35th Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races

The sounds of vintage race cars firing up warming up their engines for the morning practice session is pure bliss. Something I could never imagine I’d would ever wake up to such an awesome sound. The annual Monterey Historic Races, now in it’s 35^th year brings the sights, smells, and sounds of past racing to the present. It’s one thing to watch the old videos and to view old pictures of racing’s past, but to be there is something that just takes it to another level.

There was so much to photograph that I wasn’t able to cover that much, partly due to my cheap battery that got knocked out early. Remember kids, get the factory made stuff it’s much better.

Photos of some early morning practice sessions.

Formula Juniors taking the track in mass numbers.

The Trans Am race was probably the best racing I’ve seen all weekend. These guys were really going at each other with numerous lead changes.

The old Formula 1 cars were outright amazing to watch. The sounds emanating from these works of art have no comparison.

Speaking of F1, this year's guest of honor was racing legend Mario Andretti. Commerating his winning the Formula 1 World Championship in 1978. The celebration included the man himself driving the John Player’s Special Lotus race car that propelled him to that championship.

The IMSA era cars brought out some really awesome Porsches to grid.

Toyota brought out a couple of their retired race cars that were campaigned in the 80’s and early 90’s.

If you’re a fan of auto racing this is a must see. To see these cars back on track is nothing that a museum nor some rich dude’s garage can never replicate. Props goes to all who bring out their cars for a romp on the tarmac. Remembering what it was like and for some of the younger folks an era where racers were racers.

For more information on this event click here.
To view more pics of the event click here.