Sonoma Historic Festival. June 2018

[khyndart in CA]

I managed to get away to Sonoma for 2 days and put some photos together.
Putting names and descriptions to each one takes time and I am tired so please excuse how this turns out.

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( Note $ 60.00 is for all 3 days including entry and parking behind the pits and turn 11
..that is even within MY budget !)





Ken Hyndman

[khyndart in CA]

Historic Trans Am 1966-1972
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(Ken H photos )

[Bruce302]

So nice to see the photos, the cars look great. Thanks Ken,

[Spgeti]

Love “The Grey Ghost”

[khyndart in CA]

Bruce,
I did not get any Alfa Romeo photos but I will input these Grey Ghost pix for you.
1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO. # 49 driven by John Hildebrand.
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Some more of the "Grey Ghost"
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(KH photos)

[khyndart in CA]

More of the Historic Trans Am cars.

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Bill Ockerlund in the beautifully prepared ex Penske / Donohue 1969 Penske Camaro Z/28. # 6

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(Ken H photos )

[Bruce302]

Thanks Ken, so good to see he Gray Ghost back on the track. and haven't the guys at Impeccable Inc done an amazing job on the '69 Penske Camaro, the vinyl roof cover really makes it stand out. That car is just dripping gloss.

[khyndart in CA]

June 2nd 2018.
It is 48 years to the day that Bruce McLaren died at Goodwood testing a Can Am M8D.
This photo is of Bruce just a few days earlier testing the # 5 car to be driven by Denny Hulme.
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This is an eerily similar scene that I took of Chris McAllister in his 1971 McLaren M8F # 5 on June 2. 2018 at Sonoma Raceway.
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(Ken H photo.. )

[Paul B]

Such a shame Re Bruce McLaren, If only he would have rested after his long plane trip and not gone straight out on the track. Things might have been very different.
I love the silver ghost GTO, brings back memories of a Pontiac Lemans GTO back in the day, 383 triple 2s and 4 speed and man did it go!

[khyndart in CA]

Paul,
I met Mike Eddy who races this 1964 Ford Falcon. A super nice guy who was most impressed with the photos I showed him of your workmanship. He said if you needed anything or had any questions he would be only too happy to help you and gave his email if you are interested I can PM it to you.
Here are some pics of Mike and his car. # 17
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(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Chad Raynal is another super nice guy and a very good driver in his 1969 Z/28 Camaro # 64.
Although he could only qualify about 4th on the Saturday he was pleased and said he hoped new tires would take him to the front in the main 10 lap race on Sunday. Although I missed it Chad did win and it could not have been more popular as Chad helps everyone he can including being a mentor to a young driver Karman Cusack in Mustang # 22 and Chad will take time in practice to show him the best racing lines etc. That is when Chad is not polishing someone else's car or checking other tire pressures etc. etc.
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Chad Raynal's business office.

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Chad at the office and ready to go.

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(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Chad Raynal on the track.
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Showing Karman Cusack the way around Sonoma at Turn 2

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(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Some of the other Trans Am cars at Sonoma.
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Richard Goldsmith in his 1970 Dodge Challenger # 77

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Jim Hague in his 1971 Ford Boss 302 Mustang # 16

[Kiwiboss]

Awesome pictures Ken, both Chad and Mike Eddy are great people and have helped me in the past and infact one year Chad came down under for one of the Hampton Downs Festivals courtesy of Bruce Thompson in which I took him for a skid around the track. I've been twisting Mike Eddys arm to come down as well...……….….. Im also looking to sell up and buy a TA car to leave and race in the USA myself as I really luv this class and the culture, and there on and off track ethics suits me. Dale M

[khyndart in CA]

Thanks Dale, I will come to watch you over here. They really are good bunch to be around.

Richard Goldsmith's son Daniel Goldsmith in his 1968 Camaro # 92.
That must be awesome to do historic racing and have your son join in.
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Ken Adams in his very competitive 1969 Boss 302 Mustang # 45
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Don Dimitriadis in the ex Dan Gurney 1969 Boss 302 Mustang # 2
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Craig Conley in his 1970 Boss 302 Mustang # 25
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Brian Ferrin in his 1970 Camaro # 77
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(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

A favorite for both Bruce Thompson and me is Robert Kauffman's 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am # 8. As first prepared by the late Jerry Titus.
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(Ken H photos )

[Allan]

Kiwiboss, how far away from their regs is your car or is their class one where the car must have competition history?

[Roger Dowding]

Thanks Ken, so good to see he Gray Ghost back on the track. and haven't the guys at Impeccable Inc done an amazing job on the '69 Penske Camaro, the vinyl roof cover really makes it stand out. That car is just dripping gloss.

Bruce302 Ken H and others, loving the pictures, didn't realise the Penske Camaro ran a vinyl roof, or is this just on the restoration car ??.
My 1;43 scale version #6 is all Penske Blue !! That and the "Grey Ghost " look amazing, thanks " Kiwitahi Ken " .. :cool:
cheers Roger D .. :confused:

[Roger Dowding]

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( Note $ 60.00 is for all 3 days including entry and parking behind the pits and turn 11
..that is even within MY budget !)

Ken H,that is good value ; cost me NZ$40 for one day at Hampton Downs and that was a guest price as was with John B in his apartment. ... and didn't even get a decent ticket, just a wristband..:cool:

[Kiwiboss]

Kiwiboss, how far away from their regs is your car or is their class one where the car must have competition history?

They must be the original cars from the Trans Am/A-Sedan era with(I believe) 3 actual Trans Am races under their belt or a vehicle with significant non-TA History(such as the Yunick 69 Boss) but remember, many original A-Sedan cars back in the day also never did any TA races hence they also don't comply.

My Boss302 is outside this criteria although back in 2010 they did allowed me to start from the rear at SAAC 35 Somona which was really an unofficial Historic Trans Am race...…..it was a bunch of FUN and they made me feel quite welcome. Dale M

[Spgeti]

Awesome pictures Ken, both Chad and Mike Eddy are great people and have helped me in the past and infact one year Chad came down under for one of the Hampton Downs Festivals courtesy of Bruce Thompson in which I took him for a skid around the track. I've been twisting Mike Eddys arm to come down as well...……….….. Im also looking to sell up and buy a TA car to leave and race in the USA myself as I really luv this class and the culture, and there on and off track ethics suits me. Dale M

Are you stirring again ?

[Roger Dowding]

Saw this post from Mike Ryan at Sonoma, Ken did you see him ??.

saw a couple of these in 1982 at Laguna Seca the Historics - the Parkinson Jaguar and the Baldwin Special, have heard of the " Pooper " - Porsche - Cooper, unsure if I have ever seen it.

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[Kiwiboss]

Are you stirring again ?

No not at all Bruce, im 60 the end of next year so its time to move onto other adventures...………….I have my trailer and truck for sale and once cashed up I see where it goes...……...Historic Trans Am is really my kind of FUN competition were its all about the cars and I like that, plus I know most in that group and enjoy their way of thinking, and its a great show. Dale M

[Bruce302]

Bruce302 Ken H and others, loving the pictures, didn't realise the Penske Camaro ran a vinyl roof, or is this just on the restoration car ??.
My 1;43 scale version #6 is all Penske Blue !! That and the "Grey Ghost " look amazing, thanks " Kiwitahi Ken " .. :cool:
cheers Roger D .. :confused:

Roger, Penske did run his car with the vinyl roof cover, initially, it helped disguise the fact that the car had been in the acid dip bath a bit too long. It was protested and while he was allowed to run at one race it had to be removed for the rest of the season.

[Bruce302]

Thanks again Ken, stellar work.

[khyndart in CA]

I always enjoy the early Group 1 pre 1941 car at Sonoma.
Here are some and even though it was a bright setting sun I hope you get a view but they are not up to Nigel's standards I am afraid.
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Logan Calkins in his 1935 Austin Seven Nippy.

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Nathanael Greene in his 1925 Bugatti T 35 being chased by Max Jamiesson in his 1935 Ford Sprint Car.

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Another view of the 1935 Ford Sprint car.

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Richard Morrison in his 1939 Lagonda V-12 LeMans replica # 12.

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A beautiful machine from any angle.

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(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

More Group 1 cars.
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Greg Powell in his 1935 Riley-Ford Champ car # 16

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Charles McCabe in his 1936 ERA R6B # 6

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Charles Shalvoy in his 1926 Bugatti T-39A # 39

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John Kerr in his 1932 Miller-Scofield / Ford Champ car.
It might be hard to bleed the brakes on this car !

(Ken H photos )

[Spgeti]

I just love the old stuff Ken.

[Roger Dowding]

Roger, Penske did run his car with the vinyl roof cover, initially, it helped disguise the fact that the car had been in the acid dip bath a bit too long. It was protested and while he was allowed to run at one race it had to be removed for the rest of the season.

Thanks for the info, so my 1;43 is accurate .. Also have a Penske Donohue set of three Lola T70's from Can - Am

[Roger Dowding]

Ken H, nuttin' wrong with your photo's and the subject are varied and great, thanks " Kiwitahi Boy "

[khyndart in CA]

The Pre-1920s racing cars are always fun to watch and their paddock area is awesome and their members such as Ed Archer are very friendly to have a chat with.
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Charles Test driving his 1911 National # 19

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(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Another competitor in this group was Chris MacAllister. I have to admit I admire his commitment to Historic racing as he has beautifully prepared machinery and they are very authentic.
Chris drove the 1911 Mercer # 36. The ex Denny Hulme 1971 McLaren M8F Can-Am car # 5 plus a 1955 Jaguar D-Type # 7.
While his son Alex competed in a 1966 Ford GT 40 # 5 and a 1977 Ralt 1 # 27.
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Chris MacAllister preparing his 1911 Mercer before heading to the track.

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Looking across the MacAllister paddock collection.

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1955 D-Type Jaguar # 5

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Another of my favorites, a genuine 1966 Ford GT 40 # 5

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Chris heading to the start in his McLaren M8F # 5



( Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Sometimes a car will show up that brings back memories such as this;
1961 BRM 57 with the 1.5 litre V-8 engine # 16 driven by Charles McCabe.

My memory is of trying to draw these in the back of my Arithmetic book and then talking about races to my teacher who was a big fan at the time at Kiwitahi Primary.

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(Ken H photos )

[Steve Holmes]

Outstanding photo Ken! Keep 'em coming.

[khyndart in CA]

Some of these Group 5 Grand National and Historic Stock cars may have handled better at Daytona instead of Sonoma but it was still exciting to see them out on the track, some still appeared in their original condition.
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The # 41 1972 Ford Gran Torino is driven by Jim Hague who also drives the # 16 Ford Boss 302 Mustang in the Historic Trans Am series.
# 96 is a 1972 Dodge Charger and # 98 is a 1969 Ford Talladega.

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Or the mighty Doug Schultz 1969 Dodge Daytona # 7

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(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

It is always good to see a former Dale Earnhardt car on the track.
Michael Parsons driving 1994 Chevrolet Lumina and of course # 3
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Mark Mountanos in his 1971 Pontiac Firebird # 36

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(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Linda Mountanos driving a 1966 Chevelle # 29
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Lance Smith driving his 1968 Chevelle. # 53
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(note the colours from one side to the other )

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Steve Beck driving a 1995 Ford Thunderbird # 6

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(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Group 3 was for 1955-1965 Production and GT Cars.
It was a crowded field led away on the first lap by Edward Lamantia in his 1964 MGB # 28
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There were some interesting entries here including the 1958 Turner 930S # 718 driven by Daniel Schwartz

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The winning car in this Saturday race was a 1961 Mini # 61 after a fine drive by Mini Mania owner , Don Racine.

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(Ken H photos )

[Bruce302]

Admit it Ken, those Group 3 cars are what get your heart racing :) That mustard Mini must be quick and well driven.

[khyndart in CA]

It was fun to watch the Group 12 and Group 13 cars on the track together. 1970-1979 IMSA GT and 1982-1991 IMSA GTO Trans-Am cars.
One of the fastest on Saturday was Bill Ockerlund in his ex Scott Sharp 1991 Camarro # 33.
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Ken Davis in his 1985 Roush Mercury Capri # 8
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(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Mr. Davis tried to save some time by cutting across Turn 2 but it did not seem to help !
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Jeff Abramson in the Peerless Racing 1970 Camaro # 56.
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(You may have guessed it but I like this car !)


(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Some more Group 13.
Chris Liebenberg went pretty quick in his "Whistler" 1991 Ford Mustang # 15
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(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Steve Walker always has his 1973 BMW CSL # 1 looking immaculate.

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As does Thor Johnson in his 1974 BMW Schnitzer 2800CSL # 103
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(Ken H photos )

[George Sheweiry]

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Some more Group 13.
Chris Liebenberg went pretty quick in his "Whistler" 1991 Ford Mustang # 15
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(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

George,
This is Walter Brown in his 1987 Camaro # 28 leading Bob Briggs in his 1988 Camaro # 60

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(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

A bit of Porsche.
Stephen Thein in his 1967 Porsche 910 # 28
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Ranson Webster in his 1976 Porsche 935 K3 # 42
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(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Time for some Can-Am. Group 11. 1966-1974 and 1971-1979 FIA cars.
It was a small field but still marvelous to see these machines in action. I never tire of this !.
Robert Kauffman in his 1972 McLaren M8 FP # 55.
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(Ken H photos )

[Paul B]

Very nicely prepared McLaren Ken, the panel fit and body work looks fantastic too. They are such a sight to see (and hear!).
I agree, I never tire of looking at these too.
Great shots!

[khyndart in CA]

Paul,
I was wandering across the parking lot in my Moss T shirt and came across Al Unser Sr. sitting in a golf cart waiting for a friend.
We had a brief chat about the first Long Beach Grand Prix in 1975 etc. and then we went on our way.
It was a thrill to chat with a true legend.

With My pal, Al. ( Note no one else around.)
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(Ken H photo )

[George Sheweiry]

George,
This is Walter Brown in his 1987 Camaro # 28 leading Bob Briggs in his 1988 Camaro # 60

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(Ken H photos )

Unfortunately there were only 3 Trans am cars running but it was neat to see Greg Picket win the race in his beautiful Mustang. Shame I didn't know you were there would have liked to caught up with you

[khyndart in CA]

George,
I am sorry we did not meet, I was only there on the Friday afternoon and all day Saturday.
Yes that Greg Pickett Trans Am Mustang # 6 was certainly a lean, mean machine in the Trans Am West Coast Championship Series.
I think one of the best looking racing Mustangs since about 1970.
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(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Back to some Can Am.
Chris MacAllister drives the 1971 McLaren M8F that Denny Hulme drove in the 1971 Can Am Series. # 5
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Here Chris leads the 2002 IRL Target car that Scott Dixon drove in 2002 now driven by Tom Dooley.


(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

There were not many single seaters at Sonoma but I did manage to capture a few.
This 1969 Eagle Mark 5 F 5000 may be remembered by some of you as it was driven by Bill Simpson in the 1970 Tasman Series.
Johnnie Crean owner / driver of Eagle # 35.
It is said that a Kiwi working for Dan Gurney built this beautiful exhaust system in 1969.

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(Ken H photos )

[Steve Holmes]

There were not many single seaters at Sonoma but I did to capture a few.
This 1969 Eagle Mark 5 F 5000 may be remembered by some of you as it was driven by Bill Simpson in the 1970 Tasman Series.
Johnnie Crean owner / driver of Eagle # 35.
It is said that a Kiwi working for Dan Gurney built this beautiful exhaust system in 1969.

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(Ken H photos )

Very neat Ken, here is the car when it raced in New Zealand. I think Mike Feisst took this photo.

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[Steve Holmes]

Time for some Can-Am. Group 11. 1966-1974 and 1971-1979 FIA cars.
It was a small field but still marvelous to see these machines in action. I never tire of this !.
Robert Kauffman in his 1972 McLaren M8 FP # 55.
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(Ken H photos )

I'm pretty sure this is the car owned and raced in period by Roger McCaig. Here it is at Riverside when Chuck Parsons drove it. Photo by Dean Lester.

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[khyndart in CA]

Thanks Steve for the interesting inputs.
Another McLaren M8F at Sonoma was the Commander Motor Homes 1972 # 98 driven by Emmett Murphy.
This site describes what a busy team this was in the early 70s and good luck on following the life of chassis # 72-09 which was the blue M8 ? I saw leaving Trojan's in Oct 1972.

http://www.britishracecar.com/ScottHughes-McLaren-M8F.htm

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Ken H photos.

[khyndart in CA]

Apparently my wife does not discuss much about me with her friend Bobbi who Judy has known since 1979. Judy mentioned that I was going to Sonoma and Bobbi said " I didn't know Ken was interested in motor racing ! " She then mentioned that her brother competed at the Historic events. I asked Judy what is his name ? " Oh somebody named Tom Dooley ".
Geez I have seen Tom race over the years in an immaculate 1988 Porsche 962 # 06. So this time I paid Tom a visit and we had a good chat . He also has the Target 2002 IRL Indy car # 9 that Scott Dixon drove that year.

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(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Tom Dooley and his Target IRL 2002 IRL # 9 car.
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(Ken H photos )

[Paul B]

Paul,
I was wandering across the parking lot in my Moss T shirt and came across Al Unser Sr. sitting in a golf cart waiting for a friend.
We had a brief chat about the first Long Beach Grand Prix in 1975 etc. and then we went on our way.
It was a thrill to chat with a true legend.

With My pal, Al. ( Note no one else around.)
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(Ken H photo )

Gee, Ken.
If I wear my Moss T shirt, do you think I could meet Al Unser Snr too!
Cheers

[khyndart in CA]

Paul,
You will just have to come over here and try it. I 've supplied the Moss shirt now the rest is up to you. :)
Cheers in return.

[khyndart in CA]

Enough of me telling old wives tales and taking too long so I am just going to put in some remaining photos and if any one has a question please ask.
Here is one more of the Capri challenging the Porsche 962 at corner Two !
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1969 McLaren M10B # 21

(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Some more of the Historic Trans Am cars.
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(Ken H photos. )

[khyndart in CA]

Some present day Trans Am cars.
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(Ken H photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Finally it was time to leave Sonoma after another exciting and interesting day in perfect weather.
Some shots taken on the way back to my car parked near Turn Two.
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Then it was time to go off into the sunset and head for the hills.
Thanks for coming along for the ride.
Cheers
Ken H

[John McKechnie]

Ken....Thanks so much for taking us on the trip, wouldnt have seen all this otherwise.

[Roger Dowding]

Finally it was time to leave Sonoma after another exciting and interesting day in perfect weather.
Some shots taken on the way back to my car parked near Turn Two.
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Then it was time to go off into the sunset and head for the hills.
Thanks for coming along for the ride.
Cheers
Ken H

Agree with John Mck .. thanks for taking us along. Never been to Sonoma, not even sure where it is apart from in California, must see Mr Google

[khyndart in CA]

Roger,Paul & John etc,
First thanks for your support and Roger, this map is for you mate.
Go north over the Golden Gate Bridge a few miles / kms and turn right on Hwy 37 to Sears Point / Sonoma

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Cheers,
Ken

p.s. In case you get lost in the States remember that in general, uneven numbered highways go north and south e.g. Hwy 101 and Hwy 5 and even numbered highways go east and west. e.g. Hwy 10 etc.

So when will we meet at Sonoma ?

[Paul B]

You might enjoy this clip of 1967 BOAC 500 Sports Car Race Brands Hatch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov5ZHn7QkFs

[khyndart in CA]

So if you want to see proper photos of the 2018 Sonoma event check this site.
The quality is there but I have the better price !
Plus they probably were using more than a little Nikon Coolpix with no lens ! I would like to see them putting their camera in their pocket and running up and down the stairs at Turn Two chasing their hat as it blew away in the wind like someone I know ! !

https://historicmotorprints.com/collections/2018-svra-sonoma-historic-motorsports-festival?page=7

KJH

[Roger Dowding]

Roger,Paul & John etc,
First thanks for your support and Roger, this map is for you mate.
Go north over the Golden Gate Bridge a few miles / kms and turn right on Hwy 37 to Sears Point / Sonoma

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Cheers,
Ken

p.s. In case you get lost in the States remember that in general, uneven numbered highways go north and south e.g. Hwy 101 and Hwy 5 and even numbered highways go east and west. e.g. Hwy 10 etc.

So when will we meet at Sonoma ?

One Day Mate, I hope !!

Realise that BMCBOY and I went close to Sonoma in 1982, we went across Golden Gate Bridge and North on US 101 hugging the Coast to Mendicino and other places [ Eureka - Arcata ] but think we went through Santa Rosa, so a bit of inland travel at some stage this was after Monterey [ Laguna Seca ] in August 1982

[Michael Clark]

Best of all - it is in wine country.

After Sonoma we spent a great few days up in Napa - a wine tour.

Great part of the world.

[khyndart in CA]

We finally have the opportunity to see some motor racing here in California beginning with two back to back meetings at Sonoma and the following weekend at Laguna Seca. I do hope to get to Laguna Seca on May 1st but things may change.
I am ready to be back at the track !

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I did find some photos taken back in 2018 at Sonoma that have not been entered before.
Better late than never.

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John Goodman in his 1972 Ferrari # 1


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Bill Blake in his 1968 Lola T140


Here is one for our Michael Clark.
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Charles Daniels in his 1973 Crossle 32F # 063


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A 1980 March 802 # 41











(Ken H)

[khyndart in CA]

At Sonoma and Laguna Seca it is so easy to meet the present day drivers of the Historical Trans-Am group.
Do check their site.
http://www.historictransam.com/drivers.html

You might get to see a Camaro that was once driven by Jim Hall.

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Or a 1970 Pontiac Firebird once driven by Jerry Titus.

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Or a 1969 Penske Camaro once driven by Mark Donohue.

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(Ken H photos.2018.)

[Roger Dowding]

Ken H, thanks for more photos from Sonoma including the " Chaparral Camaro ".

" You might get to see a Camaro that was once driven by Jim Hall. "

Have two Camaro's in 1;43 scale ; One the Penske Donohue one the earlier flat fronted car [ Winner of the 1969 Trans-Am series ] - in one of your photos Post #73 - and the other the Jim Hall car from the 1970 SCCA season as in your photo [ also post #73 ] which came 4th overall.

Cheers and enjoy the racing,

Roger