Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival Fast Approaching

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 during the upcoming Sonoma Historic Motorsports 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, organizers of the Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival. “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 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 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.