{"id":793642,"date":"2023-11-14T09:58:37","date_gmt":"2023-11-14T17:58:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportscardigest.com\/?p=512673"},"modified":"2024-01-26T15:55:56","modified_gmt":"2024-01-26T15:55:56","slug":"2023-velocity-invitational","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/2023-velocity-invitational\/","title":{"rendered":"2023 Velocity Invitational"},"content":{"rendered":"

Velocity Invitational saw a return to its roots at Sonoma Raceway<\/a> in Northern California the weekend of November 10-12, 2023. Dubbed the \u2018West Coast Goodwood\u2019 by some car enthusiasts, the third chapter of the event highlighted the 60th<\/sup> Anniversary of McLaren<\/a> while also showcasing an impressive selection of high-performance automobiles, classic racing vehicles, and a celebrity-filled roster of drivers. On top of that, the unforgettable trio of days was also filled with cultural experiences, exquisite gourmet cuisine, and wine throughout the event plaza.<\/p>\n

\"Porsche<\/a>
Porsche 917 – got Velocity?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Who needs Vegas?<\/h2>\n

During Velocity Invitational,<\/a> fans had the opportunity to meet McLaren Formula 1 driver Lando Norris<\/a>, as well as McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, along with Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team drivers Pato O\u2019Ward, Alexander Rossi, and Tony Kanaan. They also witnessed these talented individuals take to the track throughout the weekend.<\/p>\n

\"1971<\/a>
1971 McLaren M8 F\/P trumpets on a V8 McLaren<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

McLaren Race Team<\/h2>\n

Additionally, the McLaren team curated an extensive collection of heritage cars, many seldom seen in North America. Several of the renowned McLarens showcased in the collection encompass Niki Lauda’s MP4\/2A-1, securing the 1984 World Championship, Lewis Hamilton’s MP4\/23A-05, piloted to a fifth-place finish in Brazil for his inaugural World Championship victory in 2008, and Ayrton Senna’<\/a>s MP4\/6-10, propelling him to his third and last World Championship and contributing to McLaren’s attainment of their fourth consecutive Constructors’ Championship.<\/p>\n

\"McLaren<\/a>
McLaren Senna’s on display at Velocity Invitational<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Variety everywhere<\/h2>\n

With 10 different race groups, hypercar lap demonstrations, and the thrilling showdown between the Mustangs and Minis in an endurance race, there was surely something for everyone to enjoy on the 12-turn, 2.52-mile Sonoma Raceway throughout the sunny weekend. The inaugural public showcase of the new Ford GT Mk IV during the entire weekend, both on display in the Paddock and on track was a favorite among the automotive fans. The hand-built, track-only model pays homage to the original 1967 Ford GT40 Mk IV<\/a> that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only 67 of the carbon fiber-bodied cars will be produced with a specially engineered twin-turbo Ford EcoBoost engine boasting over 800hp.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
A racecar driver fastens the chin strap on his helmet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Time to get dirty<\/h2>\n

Dirtfish Rally School<\/a> returned to Velocity Invitational. Several of their cars took to the track to demonstrate their expertise to the crowd.\u00a0 Visitors had the unique opportunity to purchase a ride-along experience on the specially constructed dirt course with renowned professional rally drivers, such as British and Asia-Pacific Rally Champion Alister McRae, European Rally Championship driver Max McRae, or IndyCar Series driver Benjamin Pedersen.\u00a0 The professional rally drivers also demonstrated their skills on the paved surface of Sonoma Raceway\u2019s 12-turn course over the weekend.<\/p>\n

\"Escort<\/a>
The Eaton Yale Ford Escort MK2 on display with a variety of Dirtfish Rally cars at Velocity Invitational<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Buzz in the paddock<\/h2>\n

Spectators came across a variety of exhibits as they explored the paddock area. Alongside the McLaren road cars, hypercar manufacturers and bespoke vehicles, like Guntherwerks<\/a>, were also featured. Throughout the weekend, track demonstrations were seamlessly integrated between the racing categories, featuring a McLaren parade and the Ragtime Racers. Each night concluded with an exciting enduro competition that pitted Mustangs against Minis, all under the setting sun.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
A variety of Ford GT’s on display including the new GT Mk IV<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Until next year\u2026<\/h2>\n

As the sun dipped below the Sonoma hills, it became clear that the 2023 Velocity Invitational<\/a> had once more achieved the remarkable feat of encapsulating the true spirit of automotive enthusiasm. The weekend created a diverse mix of automotive passion and culture, where distinctions between value, rarity, perceived exclusivity, historical significance, and social hierarchy blurred. The result was a unique gathering of race cars revisiting their glorious past, creating a melting pot of enthusiasm and nostalgia.\u00a0 All content<\/p>\n

All content\u00a0 \u00a9 2023 Kristina Cilia<\/a><\/p>\n

Gallery<\/h2>\n
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\r\n A racecar driver fastens the chin strap on his helmet\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n Racing patriotism\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n Racetrack camaraderie\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n The new Ford GT Mk IV track car is unveiled at Sonoma Raceway during Velocity Invitational 2023\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n 1971 McLaren M8 F\/P trumpets on a V8 McLaren\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n A 1953 Fiat 1100\/103 zips up the hill into Turn 2\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Mechanics pull the bodywork off a 1970 McLaren M8D\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Danny, with Intrepid Racing, polishes the chrome wing on a McLaren\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Group 9 racercars are lined up in a garage at Sonoma Raceway during Velocity Invitational\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
\r\n
\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Kevin Buckley heads towards Turn 3 in a 1967 911S\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
\r\n
\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n This Porsche 911 Speedster by Gunther Werks is a stark contrast to the older racercars lined up behind it in the paddock\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Zak Brown pilots the Williams FW-07, a historic 1980 F1 racecar\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
\r\n
\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Tyler Hagan cruises out of Turn 2 in a 1960 Porsche 356 Roadster\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n McLaren Senna’s on display at Velocity Invitational\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n A variety of Ford GT’s on display including the new GT Mk IV\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n The new Ford GT Mk IV\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Ron Erickson crests the hill in a 1957 Chevrolet Corvette before going down into Turn 4 at Sonoma Raceway\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Porsche 917 – got Velocity?\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n The Eaton Yale Ford Escort MK2 on display with a variety of Dirtfish Rally cars at Velocity Invitational\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n A 1970 Dodge Challenger leads the Historic Trans Am group over the hill into Turn 4 at Sonoma Raceway\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n The crowd applauds as the 1976 ‘John Player Special’ Lotus exits the track at Sonoma Raceway during Velocity Invitational\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n A 1966 Austin Mini Cooper S at Velocity Invitational during the Mini Vs Mustang Enduro race\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
\r\n
\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Richard Goldsmith drives a 1976 DeKon Monza, followed by other Group 6 cars, onto the track at Sonoma Raceway\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Jim Hague, 1966 Ford Mustang, pulls ahead of Andrew Wait, 1965 Mini Cooper, through Turn 11\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Velocity Invitational attendees had the chance to purchase some swag at the store during the event\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n 1974 McLaren M16 Indycar\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Porsche 962 climbs into Turn 3 at Sonoma Raceway\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Dirtfish Rally School provided on track demonstration laps at Velocity Invitational\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n This rare Porsche 914\/6 prepares to take the track at Sonoma Raceway\r\n <\/div><\/figure>
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\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Kids enjoy playing with the toy racecars during Velocity Invitational 2023 at Sonoma Raceway\r\n <\/div><\/figure>\n

Videos<\/h2>\n