TJ – vintage & historic racing coverage

The 2010 running of the Jefferson 500 vintage sports car weekend at Summit Point featured another display of beautiful race cars. But one in particular caught my eye. This 1969 Lola T70 MkIIIb epitomizes the classic styling of the prototype from a golden age of motor racing. It’s sleek design, striking color, and classic display of racing stripe/car number set it apart from the rest. If only I could drive something like this to work every day…the Washington beltway would be a breeze!

The classic design of the 1969 Lola T70 MkIIIb had the attention of everyone.

Stretching its legs....the Lola set the pace.

1969 Lola T70 MkIIIb - "Looks fast standing still"

As time goes by I find myself becoming more and more satisfied with the experience of attending vintage sports car events. The distinctive design and styling of each car helps to create their unique character. Before computers and wind tunnels dictated car design decisions, aesthetics ruled the day. “If it looked good, it was probably fast.”

Here are a few photographs from the Vintage Racer Group (VRG) Jefferson 500 vintage sports car event held at Summit Point Motorsports Park (Summit Point, WV) in May 2009. I approached this weekend with a singular goal…viewing each car as a work of art…and capturing their unique character.

1958 Elva MKII

1962 Aston Martin DB4

1966 Ford Mustang

There was a great GT battle in the August 2010 ALMS Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge race. The number 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 430 GT of Jamie Melo and Gianmaria Bruni finished first. Rounding out the GT podium was the number 4 Corvette of Olivier Beretta and Oliver Gavin, and the number 92 BMW of Bill Auberlen and Tommy Milner. Here are a few shots of the Ferrari team…

Winner in the GT class, #62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 430 GT, Jaime Melo (Brazil) and Gianmaria Bruni (Italy).

(left to right) Ferrari drivers Jaime Melo (Brazil) and Gianmaria Bruni (Italy) enjoy a light moment with IndyCar driver Raphael Matos (Brazil) during pre-race activities.

#61 Risi Competizione Ferrari 430 GT, Toni Vilander (Finland) and Giancarlo Fisichella (Italy).

Sharing the bill with the ALMS at the August 2010 Mid-Ohio weekend was the Izod IndyCar Series. This powerful pairing has drawn huge crowds to Mid-Ohio over the past few years. Race fans that weekend were given the treat of seeing the 2010 Indianapolis 500 winner and ultimately the 2010 IndyCar Series Champion, Dario Franchitti, bring home the win.

Fans visiting the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course also have a great opportunity to see the drivers, teams, and cars up-close and in-person. One of the reasons I enjoy going to Mid-Ohio is for the access that fans have behind the scenes. Seeing the effort made by the teams off the track makes me appreciate the on track performances even more.

Here are a few shots taken in the pits and paddock garage area during preparations for the IndyCar qualifying session on Saturday, prior to the ALMS race.

Drivers left to right: Ryan Hunter-Reay (Andretti Autosport), Helio Castroneves (Team Penske), and Tony Kannan (Andretti Autosport) discuss track conditions prior to qualifying.

Driver Raphael Matos (de Ferran Dragon Racing) with his crew making last minute adjustments.

Driver Dario Franchitti (Target Chip Ganassi Racing), winner of The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, August 2010.

The 2010 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) race at Mid-Ohio was a 2 hour and 45 minute timed event, and was decided by a half a second. Whew! It was a classic. The Dyson Racing Team of Guy Smith and Chris Dyson scored a very emotional win for their team and a very popular win for the fans. I was happy! Here are a few photos of the winning car, the Lola B09/86 Mazda. It’s a beautiful machine.

Dyson Racing Team - Lola B09/86 Mazda

Dyson Racing Team - In the paddock

Drivers - Guy Smith (UK) and Chris Dyson (USA)

I’ve looked forward to launching this blog for quite a while. Now that it is time the question is, where to begin? There will be plenty of stories to tell, but the main function of the blog will be my photography. So, I’ll begin with a few photos from the 2010 American LeMans Series race from the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in August. Enjoy!

On the grid for the 2010 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge.

Patrick Long, Flying Lizard Motorsports.

GT - Flying Lizard Motorsports - Porsche 911 GT3 RSR