TJ – vintage & historic racing coverage

Perfect weather, a record crowd, and a field of 63 world-class sports cars set the scene for the first event in the American LeMans Series presented by Tequila Patron 2012 Calendar. This also served as a fitting venue for the inaugural event in the new FIA World Endurance Championship.

It has been 26 years since I was last at Sebring for the race. 1986 was my first and only visit to the famed circuit. It’s always been a personal goal of mine to get back. The 60th Anniversary and the first event in the new FIA World Championship meant I couldn’t miss it. It was well worth the wait!

The Audi R18 (#2) piloted by Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish, and Dindo Capello took the victory. It wasn’t just any win…this trio of drivers are the most decorated and successful in Sebring history. It was Kristensen’s sixth overall victory, the fifth win for Capello, and fourth win for McNish. Unbelievable!

In the next few weeks I’ll be posting photographs from the race weekend. For now here’s one of the winning car. Enjoy!

Audi R18 (#2) Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish, and Dindo Capello.

While some folks were battling the Black Friday shopping sale day craziness, I found refuge and enjoyment by watching a dedicated group of sports car enthusiasts taking advantage of some beautiful weather at Summit Point. This was the Turkey Bowl XV, the season-ending event for the Vintage Racer Group.

While others may have taken up to an hour to find a parking spot at their local shopping mall, my son and I made the quick 45 minute trip to Summit Point, WV for one last racing fix. We were not disappointed.

You may recall my May 20th post from the Jefferson 500 weekend, that featured a battle between two 1969 Chevrons. The yellow #23 was back, and looked better than ever!  I also enjoyed speaking with Lou Parrotta. His red Lotus 51 was one of my favorites of the day.

Enjoy!

1969 Chevron B16, #23 (Ralph Manaker, Middleburg, VA)

It was a beautiful day for a spectator, but the sunshine was intense at times for the drivers.

1967 Lotus 51, #36 (Lou Parrotta, Atglen, PA)

Prior to getting started, Lou got out the racer tape and became #6 for the day.

The 2011 season has come and gone, and for the first time in a long time, I didn’t get to attend an ALMS race. It took a family reunion on the same weekend to keep me away from all the fun. But yet I am looking forward to 2012 which promises to be another great ALMS season. In fact I’ve already made my travel plans for the 60th running of the American Classic, the “12 Hours of Sebring” in March…just a few short months away. I can’t wait! In the meanwhile, here’s another look back at the 2010 ALMS from Mid-Ohio. Enjoy.

The Falken Tire girls on the grid during pre-race activities.

Olivier Beretta of Corvette Racing relaxes before qualifying.

Aero styling. The #52-LMPC Oreca FLM09 of PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports.

John Hindhaugh of Radio Le Mans leads a charitable auction in the Corvette Racing paddock.

At speed! The #36-LMPC Oreca FLM09 of Genoa Racing.

On the road again…cars at speed! Mid-Ohio is known to be a technical track. The fastest cars & drivers have to find a rhythm and build a momentum of pace. When they get it right, they fly.

Classic Porsche liveries from days gone by are a feature of the Porsche Cayman Interseries. This is one of my favorites. The 2011 Porsche Cayman S (#80) of Bill Riddell (Jacksonville, FL).

Hustling through the keyhole series of corners. The 1968 Datsun Roadster (#46) of William Power (Knoxville, TN).

Mustang horses! A very fast and thunderous 1989 Ford Mustang (#19) of Dick Howe (W. Newton, MA).

Nifty, nimble, and VERY green! The 1962 Austin Healey Sprite (#048) of Chris Newcomer (Cincinnati, OH).

It only takes two cars to have a race...and these guys were having at it! Here’s the beautiful 1973 Porsche 911 RS (#14) of Todd Treffert (Sarasota, FL) doing battle the 1973 Alfa Romeo GTV (#4) of Donald Wannagat (New Kensington, PA).

Paddock Profiles

Porsche Levitation....just waiting to be unleashed. The 1998 Porsche RSR (#23) of Chris O’Donnell (Laguna Beach, CA).

Classic style, classic lines. The 1959 Triumph TR3A (#116) of John Hasty (Charlotte, NC).

Ford muscle ready to spread its wings. The 1964 Ford Falcon Sprint (#51) of Bill Feaster (Tallahassee, FL).

The Porsche Pink Pig reborn! The VERY pink 2009 Porsche Cayman S (#23) of Lori Cassling (Omaha, NE).

An endurance classic on display. Here’s a beautiful 1968 Lola T-70 MKIII (#34) of Mershons Motorsports (Springfield, OH).

Paddock Portraits.

The classic Gulf-Porsche livery on display with the 1969 Porsche 911S (#2) of Bill Bauman (Toledo, OH).

Idle fury! The 1969 Chevrolet Corvette (#45) of J. B. Mattison (St. Clair Shores, MI).

Sleek simple elegance. The 1958 Jaguar XK150 (#78) of Max Heilman (Kenton, OH).

Penske Power! The classic Sunoco blue and yellow of the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro (#15) of Pat Ryan (Fletcher, NC).

Got grill?! The 1966 Alfa Romeo GTV (#42) of Bo Lemastus (Louisville, KY).

Just like every visit to Mid-Ohio in the past, arrival at the track Friday morning was met with excitement and promise of a great weekend of racing. But, what made this year just a bit more special was that Mid-Ohio is celebrating their 50th Anniversary Season.

The track opened in 1962 and has since been a regular stop for many of America’s premier road-racing series. In March 2011, Green/Savoree Mid-Ohio, LLC purchased the track after a 29 year ownership by the Trueman family. Green/Savoree expressed their commitment to build upon and maintain the rich tradition of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. That’s great news for all road racing fans.

Throughout its history, Mid-Ohio has hosted many classic racing series such as the SCCA’s Can-Am, Trans-Am, Formula 5000, and the popular Valvoline Run-Off Championships. The IMSA Camel GT, featuring the Lumberman’s 500, wowed the crowds, along with the current endurance classic, the American Le Mans Series. The best of American open-wheel racing have been featured at Mid-Ohio with the ever-popular CART Series, and the current IndyCar Series. The track has also hosted various motorcycle events. But the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 50th Anniversary Season began as it should with a look to the past, by opening their calendar with the SVRA Vintage Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio.

Porsche was named the featured Marque for the event. The German car-maker served as a fitting symbol of racing excellence for the kick-off celebration of an American Classic, The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The Grand Marshal for Vintage Grand Prix weekend was Road Racing Legend, and former Porsche factory driver, Brian Redman.

The weekend began Friday with a mix of showers, wind, and sporadic sunshine. Though that may have limited the on-track activity, the paddock was busy with preparation for a packed weekend. The weather Saturday and Sunday did not disappoint, and the weekend, the season, and celebration were off to a blistering start.

Here are more images for your enjoyment…and yes, there are more to come. Enjoy.

At speed! ....Tim Sands (Westbend, WI) and his 1970 Titan MKVI (#27).

Fans had the thrill of meeting a true racing legend, Grand Marshal, Brian Redman.

Mid-Ohio fans are enthusiastic and passionate for their racing, and they were not disappointed!

The featured Marque was Porsche. Here is the 1997 Porsche 911/993 (#99) of Lawrence Schumacker (West Chester, OH) as he glides through the Esses.

It’s been two weeks since the 2011 Vintage Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio. Along with sorting through a hefty number of images from the event, life itself has kept me from posting until now. For the time-being I’ll keep it short and brief, with a review of the event to come. In the meanwhile, here are a selection of photos from the three days at the track. Enjoy (I did!)…there will be more to come….TJ

Here is the 1960 Porsche 356 (#390) of Olga Reindlova (New York, NY) leading the 1961 Triumph TR3A (#41) of Jeff Snook (Bowling Green, Ohio) through the Keyhole Chicane.

The beautiful, and “orange”, 1966 Porsche 906 (#39) of Henry Payne IV (Bloomfield Hills, MI), on a flyer just after turn one.

Poised for qualifying, is Stan Crawford (Grove City, OH), and his very crisp looking 1974 Porsche RSR (#61).

The 1981 March 817 Can-Am car (#11), formerly driven by Bobby Rahal, now owned by David Nikolas (Detroit, MI), on display in the paddock.

German engineering at its best, embodied in the 2005 Audi R8 LMP (#12), now in the safe hands of Travis Engen (Weston, CT).

Muscles flexing! The 1969 Chevrolet Corvette (#45) of J. B. Mattison (St. Clair Shores, MI) leads an impressive group of Chevys through the keyhole.

Just a few more photographs from Summit Point. It was a great weekend of racing. As for these photos/cars, I’ll place them in the category entitled, “Cars I’d like to drive”….one of these days at least!  Enjoy!

Next up…the Mid-Ohio Vintage Grand Prix!

Jason Scott of Falls Church, VA, and his impressive 1974 Porsche 911.

Kent Prather of Wakarusa, KS, and his beautiful 1962 MG/MGA.

Bob Leitzinger of State College, PA, and his quick and nimble 1969 Datsun PL 510.

Here are more photographs from Summit Point. These in particular focus in on the drivers. They are indeed dedicated enthusiasts out doing what they love. Racing.

Enjoy!

Bob Kullas of Avon, CT, in his 1969 Chevron B16.

Larry Neviaser of Easton, MD, in his 1968 Ginetta G16.

Dan Chesanow of Athens, TN, in "Cannonball"...a 1966 Venus Formula Vee.