Coronado Speed Festival

Consisted of two days of vintage car racing (1912-1972) and a huge car show of classic, exotic and vintage racers. Chrysler supplied the pace cars as well as free and fast rides in SRT Vipers, Crossfires and Cherokees. These Chryslers were absolutely incredible! There were also many other vendors. At a cost of $40 for two days, it was a great value. A special thanks goes the Coronado Naval base who went all out to supply the facilities for this event. They also provided interesting military displays. The vintage racers did practice laps in the morning and races started each afternoon at 12:30. The vintage cars were divided into 9 heats and raced 20 minutes each heat. The action was fast and furious!! Saving the best for last, was my favorite, heat # 9 featuring Trans-Am cars. The rules are: 5 liters (305 cid) and 4 passenger. Trans-Am racing in 1968-1972 became one of the most competitive automotive racing events in the USA. Trans-Am cars were not "hampered" like those of NASCAR. This allowed for major factory involvement. American car companies dug right in and aided in building some very fast cars. The cars: BOSS Mustangs, Z-28 Camaros, Challengers, 'Cudas, AMC Javelines and of course the Pontiac T/A. The drivers: Roger Penske, Roger Ward, Sam Posey, Mark Donohue, Parnelli Jones, Dan Gurney, Swede Savage, Peter Revson, George Follmer, Mario Andretti and too many others to mention. Great racing "pony" cars with a great American V-8 sound. Check out these fabulous genuine race cars!! After the T/A car pictures, are lap by lap pictures of the final race, from the pace lap to the checkered flag. Number 70 BOSS Mustang took 'em both days.

 

To the pictures NEXT