.  She may have had in mind
carpentry or gardening, but Mittler's fancy turned to vintage cars, which he
has been collecting and racing since 1980.  As a collector, he has taken an
international approach - acquiring sports cars built for the street as well
as the race track.  

"German cars are well engineered and perform at a high standard," said
Mittler.  "British cars are well designed and most of their factories
survived the war.  American cars are fast in a straight line.  French cars
are different (referring to their dramatic styling and somewhat innovative
concepts).  Italian cars are good looking with special bodies built on
various chassis."

The result of Mittler's approach is a stunning collection from which he has
selected his 1953 Hudson Hornet, representing the early days of NASCAR, to
race in the Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival.  Although he has been to
19 of General Racing's events, this will be Mittler's first race at Infineon
Raceway.  He and a golf friend had discussed the upcoming event and decided
- since they both enjoy an occasional glass of wine - that this would be a
fun event to attend and also a good way to introduce his friend to his
hobby.

"General Racing puts on a great event and I want to be able to say I was at
the first Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival," said Mittler.

Highlights for Fans:  Augmenting the vintage racing experience for fans at
the Sonoma Historic Motorsports <http://www.generalracing.com/>  Festival
will be the Wine Country Pavilion, which will feature some of the best food
and wine Sonoma and Napa have to offer, with noted Bay Area chef Victor
Scargle headlining.  Displays from local car clubs, an open paddock area and
a chance to chat with many of the drivers will round out the experience. 

Another highlight of the weekend will take place at Sonoma Plaza on
Saturday, June 5.  The National Historic Landmark will provide the ambience
for the Sonoma Valley Race Car Festival, which will feature 30 vintage
vehicles on public display from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. during a wine and
food tasting. The cars will have created a separate spectacle on their
parade from Infineon Raceway to the venue.  The event benefits the Speedway
<http://www.infineonraceway.com/raceway/community/speedway_childrens_chariti
es/>  Children's Charities, and tickets ($35) can be obtained from Infineon
Raceway or at Sonoma Plaza on the evening of the event.

The cars chosen for the 2010 Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival encompass
all forms of motorsport including Pre-War Sports and Racing cars, Sports
Racing Cars, Formula Cars, Historic Trans-Am, Historic Can-Am, IMSA GTP and
FIA mfg, GT and Grand National cars.  Racing in the seven "A" groups will
take place on Saturday, with the six "B" groups racing on Sunday.  Race cars
go on track at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday and at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, with the
last race group taking the track at 4:05 p.m. on Saturday and at 3:40 p.m.
on Sunday.  Upon completion of racing activities each day there will be car
club parade laps.  The awards ceremony is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Situated in the heart of the well-known Sonoma/Napa Valley region, Infineon
Raceway's 1600-acre motorsports complex is less than 45 minutes from San
Francisco.  Viewing wine country from the grandstands as the cars handle the
track's 12 challenging turns adds dramatically to a day at the races.

While their race cars are on display in the paddock area many participants
will drive to and from Infineon Raceway in their period cars, enhancing
their Sonoma experience as they join local car club members and individual
classic car owners in adding a bit of historic motoring interest to the
colorful Sonoma countryside.  And without a doubt, a vintage Aston Martin,
Maserati or Morgan will turn a few heads as it cruises down Main Street.

For tickets, visit www.infineonraceway.com or call  1-800-870-RACE.  For
additional information on the Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival, visit
www.generalracing.com.

(end)