Irwindale tech inspection, show

Irwindale, Calif. - - The traditional "opening bell" of the vintage racing car season, VARA's Annual Technical Inspection Day, is once again on every serious automotive enthusiast's "to do" calendar. Set for Saturday, January 12, 2002, from 8 am until 3 pm in the north parking lot of Irwindale Speedway, this open-to-the-public event yearly combines the important annual inspection of vintage racing cars with the aspects of an historic car show all in one place at one time.

Over 100 veteran racing cars, everything from Abarths to Austin-Healeys, from Beach to Brabham, from Corvettes to Cheetas, from Mallocks to Maseratis, from Lolas to Listers, from Surtees' to Shadows, from and from Ferraris to Formcars, are expected to appear at Irwindale. The fun part of the day is for fans of "older" racing machines to drop by and check out all the wonderfully esoteric and exotic racing equipment as they undergo the rigorous safety and suitability checks that are required in order to allow that particular car to take part in racing competition.

Of course these colorful cars won't be racing on Tech Day, but fans will still get to hear the muffled snarl of a finely-tuned racing motor or two as these cars load on and off their trailers and make their way to the tech lines.

All of the proud owner/drivers of this rolling museum of American road racing will be on had at the Speedway too. Much of the interest and excitement about vintage road racing has to do with the history of particular cars - Who drove them, what races they won, how the present owner "found" the car, and what they had to go through to bring it back to racing condition. Stories abound and "bench racing" (Reminiscing about the racing days of yore) is a highly recommended, no make that a REQUIRED, part of the deal.

The viewing and close-in parking are both free, and 2002 Irwindale Speedway racing season schedules will be made available to all on that day. If requested, "Tours" of the ½-mile oval racing facility will also be given by staff members.

Fans who love old road racing cars and who love to talk about them with the experts, won't want to miss this once-a-year opportunity to get up close and personal with both of the above at "LA's ½-Mile Super Speedway".

Those personally interested in either racing vintage sports cars or working as a part of the team that puts these races on, are strongly recommended not to miss this unique event. Club and racing group representatives will be available to answer any inquiries and "sign up" volunteers for upcoming classic events.

Irwindale Speedway is located at 13300 East Live Oak Avenue right at the 605 Freeway in Irwindale about 20 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. As mentioned, admission and parking for this event are both free, and fans of all ages are invited to drop by and enjoy being a part of the show.

For more information: 800-280-VARA

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