Like a large number of enthusiasts in the historic racing community, I was at first startled and then fascinated by the recent unfolding saga of the change in leadership at the Monterey Historics. Once the initial shock of Steve Earle’s departure had set in, many questions began bubbling to the surface. How will this affect the event? Will it ever be the same? Who is going to take over the organization of it?
Some of these questions began to be answered in late October. Of particular interest was a press release from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca announcing that Barry Toepke would be taking on the position of Vice-President of Historic Racing, and so would be the new point man for organization of the new Monterey Historics.
Anyway, when I received the press release and learned of his appointment, I was pleasantly surprised. I’ve known and worked with Barry for the past 10 years or so and had always thought him a very straightforward, no-nonsense kind of guy. On top of that, he’s also a car guy, which is going to be key for anyone brave (or foolish!) enough to take on this challenging role. Since he lives a stone’s throw from our offices, I invited him out to lunch, ostensibly to see if he was certifiably crazy for taking on this daunting responsibility, but also to see what of the umpteen wacky rumors about the changing of the event were true.
So, over a plate of “Spicy Tuna Dynamite Roll” I asked Barry if it’s congratulations or commiserations? “No, this is the greatest job in the world,” he replied. “I’ve been involved in the background of the event, one way or another, for 19 years. I’m really excited to have this opportunity to carry on the tradition that Steve has built.” Hmmm, he doesn’t sound that crazy… but maybe that was too easy a question.
As I blasted my sinuses with a too-large dose of Wasabi, I asked him, through my streaming nose, what his plans for the event were. I mentioned that I’d heard all kinds of rumors that there weren’t going to be pre-war cars any longer, or that next year was going to be completely devoted to Nissan. So, what was the story?
Barry laughed. “Yeah, I’ve heard some of those, too! No, much will remain the same, with the historic significance and authenticity being of the highest priority for the entered cars. We’re still going to celebrate pre-war cars. In fact, my goal is to have the event be a seamless transition from the perspective of the drivers and the spectators. People have their expectations of what the Monterey Historics should be—based on the 36 years of great events that Steve put on—so my job is to make sure that this year’s event and the future ones live up to or exceed those expectations.”
Relieved to hear that the whole event wasn’t going to be turned upside down, I probed a little deeper. I told Barry that, in my opinion, so much of the event’s success was based on the high caliber of cars, that would in turn only participate if the driving standards remained such that the owners could feel confident. “The same strict adherence to driving conduct will be maintained,” Barry replied. But how will you be able to ensure that continuity, I asked. Barry seemed particularly pleased I’d asked that one. “As part of our strategy, Cris Vandagriff and HMSA are returning as the Historics’ sanctioning body. Cris brings a wealth of experience and personally knows most of our participants.”
Impressed with the no-nonsense approach that Barry was taking to the event, I asked him whether he’d seen any changes in the entry requests for this August’s event. “Entries are coming in and will provide a challenge for our selection committee, which includes John Lamm, Bill Warner, Bruce Canepa, Steve Earle, and Jay Amestoy. We expect to begin sending acceptance letters as early as March 1, so participants can plan accordingly.”
As we wrapped up lunch, I told Barry, in all honesty, that I was relieved to hear he and the track were not going to “up-end” the event, like so many rumors have suggested. Walking out to the car Barry looked over and with a smile said, “Speaking of those rumors, I also heard one that we are going to cancel the pre-historics…” He let that one hang there for a minute before following up, “…but no, the pre-historics has not been cancelled. On the contrary, we are working on a number of things to enhance the whole experience—but you’ll have to stay tuned on that one.”
Is Barry crazy to try and follow an act like Steve Earle? Maybe. But so far, it sounds like he’s going about it the right way. It’s going to be interesting to see what surprises he has in store for August.
