Calling all Classic and Indy car racing fans

It’s that time of year again, and I’ll be moved and settled in just in time for my two favorite auto races. First, I’ll do one day, Saturday, August 15th, at Laguna Seca at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Second, I’ll do all three days, Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30, at the Go Pro Grand Prix of Sonoma, which will be the last and deciding race for this year’s Verizon INDYCAR series championship. GO, HELIO!

And here’s the exciting part for YOU! I would love to find a race car fan to go with me. Friends and relatives are eligible. Even new friends if you’re the companionable sort. A single ticket (pre-purchased) for Laguna Seca is $80 and you have to be a very early bird willing to drive down at the crack of dawn the morning of the race to get parking. I already have purchased two 3-day tickets for Sonoma and price depends on which day(s) you chose to attend and how close a friend you are (hint, hint!). Friday is practice, Saturday qualifying, and Sunday the race itself. Very exciting track–I’ve done three amazing and very scary charity laps on this track on two different occasions.

Here are some photos and videos from prior years to whet your appetite.

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Pit passes enable you to go on the track just before the start.

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My “date” last year!

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Not quite the real thing

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Explore the paddock at Laguna Seca

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Name this VERY famous driver!

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With my favorite driver. Go Helio!

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The vintage cars on the track.

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Helio’s pit at Sonoma

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Off to the races!

This is my favorite time of year. I will be attending the final day of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion historic car races at Laguna Seca on Sunday, August 17th. I’ve talked two of my BBFs into getting up at the crack of dawn and driving down to catch the first race at 8 am.

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Helio in pre-race introductions in 2011

 

 

 

And then on August 24th, I will head north to Sonoma raceway to cheer on my favorite Indy driver, Helio Castroneves, as he tries to get back his lead in the 2014 Indy Championship in the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma. He was robbed in Ohio, done in by faulty electronics).

It’s all fun. From watching them polish the rims on pit row

To listening to the interviews at the finish…even when Helio came in 3rd in 2012.

Or the bittersweet moment when Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti shared a moment of commiseration back before the terrible accident that ended Dario’s racing days this past year.

 

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A snapshot with Helio’s Number 3 in 2012.

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Mid-race in 2012.

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Helio with his lovely girlfriend and daughter pre-race 2012