The Ferrari Challenge event at Infineon Raceway will be held May 1 thru 3. Photo by C. McNeil
It only took a few unexpected days of spring-like weather in January to start dreaming of sun-filled weekends and fun things to do once the weather turns warm again.
If you’re like me, maybe one of your New Year’s resolutions is to take better advantage of this incredible area and some of the exciting events that take place right in our own backyard. My favorite weekend activity is usually one that combines two of my passions: beautiful cars and beautiful scenery. What could be better than that?
There are literally hundreds of events scheduled in Northern California during the spring and summer, and choosing which to attend can be difficult. Here are some of the events I have highlighted on my calendar, and ones that I regularly recommend to friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a romantic afternoon, a fun weekend with the family or a relaxing stroll, they’re almost sure to fit the bill.
Pacific Coast Dream Machines (April 26)
Set against the backdrop of beautiful Half Moon Bay, this show truly has it all with 2,000 magnificent driving, flying and working machines from the 20th and 21st centuries. The world’s coolest cars of every era and style, Model T fire engines, vintage busses, custom motorcycles, tricked-out trucks, sleek streamliners, one-of-a-kind antique engines and tractors and historic military aircraft will be among the displays. To top it off, the world’s most powerful air-raid siren will signal the start of this year’s 19th annual show, taking place on Sunday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Half Moon Bay Airport. Best of all, proceeds from the show benefit the Coastside Adult Day Health Center in Half Moon Bay. For more information, be sure to visit www.miramarevents.com/dreammachines.
Ferrari Challenge (May 1-3)
If you have a passion for fast, beautiful cars, there is no better chance to see them than at the Ferrari Challenge event at Infineon Raceway. This series returns to the Sonoma Valley in May with racing action in the F430 Challenge and the Ferrari Historic Challenge divisions. The F430 Challenge allows Ferrari customers to race behind the wheel of Ferrari’s F430, while the Historic Challenge features historic racing machines. In all, more than 100 priceless cars will grace the road course, including vintage machines from Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa-Romeo in the Ferrari Historic Challenge. Spectators will also enjoy an open paddock for an up-close look at these beautiful cars. For more information, visit www.ferrarichallenge.com.
Wine Country Classic Historic Car Races (May 30-31)
The annual Wine Country Classic Historic Car Races at Infineon Raceway combine the ultimate in racing machines and the bounty of the Sonoma Valley wine country. The weekend features 250 historic racecars competing on the 2.52-mile, 12-turn road course, and on display in the open paddock area. This year’s event will also be highlighted by a celebration for the 100th anniversary of the Morgan. In addition, the event also features the Wine Country Pavilion, with sumptuous food and wine samplings from Sonoma and Napa valley purveyors, as well as question-and-answer sessions with competitors and a champagne celebration in the Wine Country Winner’s Circle. Learn more at www.infineonraceway.com.
Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races (Aug. 14-16)
For those who enjoy the beautiful Central Coast and viewing some of the most rare and expensive cars ever made, the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races are the perfect fit. Held each year on the Monterey Peninsula, this event combines two days of on-track action at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with a huge selection of events. Away from the track, you can enjoy the Pebble Beach Concourse and the Concourso Italiano, as well as exclusive car auctions to get your fill of fun. For more information, check out www.montereyhistoric.com.
