Monterey Historics, Steve Earle Retiring?

[jameshtaylor]

I'm told that some Monterey participants have heard that Steve Earle, who has run the Monterey Historics since day one, is retiring. The 09 event is unaffected but people are unsure of the future. Anyone have any real information?

[Homemade 911]

Steve has announced to his HMSA team that 2009 is the last year for General Racing (Historics, Coronado, etc) The HMSA people are on board to work the Coronado event this year and - I'm going to assume - the years to follow.

I have no idea (yet) who, or what group, will step in to replace Steve and General Racing @ Monterey...I imagine I will find out well before Monterey Week passes... One thing is certain - the event is far too big to simply go away just because Earle has checked out...He, and his family & group, worked extremely hard to get the Historics to where it is today. I would find it tough to believe that a successor (heir to the throne?) would not be in place before too long - if not already.

I'm taking a '64 Corvette up there, entered for Dick Guldstrand to drive. This should be an interesting year/event to say the least.

Cheers
R/Thom

[Nine17]

What's up with the 2003 GT3RS 3.6 accepted in "Group 7B 1973 – 1980 IMSA GT, GTX, AAGT Cars"??? Maybe a new sanction wouldn't be a bad thing...

[TRE Cup]

That is Kevin Buckler in his car that won Daytona overall ! so it is a very significant if somewhat NOT vintage classic.

some rumours that i have heard
Porsche is NOT bringing much to the event. Looks like local collectors/ owners will be tapped on to bring their cars instead. Their economic situation? Hard to understand given what they just spent on a very cool commercial for the Panamera

To be sure, there will be some significant cars, but it won't be like the last time Porsche was center stage , with that huge custom pavilion and what seemed like half the museum's race cars

The imsa group will be very exciting. Was there ever that many 956/962 racing in one place?

Cris Van de Griff (head of HMSA) will be in charge of Coronado and other events this year. I suspect he will be working with Ned Spieker (Laguna Seca Racing) to continue with vintage events for the future.

We live in interesting times

[johns4949]

It should be a much better event in the future

[Mr9146]

That is Kevin Buckler in his car that won Daytona overall ! so it is a very significant if somewhat NOT vintage classic.

some rumours that i have heard
Porsche is NOT bringing much to the event. Looks like local collectors/ owners will be tapped on to bring their cars instead. Their economic situation? Hard to understand given what they just spent on a very cool commercial for the Panamera

To be sure, there will be some significant cars, but it won't be like the last time Porsche was center stage , with that huge custom pavilion and what seemed like half the museum's race cars

The imsa group will be very exciting. Was there ever that many 956/962 racing in one place?

Cris Van de Griff (head of HMSA) will be in charge of Coronado and other events this year. I suspect he will be working with Ned Spieker (Laguna Seca Racing) to continue with vintage events for the future.

We live in interesting times

I think Porsche isn't going to be bringing a bunch of cars (like was done in 1998) because, well, now they have a place to keep them all ... a brand new museum. Back in 1998 the majority of the factory collection was in mothballs so it made sense to unbag 'em and give 'em some exercise, particularly at a 50th anniversary celebration in the biggest world market.

That said, I think Monterey is shaping up to be a Rennsport Reunion III 1/2. See ya there.

[John Straub]

I think it's going to be a great event!

John

[JohnT]

Subject: HMSA notification
From: hmsa@hmsausa.com
Date: Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:37:57 -0700
To: cris@hmsausa.com

Dear HMSA Member,

I received a letter from Steve Earle this past Friday, July 3rd, informing me that, effective immediately, my services on behalf of General Racing would no longer be required because General Racing will not be organizing the Coronado Speed Festival or the Monterey Historic Automobile Races after 2009.

While this is unfortunate, it will allow me more time to concentrate on making the Coronado Speed Festival the best event possible.I hope all of you who are participating in the Monterey Historics have a great time and wish Steve the best of luck.

I look forward to seeing you all in the future.


Best Regards,

Cris Vandagriff

[johns4949]

Has anyone seen or heard of the schedule for the Pre-Historice on 8/8 -8/9 for this year ?

[Bill Simmeth]

It's been announced that Earle and General Racing will stay on another year...

Link to AutoWeek article