No Garage Queens In Vintage Racing

Vintage motorsports has got to be one of the least celebrated in the motorsport world, at least in this country.  Unless one is in the loop, it remains an activity under the radar yet is clearly very popular all over the world. A pair of 1920’s Lagondas atRolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion 2010.

I had no idea until I struck up a conversation with a racer one day at the Seafood Bar at The Breakers.  This guy, as apparently do many others, ships his cars to destinations throughout the United States, Europe and beyond.  What a fascinating amount of dedication to one’s hobby.  But these are serious hobbies.  Gentleman’s racing is a serious sport.  There are the true gentleman’s racers and authentic racing-only cars like this Porsche. A full stable of Cobras. Many come with their own mechanic crews and extra parts.  Don’t be put off assuming this is only a 1% sport, some vintages are cheap and relatively easy to work on.  The dirt-under-the-fingernails average Joe mixes with money manager gearheads, royalty and corporate titans on a somewhat level paying field.  Driving skills are not bought, they are earned.Hmmm, Ferrari Daytona, Mercedes or the ole blower Bentley? The hair stands up on my arms and I get chills at the sight and sound of the vintage Delahayes and Talbots.  How fabulous these are still alive and well, not in a museum or someone’s garage queen.  Can I just say thank you?  Driving these vintage visions as intended is much appreciated.

The community is small but from the amount of cars, not that small.  For more on vintage racing check out The Vintage Racing League which covers the oldies as well as vintage FIA events.  Happy Motoring!  Off to do a little test driving.