Historic IMSA Cars Racing at Monterey Festival of Speed

Porsche 935

Legendary race cars such as the Porsche 935, the “Spirit of Sebring" Greenwood Corvette, and Jaguar XJR-5 will duke it out much as they did in contributing to the incomparable history of world-renowned Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca’s famed 2.238-mile permanent road course during the Monterey Festival of Speed May 16-18.

The sleek IMSA cars of 1974-1982 vintage will grace the twists and turns of the fabled track just as they did during one of the great eras of racing in the world and add to the diversity of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca’s 2008 season-opening event that will also feature some of the latest and greatest in both open- and closed-wheel racing.

Included in the fabulous opening weekend will be the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, the Cooper Tires Presents the Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda and Formula BMW USA.

In their day, these IMSA race cars featured advanced design and technology for their time. Now, they can be considered the predecessors of the current crop of closed-cockpit race cars.

Some of these cars will be piloted by former IMSA drivers as well! Names such as Bruce Canepa, John Morton, and Jim Busby will all get behind the wheel and show the crowd they still have what it takes to put on a great show.

“The Historic IMSA race will be a fantastic opportunity for race fans of all ages to enjoy these cars where they belong, at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca," said Gill Campbell, CEO of the track. “Bringing in these older race cars is a perfect tie-in for the Festival of Speed, as attendees get to watch the best of yesterday and today in one weekend!"

Any owners of IMSA race cars built and raced from 1974 to 1982 are encouraged to enter their vehicle in the event. All inquiries should be addressed to Cris Vandagriff at hmsa@hmsausa.com.

Tickets for the 2008 Monterey Festival of Speed are available online at www.laguna-seca.com, www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-327-SECA.

The 2008 race season at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca includes the Monterey Festival of Speed (May 16-18), the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix (July 18-20), the 35th Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races presented by Toyota (August 15-17), the Corona AMA Superbike Finale (September 27-28), and the Monterey Sports Car Championships (October 17-19).

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was established in 1957. The world-renowned raceway has been operated since its inception by the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP), a not-for-profit 501C(4) corporation. Each race season, SCRAMP donates its net proceeds to the volunteer groups that help put on the races.