CSRG Season opener - Sonoma / April '15

[John Z Goriup]

Last weekend really was special, since not only was it time for the first Canepa C & C of the season on Saturday, but the best vintage racing club anywhere, the Classic Sports Racing Group - CSRG for short - held its season opener at Sonoma Raceway, the venerable 2.52 mile, 12-turn Sears Point track, opened for its first event on December 1, 1968. Forgive the delay in posting this, but personal business got in the way of my processing these photos more promptly.

Automotively speaking, at my age I can't think of a lot of better ways to spend a perfect spring day than wandering the grounds, looking at the cars, many the same as those I have owned, sold, and in many cases pretty much forgotten about, or lusted after long after they went out of production. One of the chief reasons the CSRG meetings are such a treat is that I know many of the members, many are are similar in age, and our passionate ideals of the perfect sports / racing cars to satisfy this hobby seem to have a lot in common. My friendship with the late John Thornton, who contributed so much to the CSRG, had a lot to do with hugely reviving my personal interest in all aspects of vintage racing, while rigorously respecting and maintaining the cars' authenticity, gentlemanly conduct on the track and abiding by the rules the club sets for itself.

My intension was to drive up from Scotts Vally after the Canepa morning get-together but I couldn't make it on Saturday. I was however fortunate enough to spend a major portion of Sunday at the track and genuinely enjoyed my time there. As always, great cars, lots of friends, and for once I made a concerted effort to devote my full attention to the photography aspect, going back to the basics since I'm afraid my work has been getting a little sloppy of late, to get the most out of every shot and practicing with what amounts to an entirely new digital full-frame 35mm system in preparation for the Monterey Motorsports Reunion in August at Laguna Seca and the fifth Rennsport Reunion at the same venue in September.

I think it's going to be one Hell of a summer !!.

A random selection of images follows, both, to show cars and details I found particularly interesting, noteworthy, weird….. or just simply charming, as well as photos unabashedly intended to capture the ambiance and the spirit of the weekend.

Enjoy, and if I can answer any specific questions , please let me know.

Thanks for looking,

JZG

[John Z Goriup]

…….next set.

[John Z Goriup]

Can't think of many things better than a crisp. cool morning in the country, the silence before the races begin, fresh cappuccino in hand, the warm light of the rising sun………….Heaven.

[John Z Goriup]

Some of the more or less 'weird' things I mentioned above, a Series II Sonnett w/ Ford Taunus V4 cantilevered way out ahead of the wheel centerline, a TVR, a Marcos - complete with plywood chassis, and Vasek Polak's old Ford truck which the owner picked up at an auction - he still has the original doors with the correct decals hanging in his garage ………... all part of the passion for vintage racing.

[John Z Goriup]

…….and continuing the pit walk.

[John Z Goriup]

Another set, with images #1, 2 and #4 of a homemade 'Special', built entirely by its owner / creator for the '58 season in Canada during the cold winters. 1100 4cyl. mototr, light, fast - and raced continuously every year since - currently with only the second owner.

[John Z Goriup]

Another set.

[John Z Goriup]

Porsche is always well represented at any CSRG meeting. Many of the owners are also Early 911S Registry and R Gruppe members.

[John Z Goriup]

…..and more Porsches. The cut-off date for acceptable cars into the CSRG is the '67 model year, hence you only see a few of the earliest 911s and lots of 356s.

[John Z Goriup]

……and still more Porsches.