Sonoma Festival Celebrates Historic Love Affair

The show must go on … even if the stars are all wet.

The anticipated storm canceled Saturday's parade of cars around Sonoma's historic Town Square, but it isn't expected to wash out the Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival at Infineon Raceway on Saturday and Sunday. Drivers are, however, doing their best to prepare for the wet weather. That means trying to find the right setup for the steering, brakes and engine.

That could be frustrating for the drivers, but it's also another chance to play with their favorite — and very expensive — toys. Well, these cars aren't really toys. They're more like love affairs.

If these guys just wanted to go fast, they'd have to drive something with a bit more horsepower. Sonoma’s Chris MacAllister averaged 89.509 mph on his way to victory last year.

These drivers aren't in it for the money either. So, why invest so much time and money into this hobby? Because they love the cars.

More than 400 historic racecars are expected to get back on the racetrack at the 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course in Sonoma.

MacAllister is back with his 1971 McLaren to defend his title. MacAllister, who splits his time between Sonoma and Indianapolis, last year passed early-leader Tony Garmey on lap three and won the 12-lap race for 1966-1974 Historic Can-Am Cars.

Among the historic Formula One racecars entered is the 1970 McLaren M14A, the spare Formula One car driven by Bruce McLaren (entered and driven by Scott Drnek of Hayward).

McLaren will be the featured marque this weekend, but it's not the only eye-catching car.The weekend is expected to also spotlight everything from a 1934 Alfa Romeo Tipo B to a 1991 Riley & Scott Trans-Am Camaro. Cars will be on exhibit in the paddock and will compete in a series of "time capsule" historic races each day, among 13 race groups.

Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival

WHAT: Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival

WHEN: June 4-5

CIRCUIT: 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course

TICKETS:  $40 day/$60 weekend; Youth (Ages 13-20): $20 day/$30 weekend; Children 12-and-under FREE and parking is FREE. Each ticket includes entry to the Wine Country Pavilion. 

INFORMATION: 800-870-RACE (7223), www.infineonraceway/historcs.com or www.ticketmaster.com.