Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival. June 2-3 2017

[khyndart in CA]

I managed to get away on Friday and stayed through Saturday before returning home from the track that is north of San Francisco over the Golden Gate bridge. The course first opened in 1968 and was known for years as "Sears Point"\.
It later became "Infineon Raceway" and recently named "Sonoma Raceway."
Anyway I stopped in and wanted to share some of my photos with y'all.
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(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

Due to some coolant loss and heavy traffic I arrived late in the day and thought I would be turned away but everyone was friendly and let me in. Hardly anyone was around and I was like a kid in a candy store and snapped some of these photos of the cars back in my day, 1963 - 1972 Grand National Stock Cars.
The cars were still in original condition just as they were over 50 years ago.
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1972 Ford Gran Torino driven back then by Bobby Unser.

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1969 Dodge Daytona

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As I said everyone was friendly and ready to share stories with all ages.

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1965 Ford Galaxie as driven by Fred Lorenzen.

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1963 Chevy Impala as driven by "Junior" Johnson.

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1966 Chevrolet Chevelle

(Ken Hyndman photos )..more soon.

[Ray Bell]

I wonder what was wrong with 'Sears Point' as a name...

[khyndart in CA]

Ray,
It is all about money ! In 2002 Sears Point sold its naming rights to the German technology company "Infineon" for a ten year partnership which they did not renew in 2012. The track is currently known as Sonoma Raceway although it is said that management is searching for a new company interested in acquiring the naming rights.
( So this could be your chance mate, to get your name out there for the world to see. "Bell International Raceway" sounds pretty good don't you think ?)

(Ken H)

[khyndart in CA]

Here is one for Steve.

1971 Pontiac Firebird.
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This one is for me as I have to admit I was a fan of "The Intimidator," Dale Earnhardt.
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Dale's 1994 Chevy Lumina.

(Ken Hyndman photos )

[John McKechnie]

Ken- nah...people may link it to Bell Tea- something Americans may have heard of but not drink.
I feel- RAYS RACEWAY has a good bite to it

[Steve Holmes]

Awesome pics Ken. Did the stock cars get a race, or were they just on display?

[Steve Holmes]

Here is one for Steve.

1971 Pontiac Firebird.
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(Ken Hyndman photos )

Thanks Ken, Pontiac actually had a pretty good presence in Nascar Grand American, particularly with the gen 2 Firebird. Herb Adams was involved in building and racing a couple of these cars, though I don't know if this is one of his.

[khyndart in CA]

Steve,
They did race but it was late on Saturday and I had to get back home and all the finals were on the Sunday.
Perhaps next time. The best race for me was the Historic Trans Am. The lead changed every lap !
More on that later. I took a lot of photos and have to figure out how to present them without making it too boring.
There were a lot of categories, something for everybody and I could not do them all justice.
Ken

[khyndart in CA]

Steve,
Bruce Canepa had his usual fine selection of cars here except for the Gulf 917.
One of his cars was this 1970 Pontiac Firebird # 92 originally driven by Jerry Titus.
I clicked some pics that showed the brakes and thought you may be interested. Note it has "Hurst / Airheart" brake calipers at the rear.
Are you allowed slotted rotors ?
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Check this 1970 refueling system from either side, depending on the track direction and pits etc.

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Bruce Canepa's car # 92 driven by Rob Kauffman at this event.


(Ken Hyndman photos )

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks for the pics of the 'Tirebird' Ken, they're really great. This is one of my all-time favorite Trans-Am cars, even though it never actually had any success in period. It was one of the cars built for the 1970 season by the factory Pontiac team, T/G Racing, but when Jerry Titus was killed, the team really fell apart. I don't know if this car was driven in 1970 by Titus, but it reappeared in 1971, now sponsored by BF Goodrich, who wanted to promote their new radial street tyres. I'm pretty sure the car actually raced on radial street tyres.

Note also that the Tirebird doesn't have all those plastic front aero parts that were standard on Trans-Am models, and also appeared on the T/G Racing cars in 1970. It just has a simple front spoiler.

As for the brakes, Bruce Thompson may know more, but I think from memory the rules were opened up in 1970 allowing for after-market brakes. I'm pretty sure the factory backed Dodge Challengers and Plymouth Cudas also used Hurst-Airheart brakes. I'm pretty certain I can't use these.

Also, I can't use rotors that are drilled or slotted, although vented are OK.

Thanks again Ken, keep the pics coming.

[Spgeti]

It is a cool car and it would be neat to see one of this model built for HMC. I think you are right re the tyres Steve that BF Goodrich used it to promote the new T/A Radial tires...

[khyndart in CA]

Had to celebrate a bit of "Jolly ol England".
The cars are identified in the photos.
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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Some of the older Porsches competing at Sonoma.
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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

This is the time for me to thank Bruce Thompson (Bruce302)who last year at Laguna Seca introduced me to Trans Am driver,
Chad Raynal.
So this year at Sonoma I saw Chad and he took me in as though I was part of the family. What a super nice guy and a wonderful driver and a great sense of humor. So Bruce when anything went wrong it was your fault and when things went well I got the credit ! That suited me just fine. On the Friday practice the 1969 Camaro # 64 of Chad's had an exhaust welding issue. (Bruce's fault ) In the Saturday warm up a front brake rotor cracked. (Bruce's fault). But all was repaired in time for the main Trans Am race on Saturday. (Thanks to Ken )
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Chad's dad Roger who always willing to help anyone in the Historic Trans Am group.

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Camaro front brakes.

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Chad felt good during the morning practice.

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Chad giving the thumbs up about the car.

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Chad with his # 1 fan on Saturday.


(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Chad some tough competition for the main race Saturday and he qualified 4th against some of these magnificent beasts.;
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Chad Raynal ready to go racing.

The AMX Javelin did not race on the Saturday.

(Ken Hyndman photos. )

[khyndart in CA]

It was time to go racing.
Really good racing with the lead changing every lap but the last two were led by Chad and he won a very close race.

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First lap and Chad is in 4th position.
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Chad wins !

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Chad & Scott (his transport driver) having a well earned drink and giving the credit to me and I am invited back anytime..might see you next time Bruce !

(Ken Hyndman photos )

[Steve Holmes]

Loving these pics Ken.

[kiwi285]

Really great photos Ken. Love those cars and the way they are all prepared and kept in period state. A real credit to all of the 'caretakers'.

[Paul B]

Great photos, fantastic period cars and a spectacular autocourse.... a day of bliss I bet.
Thanks for posting

[Rod Grimwood]

looking good Ken, Chad must go good, especially with that No. 64.

[khyndart in CA]

Thanks Rod,
Chad certainly goes really well in that 1969 Z/28 Camaro.
He has this good running unit to power him along.
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(Ken Hyndman photo )

[khyndart in CA]

From the Group 1 Pre - 1941 Sports and Racing Cars class.

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(Hyndman photos..more to come. )

[khyndart in CA]

Group 10. 1966- 1972 Historic Trans-Am cars plus some from 1964.

(One of my favorites was the "Grey Ghost " which was very competitive.)
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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Here are some of the other Trans Am cars.

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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Plus more Trans Am.

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(I think that is my Trans Am selection for now. Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

On the Friday night when I first arrived I just wandered around the garage. Hardly anyone else was around. Check these out.
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1974 BMW 2800 CSL. # 103. Thor Johnson

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1971 Chevron B19. # 5 Alex MacAllister

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1938 ERA 14B # 1 of Chris MacAllister and 1936 ERA R2A # 7 of Paddins Dowling.

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1960 Lola Mk1 # 41 Kurt DelBene

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1970 Dodge Challenger. # 77 Richard Goldsmith.

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1973 BMW CSL # 1. Steve Walker.

(Ken Hyndman photos )

[Bruce302]

[Q

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Chad wins !

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Chad & Scott (his transport driver) having a well earned drink and giving the credit to me and I am invited back anytime..might see you next time Bruce !

(Ken Hyndman photos )[/QUOTE]

I'll be at Laguna in August Ken, no T/A cars at that even this year but Chad will be running one or two of his other cars. He loves to blame me for the bad stuff be he knows that I am his good luck guy.

Scott the transporter guy is absolutely the best, no question there.

Make sure your there too Ken, bring Peter "Built" too, he's a laugh.

Bruce.

[khyndart in CA]

Here you are folks. Something different to throw around Hampton Downs. Ricky Rudd had fun when he drove at "Sears Point. " Infineon Raceway. He was the Winston Cup race winner in 2002.
This car has a good history.
Ex Ricky Rudd 2002 Ford Taurus for sale.

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https://youtu.be/591dvla1QG0

https://showroom.windingroad.com/listings/product/2065/


Looking forward to seeing it out on the track again.
(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Another look at the Grand National Stock cars of 1963 to 1972 as they return from qualifying.
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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Some of the other cars at Sonoma.
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powered now by a BMW V-12 engine in place of the original Cosworth from the Japanese F3000 series.
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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Some Group 11 Sports Cars.
One of my all time favorite race cars.
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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[John McKechnie]

Ken- if it wasnt for Jim Boyd, we wouldnt be able to tick the box for Lola T70 as well

[khyndart in CA]

Ken- if it wasnt for Jim Boyd, we wouldnt be able to tick the box for Lola T70 as well

Yes John,
"It was love at first sight"
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Oct. 1969. Jim Boyd in his Team Cambridge 1966 Lola T70 at Bay Park.

( Ken Hyndman photo )

[khyndart in CA]

Still looking good after 51 years !

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[Roger Dowding]

Some of the other cars at Sonoma.
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powered now by a BMW V-12 engine in place of the original Cosworth from the Japanese F3000 series.
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(Ken Hyndman photos )

Ken, Think that Siata was at Monterey when I went in 1982 now have to find the photo !!

Today 22/06 or 06/22 for you in the US of A. yes do have a photo of the Siata ..

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Driven by " Robert Williams " in 1982 as it is in the Sonoma 2017 photo ..

[khyndart in CA]

More Sports & IMSA GTP cars.

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(Ken Hyndman photos

[khyndart in CA]

There were vehicles at Sonoma for all ages.
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Ken Hyndman photos

[Bruce302]

Great photos Ken, Thank you.

Bruce.

[Ray Bell]

You've got to love the oldies!

[John McKechnie]

i love the deep buttoned diamond pleating and those seats look very comfortable with armrests.
So they were like that back then when they were raced?
Also was it a Sunday drive here, or were they at speed?
In the old black and white movies they always looked very ferocious in corners.............

[khyndart in CA]

John
They were out there qualifying in Group 1 Pre- 1941 Sports,Touring and Racing Cars.
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A few dollars wrapped up in these three cars !


(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

One of my favorite Trans Am cars was this 1970 Plymouth Cuda that had first been driven by Dan Gurney and his protégé Swede Savage who was to sadly die in a massive crash during the terrible 1973 Indy 500.
Driven at Sonoma by the very friendly Bill Ockerlund.

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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[Ray Bell]

We rarely see those really old cars here...

In Australia they would be Group K, which is mostly populated by modern builds using old styles and components. Pre WW1 - forget it, nothing here.

We don't see very much American-style or V8 Mopar either, in-period we had none with the exception of the Valiant Chargers and their predecessors in production racing, so very few people think of them as a racing option in Australia.

[Steve Holmes]

One of my favorite Trans Am cars was this 1970 Plymouth Cuda that had first been driven by Dan Gurney and his protégé Swede Savage who was to sadly die in a massive crash during the terrible 1973 Indy 500.
Driven at Sonoma by the very friendly Bill Ockerlund.

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(Ken Hyndman photos )

One of these 1970 AAR Cudas went to Chrysler France in 1971 and raced various European events under Group 2 rules. It was eventually fitted with a big block Hemi and one year (1975 I think) attempted to qualify for Le Mans.

[Steve Holmes]

We rarely see those really old cars here...

In Australia they would be Group K, which is mostly populated by modern builds using old styles and components. Pre WW1 - forget it, nothing here.

We don't see very much American-style or V8 Mopar either, in-period we had none with the exception of the Valiant Chargers and their predecessors in production racing, so very few people think of them as a racing option in Australia.

Hi Ray, its my understanding the cars that race under Group Nc historic touring cars are only allowed to be the same make/model and year as what raced in the ATCC until the end of 1972?

[khyndart in CA]

A little more on number 42

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(Ken Hyndman photos

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by Steve Holmes
Hi Ray, its my understanding the cars that race under Group Nc historic touring cars are only allowed to be the same make/model and year as what raced in the ATCC until the end of 1972?

That's a common misconception, Steve...

The wording is, "vehicles of a year, make and model which competed in Australia between 1 January, 1965, and 31 December, 1972 in either the Australian Touring Car Championship or races specifically for 3rd Category Group C Improved Production Touring Cars and Series Production Touring Cars."

So Valiant Chargers are eligible, as are Pacers, but no V8 Mopars ever ran here in that era.


.

[khyndart in CA]

Here is something a little different.
A 1935 Pirrung Special. # 14

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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

I want to apologize for presenting you with a bunch of cars that probably don't mean much to you folks in Australasia but I had fun with my little Nikon Coolpix S6800 camera and I still have some more inputs left. I will be off your front page soon, I promise.
If anyone wants a copy of anything at more than 185 KB you know how to reach me.

Ken

[khyndart in CA]

Here is a bit about a Kiwi.
When driver Robert Kauffman took his 1990 Toyota Eagle Mk 2 # 99 out in the morning practice it came into the pits with electrical issues and could not be repaired in time for the afternoon qualifying in the Group 11 Historic Can-Am and FIA and GTP cars.

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When Robert found the Toyota could not be fixed in time he contacted Kiwi Tony Nicholson who has a business for preparing historic race cars at the Sonoma Raceway. Tony is an expert on all early McLarens and can name where every early McLaren car is located.
Anyway Tony and his very able son, Colin were given 1 hour to get Robert Kauffman's 1972 McLaren M8E # 55 out of storage and ready for the qualifying session. They managed to achieve this even with me hanging around asking dopey questions etc.

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Tony & Colin with the 1972 McLaren M8E.
Thanks you two for all the good snacks !
(Ken Hyndman photos )

[Ray Bell]

Ken, I hope you didn't misunderstand my lamentation...

When I said we don't see those cars here I was saying that you are very fortunate to have that enormous variety and that we are missing out. And we are, therefore, fortunate that you have presented those photos.

[khyndart in CA]

As I restored my own Mini Cooper over the years I was constantly contacting "Mini Mania" owned by Don Racine for parts and advice.
Don and his family had a group of very fast Minis at Sonoma that were ahead of their class that day.
Don and Dennis Racine in their Minis.
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After another win for the Racine Team.

(Ken Hyndman photos)

[Spgeti]

Don Racine's Mini's are both old historic race cars. I think 62 is the lastest one he has restored Ken and I think in period they were team cars.

[Ray Bell]

Are they the ones John Unsbee drove?

[Spgeti]

Yes Ray, I think they are.

[kiwi285]

Ken, keep the photos coming. I am 100% certain that historic motorsport people appreciate all types of historic race cars. Love all of the classes that you have posted photos of so far. I love the 1960's and 70's F1 and Le Mans cars as well as the Can-Am cars.

[Roger Dowding]

I want to apologize for presenting you with a bunch of cars that probably don't mean much to you folks in Australasia but I had fun with my little Nikon Coolpix S6800 camera and I still have some more inputs left. I will be off your front page soon, I promise.
If anyone wants a copy of anything at more than 185 KB you know how to reach me.

Ken

Ken H,do not apologise [ with a " s " - you have been there too long or have a spellchecker with an American accent !! ] we love your stuff, and cars that we may never see here in the Southern Region of the world ..

[khyndart in CA]

Thanks Roger and Mike,
I do get a bit confused at times ; is it a programme or a program, a tire or a tyre, is it gray or grey etc. etc.
Remember this is a country where you drive on the parkway and park in the driveway !
I am pleased that you can handle all the "stuff" I throw out at you.
Ken.

[khyndart in CA]

Ray and Bruce,
Tell me how you knew about John Unsbee ? You got me interested and yes those Racine Minis are what John raced in the early seventies.
I found this interesting article.
http://www.minicooperrace.com/1971_SCCA_Regional_Racing_Recollections_From_John_Unsbee.cfm

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John having his dad check out his latest investment.

[Spgeti]

Hi Ken, I own an ex race Riley Elf and have been slowly buying parts for the rebuild. Elf's were very successful in NZ in Mini racing and I follow Don on his Facebook site.

[khyndart in CA]

I am always impressed with the collection of cars that Chris MacAllister shows up with and he often wears the same looking helmet as the original driver such as Denny Hulme in his 1971 McLaren M8F # 5 or Jim Clark's 1967 Lotus 49.
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At Laguna Seca ..2011
This year at Sonoma he brought along some different vehicles and also his son Alex to drive some of magnificent collection.
This included a 1938 ERA 14 B # 1, a 1964 Cobra FIA 289 # 146, a 1966 Ford GT 40 # 9 and a 1971 Chevron B 19 # 5 with Alex driving the last two they were a busy family throughout the day but both were still friendly to talk to.
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Chris MacAllister explaining his new addition the ERA.

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Chris starting up the Cobra with a deafening roar in the garage before heading out to practice.

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Alex MacAllister preparing to take out the 1971 Chevron B 19 # 5

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Alex bringing the 1966 GT 40 # 9 back in after practice.


(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Just some photos of the mighty MacAllister 1966 Ford GT 40.

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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

My friend, Graham Donaldson had been a mechanic for the Doug Shierson Team in the late seventies and early eighties and when I saw this race car I had to try and capture it.
It has the 1600 Ford BDD engine with an iron block and was driven by Giles Villeneuve's brother, Jacques, in the 1980 North American Formula Atlantic Championship, winning the series.
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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

p.s. This weekend has the potential to make me into a real " couch potato" !
Sonoma is the site of Nascar racing today plus on TV; Formula One, Indy car race, rugby replays, America's Cup, baseball, golf etc. etc.
" Sorry dear, not right now "

[John McKechnie]

Wot- no bonding fishing trips with the new son-in-law ?

[khyndart in CA]

Now you are making me feel bad John.
The only trips I am making are to the WC and the refrigerator.
A great weekend for NZ sport..Jolly well done.

[khyndart in CA]

Here are some of the 1970- 1992 Historic sedans running at Sonoma. June 3 2017.
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1976 Datsun 240 Z

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# 33 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass originally from the Paul Newman-Bob Sharp Team and driven by Scott Sharp

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# 07 1982 Mercury Capri

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[Steve Holmes]

Loving the pics Ken. A few of those 1980s IMSA/Trans-Am cars ended up in New Zealand, only to eventually find their way back to the US. I'll bet a few of them would have been at Sonoma.

[khyndart in CA]

But my favorite for this group was the 1991 Chevrolet Camaro # 33 that was driven then by Scott Sharp and now by Bill Ockerlund.
This car still has the same cuts and scrapes as when it raced back in 1991-92.
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Chad Raynal in white shirt helping his friend Bill Ockerlund before heading out for qualifying race.

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# 33 on it's way. Message on back bumper is for Tommy Kendall's recovery from serious leg injuries at Watkins Glen earlier in the season.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86Vtz44uGyI
Some brief clips of # 33 Camaro being driven by Scott Sharp during the 1991-92 Trans-Am races.


(Ken Hyndman photos)

[khyndart in CA]

Well folks this was my last photo as the sun set as I left Sonoma Raceway.
Entry, parking, all stands and garage for $ 40.00 (US) plus a $ 10.00 program/programme was money well spent for the day and I recommend this event to anyone interested in historic events and it may even be cheaper than going to museums in Europe !
I think I covered my one day pretty well with my little camera and you can be thankful I did not go for the next day or this thread would have gone on and on !
Thanks for your inputs and perhaps I will do it again sometime.
Cheers,
Ken.
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1964 Corvette Stingray # 57

[Bruce302]

Fabulous photos Ken, Thank you for taking and sharing with us.
Much better than fishing isn't it ?

Bruce.

[Ray Bell]

Agreed ,Ken's done a good job here, we all appreciate it I'm sure...

And I think you and I have to get together to discuss the Mini driver some day.

[spinner32]

My friend, Graham Donaldson had been a mechanic for the Doug Shierson Team in the late seventies and early eighties and when I saw this race car I had to try and capture it.
It has the 1600 Ford BDD engine with an iron block and was driven by Giles Villeneuve's brother, Jacques, in the 1980 North American Formula Atlantic Championship, winning the series.
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(Ken Hyndman photos )

Ken, I am really enjoying your photos. Do you know anything about that beautiful Monza in the backround?

[khyndart in CA]

Spinner,
I agree that was a beautiful Monza but I could not get a good photo then as my camera battery died.
I did take these of it on the track that don't do it justice..
1975 Chevrolet Monza # 26 driven by John Longwell.
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(Ken H)

[Bruce302]

That is a neat looking Monza, and an interesting story, see some details here:

http://forums.h-body.org/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=33363

Bruce.

[Terry S]

My friend, Graham Donaldson had been a mechanic for the Doug Shierson Team in the late seventies and early eighties and when I saw this race car I had to try and capture it.
It has the 1600 Ford BDD engine with an iron block and was driven by Giles Villeneuve's brother, Jacques, in the 1980 North American Formula Atlantic Championship, winning the series.
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(Ken Hyndman photos )

For interest, was this Jacques Villeneuve the brother of Giles or his son?

[John McKechnie]

I think this answers this question-
His younger brother Jacques also had a successful racing career in Formula Atlantic, Can Am and CART.[8] Gilles' son, also named Jacques, won the Indianapolis 500 and CART championships in 1995 and became Formula One World Champion in 1997-wikipedia

[Ray Bell]

Many reckoned that Jacques was quicker than his brother...

There's also a connection between John Unsbee and Gilles.

[khyndart in CA]

Folks,
I found some photos I thought I had lost when the camera battery died.
I have to admit I really enjoy the John Hildebrand 1966 Pontiac Tempest GTO. # 49
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(Ken H)

[khyndart in CA]

Some other cars at Sonoma;
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A beautiful 1966 Bizzarrini 5300 GT driven by John Fudge

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Jeff Abramson driving a 1954 Ferrari Mondial # 22 around Turn 11

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# 21 Mike Fisher driving a 1959 Bocar XPS

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# 63 Scott Renner driving a 1952 Jowett Jupiter

(Ken H)

[khyndart in CA]

Can someone fill in a description of this fine piece of English engineering please.
Thanks.

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(Ken H photo )

[Ray Bell]

Wow! It looks like a piece of British eccentricity which somebody has modified to enable easier burnouts...

[John McKechnie]

Looks like a 3 wheeler Morgan.
Hammond drove one in Top Gear once

[khyndart in CA]

Again I should do my homework first !

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Check this site.
https://www.morgan-motor.co.uk/3-wheeler/


(Ken H)

[John McKechnie]

Ken- In Remmers we have a healthy Morgan population and its not uncommon to see them zooming around.
Also understand some non purists are putting huge Harley Davison motors in them to make them less british.

[Spgeti]

I have had the privilege of going for a ride in a 1936 Morgan three wheeler and powered by a period JAP V twin. It would of left an Austin 7 for dead... They make them today powered by Harley's.

I just love the Jowett. We have one that races here in NZ and he always drives it to the track !!

[Roger Dowding]

Can someone fill in a description of this fine piece of English engineering please.
Thanks.

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(Ken H photo )

Ken H, this car was at Caffeine and Classics in Auckland at the end of May and parked next to an early Buckler,I have a couple of photos in my camera and it is a Morgan 3 wheeler ..

[khyndart in CA]

More from Sonoma.
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An ex Richard Petty car. Always had # 43. This is a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner driven today by Trace Chalmers.

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Patriotic 1970 Z28 Camaro # 48. (Not sure of the driver as it was not in the programme,)

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A sweet looking 1962 MGA Mk 2 # 31 Driven by Edward Lamantia




(Ken Hyndman photos )

[Steve Holmes]

Some other cars at Sonoma;
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A beautiful 1966 Bizzarrini 5300 GT driven by John Fudge

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# 21 Mike Fisher driving a 1959 Bocar XPS

(Ken H)

A couple of my favorite cars. This Bizzarrinis are just epic. I could have my wires crossed, but isn't the engine on these cars mounted so far back the rear two spark plugs have to be changed from inside the cockpit?

The Bocar was one of many low-volume sports cars that appeared during the 1950s and early '60s. Some were Chevy V8 powered. I believe others were powered by Jaguar or Triumph motors from memory? They're beautiful looking cars.

[Bruce302]

[QUOTE=Steve Holmes;59998]A couple of my favorite cars. This Bizzarrinis are just epic. I could have my wires crossed, but isn't the engine on these cars mounted so far back the rear two spark plugs have to be changed from inside the cockpit?

Don't worry about the spark plugs, what about the old distributor and changing the points !

[Paul B]

The Bizzarrinis and Bocar XPS was a very nice era of car, The 1964 Kellison ASTRA J-5 Coupe Sports Car was an interesting design, This was the Mk2, the mk1 had single headlights, I believe was designed in 1959. very revolutionary for the time.
44170

[khyndart in CA]

I liked the look of this 1964 BRP BRM Formula 1 car that had been driven by Innes Ireland back then. Now by Kurt DelBene.

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Note the clean lines of race cars back then without wings etc.
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It was not until I had read this article that I realized that I had probably seen this car before when it came to NZ in a bizarre fashion !
It was the legendary NZ team of Peter Bruin and Ferris de Joux that saved this car from extinction.

http://www.britishracecar.com/KurtDelBene-BRP.htm

(Ken Hyndman photos)

[Terry S]

I liked the look of this 1964 BRP BRM Formula 1 car that had been driven by Innes Ireland back then. Now by Kurt DelBene.

44171

44172
Note the clean lines of race cars back then without wings etc.
44173

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44175

It was not until I had read this article that I realized that I had probably seen this car before when it came to NZ in a bizarre fashion !
It was the legendary NZ team of Peter Bruin and Ferris de Joux that saved this car from extinction.

http://www.britishracecar.com/KurtDelBene-BRP.htm

(Ken Hyndman photos)

This light green colour is that of the UDT/Laystall Racing Team and was the colour of Frank Matich's Lotus 19 when he bought it from that team.

[Steve Holmes]

This light green colour is that of the UDT/Laystall Racing Team and was the colour of Frank Matich's Lotus 19 when he bought it from that team.

Its a colour that works well on just about any car from the '60s. I've also seen it on a Ferrari 250GTO, Lola T70 MIIIB, as well as this Cobra that raced at the Goodwood Revival a couple of years ago, and it looks great on all of them.

44176

[Steve Holmes]

More from Sonoma.

44155
Patriotic 1970 Z28 Camaro # 48. (Not sure of the driver as it was not in the programme,)

(Ken Hyndman photos )

This Camaro was raced by Dick Hoffman in the Trans-Am series in, I think, 1971, and it would have been racing with Historic Trans-Am at Sonoma. But John Greenwood, of Corvette racing fame, also had involvement with the car, hence the stars and stripes livery that was being used on his Corvettes at the time.

This photo is from a thread on the Camaro Research Group page that has a little info about the car: http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=9935.0

44177

[PDJ]

The Bizzarrinis and Bocar XPS was a very nice era of car, The 1964 Kellison ASTRA J-5 Coupe Sports Car was an interesting design, This was the Mk2, the mk1 had single headlights, I believe was designed in 1959. very revolutionary for the time.
44170
Yes I like the Kellison's to . I like Nolan White's early 60's Bonneville car which I think was Kellison.

[khyndart in CA]

Another red white and blue vehicle was this 1960 Sorrell Special that had an interesting history relating to Riverside Raceway.
(See attached site ).
44180
1960 Sorrell Special # 23

44181

Read all about this car at this site.
http://www.tamsoldracecarsite.net/SorrellStory.html

44182


(Ken Hyndman first two photos )

[khyndart in CA]

It has been a month since I went to Sonoma for 1 day.
Can I quit now ?

(KH )

[Allan]

NO

[Steve Holmes]

The Bizzarrinis and Bocar XPS was a very nice era of car, The 1964 Kellison ASTRA J-5 Coupe Sports Car was an interesting design, This was the Mk2, the mk1 had single headlights, I believe was designed in 1959. very revolutionary for the time.
44170

I stumbled upon a Kellison for sale recently, though a different and much less attractive model than the one posted above: https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/6182627318.html

[khyndart in CA]

One of the noisiest cars at Sonoma was this "Peerless Racing"1970 Camaro that was prepared for IMSA GT racing to challenge the European competition at the long distance races at Sebring and Daytona etc. With its 478 c.i. aluminum 8-Cylinder engine it had "heaps of grunt" when raced by original driver Craig Carter. As you will read in the history it was a salvaged flood car and competed between 1972 to 1981.
It is a good and mean looking machine.
44199

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# 56 Peerless Racing Camaro heading toward turn 1 at Sonoma. Driver Jeff Abramson.
(Ken Hyndman photos )

A good history of this car is found at this Fantasy Junction site when it was for sale.
44201

http://www.fantasyjunction.com/cars/1873-Chevrolet-IMSA%20Camaro%20GT-478%20c.i.%20aluminum%208-Cylinder



(KH)

[khyndart in CA]

I have some more from Sonoma but the last few days have been interrupted with power outages, road closures and be ready to evacuate.
This may help you appreciate a cold and wet winter because we have suffered through the reverse here.
Last Tuesday was July 4th and to celebrate Independence Day a friend with a MGT series and I in my '62 Cooper decided to represent the English in the local parade. His dog kept the kids amused and also guarded my Mini. In the background you will notice the mountains between where we live and Santa Barbara. On Saturday a vehicle fire started a fire that has quickly got out of control and burnt over 7000 acres including some of our favorite trails and campsites. We live about 10 miles away and ash is on everything.
It will be a long drive to work in the coming days. Here are some photos as these helicopters work day and night.
I hope you don't mind a California update.
44364

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Once again enjoy the cold and rain as this is awful.

(Ken Hyndman and photos)

[Ray Bell]

I saw a news item this morning about fires in the US, Ken, but they didn't actually say where they were...

And there was talk of them going into British Columbia, so I gathered they were in Washington.

[khyndart in CA]

Sonoma. June 3 2017.
When I saw Michael Malone drive past in this good looking sports car, a 1966 Elva Mk 8, it certainly brought back memories for me of my days at Trojan Works. Bill Meace was the director of racing at both Elva and Trojan and he interviewed me for a position in 1972 and bravely took me on with my very limited experience. Many of the Elva crew stayed on to work at Trojan building customer McLarens. They were a good bunch of experienced race car builders who did not treat me too badly as being the only "Colonial" amongst them at that time. Here are some photos both old and new.
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(This is the area where Bill Meace interviewed me.)

44380
(This was the busy Trojan Racing workshop in about 1971 )

(Ken Hyndman )

[Oldfart]

Ken, have you had contact in recent times with Roger Dunbar? (Elva cars)

[khyndart in CA]

Rhys,
I have heard of Roger but have never been in touch. He has done much to keep the Elva brand alive.
There are some interesting history facts including the "Kiwi Connection" with Bucklers in NZ at this site.

http://www.elva.com/securemailer/elva-contact.php

(Ken H )

[Oldfart]

A task he had a while back was to spread ashes for Frank at a venue in the US.

[khyndart in CA]

This vehicle was built by Bill Janowski in 1957 from a 1939 Ford chassis and a Chevy V-8 engine.
It is called the "Monsterati" and it still goes well, now driven by David Swig.
More details can be found at this site.
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13755/Monsterati-Special.aspx

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( Ken Hyndman photos )

I really have taken too long on my day at Sonoma.
Here are 16 pages of what a professional photographer can do there at this site.

http://www.sportscardigest.com/sonoma-historic-motorsports-festival-2017-report-photos/

Cheers,
Ken H

[ERC]

Great stuff Ken! I was always an Elva fan in their heyday when Elva Couriers were quite plentiful. There was one for sale here in Auckland not so long ago, but way out of my price range. I have only seen one in or maybe two in NZ. Must check my pics of the late John Fernyhough's Collection, as there may have been one in there.

The Courier GT I had never seen until the 2009 Goodwood Revival.

Methinks Sonoma raceway has to be added to the bucket list - just when I thought I'd ticked everything off!

[khyndart in CA]

1966 Ford GT 40 Mk 2
" MKII Coupe
Chassis Num: 1051
This unit, Registration SNO 250D, was shipped September 13, 1966 and the #P1051's engine was noted as 'High Performance with Webers' and delivered to Ford of U.K., as a press car. It was featured on the 'This car you have to be measured for' Ford GT sales brochure and in the December 15, 1966 Motoring News. It was displayed at the Paris Auto Show in October of 1966.

This road car has been used first as a "Press car" by Ford UK . It was seen in the magazine Motoring news of Dec. 1966. originally in Gold it stayed that way until the early 80s. Resprayed for a while in Gulf color it returned soon to an almost identical gold. 1051 was raced in historical events now equipped with Hallibrand wheels instead of its original Borrani wire wheels. In 1993, after a crash, 1051 was rebuilt by Racing Icons to full Gulf specifications, using some parts from 1008 which went to be restored to its 1965 specs. The only difference being painted in the original Gulf dark blue instead of the iconic light one. The car can be seen regularly in vintage car races.

The current owner, Chris MacAllister purchased the car in May of 1983. (Chris owns the Caterpiller distribution rights for the entire state of Indiana. If you want to buy a tractor or piece of heavy construction equipment in that state, you have to buy it from him. But as I mentioned he is very humble and friendly. )
A complete restoration/metamorphosis by Racing Icons was performed in 1993, to MKI Gulf specs, with the car being fitted with vented rotors, roll cage, roof vent, and wide rear bodywork from P/1008. It is finished in dark blue Marigold Gulf team colors and it continues to be actively vintage raced.

More on this car at this site.
http://motormavens.com/ford-gt40-chassis-1051/

44532
(Ken Hyndman photo )

Sometimes things don't quite according to plan.

https://youtu.be/iN-J4Jydnkc
Note the wonderful Gurney / Weslake engine sound.

(Ken H )

[Terry S]

This vehicle was built by Bill Janowski in 1957 from a 1939 Ford chassis and a Chevy V-8 engine.
It is called the "Monsterati" and it still goes well, now driven by David Swig.
More details can be found at this site.
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13755/Monsterati-Special.aspx

44436

44437

( Ken Hyndman photos )

Cheers,
Ken H

Ken there is a great 8 page article on the Monsterati in the current July issue of Vintage Racecar magazine.

Fascinating reading.

[khyndart in CA]

Thanks Terry,
I was snapping away at cars I knew very little about at Sonoma and it has been fun to research and present their history.
I will have to read that magazine.
Cheers,
Ken

[John McKechnie]

Ken- Since you a mini Cooper man, this is just for you-

http://www.driven.co.nz/reviews/classic-cars/little-mini-with-a-curious-history-set-to-fetch-140-000/

[seaqnmac27]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94qndagH3yo

[seaqnmac27]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJSDRacEbUg

[khyndart in CA]

Sonoma. June 2017.
John Miller driving back to the pits in his 1956 Devin Triumph # 189.
44572
(Ken Hyndman photo )
I did not know much of the Devin specials until I read about them at this interesting site. This may explain the Ferrari type sticker on the car at Sonoma.
Bill Devin "The Enzo Ferrari of the Okie Flats"
Devin Enterprises Inc. was operated in El Monte, California in the 50's and 60's . Bill Devin built a car that had the style, sophistication, and performance of a Ferrari but sold for less. The prancing horse demanded a high price due to its pedigree; Devin decided to exploit the market and offer a nearly identical vehicle at an affordable price. The Devins's raced successfully against Ferrari's, Lister's, and Maserati's. The 1956 SCCA National Champion was a Devin. Devins ran in 136 SCCA races between 1955 and 1963, winning First 32, second 8, third 3. On top of that, Bill also invented of the "Belt Driven" OHC.

Some good reading and photos here about Devins.
http://www.devinspecial.com/


(Ken Hyndman )