Yesterday I went to the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, CA for the first time. All I can say is "WOW". The galleries are set up like a modern art museum, with polished granite floors, no windows or background lighting, just strategically placed spotlights for each car. It creates quite the environment for viewing the impressive collection of European sportscars, American … [Read more...] about BLACKHAWK MUSEUM
VARA Race School
I spent this past weekend at Buttonwillow Raceway instructing with VARA-U, VARA's annual driving school. It was about a 70/30 split between street cars and race cars, with some students getting ready to earn their race license, while others were just there for some track instruction. Students age ranged from teenagers to others well into retirement, and cars ranged from a Honda … [Read more...] about VARA Race School
WINTER DOLDRUMS
Sailors may get the summer doldrums, but racers get the winter doldrums. What to do when the tracks shut down for a couple months? Well other than getting re-acquainted with your friends and family, and catching up on all your household chores, racers can get around to fixing all those little issues with their cars. This winter I'm enjoying a heated garage for the first time … [Read more...] about WINTER DOLDRUMS
FANTASY JUNCTION VISIT
Today I made my annual visit to Fantasy Junction in Emeryville, CA. This "used car" showroom houses one of the greatest collections of consignments open to the public. The very plain looking brick warehouse in a East-Bay industrial neighborhood belies the dozens of jewels that await within. The family business owners are very pleasant to visit with, and they will allow you to … [Read more...] about FANTASY JUNCTION VISIT
VARA-U 2012
The Vintage Automobile Racing Association has announced the schedule for it's annual High Performance Driving School called VARA-U. It is held at the beginning of every race season as an opportunity to either get your provisional vintage racing license or enjoy a weekend of track-based instruction. Some drivers come every year for a fun and affordable weekend, and some come for … [Read more...] about VARA-U 2012
VARA BIG BORE BASH 2011
This weekend was VARA's 2011 season finale, the Big Bore Bash held at Willow Springs Int'l Raceway. Most vintage race weekends have a theme event, and this wknd the thundering V8s got the spotlight. Turnout was excellent, the weather remained raceable (cold, damp, and windy), and Saturday night's spagheti dinner was a hit. The Shelby Club joined us for hot-lap sessions both … [Read more...] about VARA BIG BORE BASH 2011