European Specialty

If you are a car enthusiast this event is a must do. Don't just go for the three days of racing or you will most certainly be missing out on perhaps a once in a life time experience. If you want to take this in, book early because everything is usually sold out by the end of January. You can book tickets online at http://www.mazdaraceway.com/pages/Tickets

For this year's event I decided to drive down in my Porsche Spyder. We left Sunday morning and drove to Grants Pass, turned right and headed for the coast and one of the world's best drives down Hwy 101. In no time we were rolling through San Francisco on our way to Monterey and our final destination at our reserved campsite at the track.

Tuesday morning we left our campsite and leisurely drove over to the 'Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours on the Avenue'. There is only one paid parking lot in downtown Carmel, so arrive early (no later than 9:30) or suffer the consequences. Wandering the beautiful streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea, up close and personal with the almost 200 classics on display, is almost overwhelming.

Wednesday morning we headed over to 'Automobilia Monterey' at the Embassy Suites Monterey Bay in Seaside for an International Expo of genuine parts and articles (posters, programs, photos, books, art and all things for the automotive enthusiast)

On Wednesday afternoon take in the Gooding and Company Pebble Beach and RM Sport and Classic auction previews. In both places you will view scores of vehicles that dreams are made of.

Thursday morning we made our way to downtown Carmel where the Pebble Beach Concours cars are placed on display on the Avenue after a 17 mile drive for which the entrants gain much needed bonus points in this highly competitive event. It really is a treat to be so close to these beautifully maintained and rare classics.

Thursday afternoon you must make your way to the kick-off party at the Baja Cantina Grill and Filling Station, 7166 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel. If you arrive late (after 3:00) you will have trouble finding parking within a comfortable walk. Sit back with some Mexican food and a cool beverage to watch everything from hot rods to exotics and little seen classics parade before your very eyes. Good food, friendly people and an evening to remember.

Friday morning we watched a little of the Monterey Historic practice then headed for the Concorso Italiano at the Laguna Seca Golf Ranch to gaze at all things Italian. The Italians really do produce cars with great style.

Saturday we watched practice and a spirited qualifying session for Sunday's race. You will be amazed at the amount of preparation that these owners have put into their cars. It takes a unique character to invest endless hours and endless dollars into a project only to hurdle around the track with like-minded enthusiasts.

Sunday was race day. Even though 'hampered' by gentlemen's rules, the racing was surprisingly close and entertaining to say the least. If you can catch any of it on Speed Vision you will see what I mean.

All in all it is a fantastic way to spend a week or so driving from event to event over undulating roads running through the some of the most beautiful countryside imaginable. There are far too many events to see everything, so I suggest you plan well, plan early and have a most wonderful time.