A new motorsport festival will bring iconic cars and close racing to the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca this November.
Created by the team responsible for the Sonoma Speed Festival, Velocity Invitational will offer action on-track and a luxury experience off of it.
A partnership with the legendary McLaren Racing Formula 1 team will see former star drivers, and cars, take center stage.
Fast Finns and Silver Arrows
Leading the special exhibition of McLaren Racing cars will be double Formula 1 World Champion, Mika Häkkinen.
A veteran of more than 160 Grand Prix, Häkkinen took 20 wins and 51 podiums during his F1 career. This peaked with winning the Drivers’ Championship for McLaren in 1998 and 1999.
One of the F1 cars starring at Velocity Invitational will be a McLaren from one of Häkkinen’s title-winning years.
The MP4-13 was used by Häkkinen and David Coulthard during the 1998 season. With almost 800 horsepower from a naturally aspirated V-10 engine, it should make for an impressive sight around Laguna Seca.
McLaren will also bring the unique MP4-98T two-seater Formula 1 car, offering high-speed demonstration runs to lucky guests. Other highlights will include the later 2011 MP4-26 and 2012 MP4-27 McLarens.
A luxurious motorsport celebration
Set to be held from November 11 through 14, attendees will be able to watch a range of vintage racing. The previous Sonoma Speed Festival saw 300 classic cars take to the track.
Along with motorsport action, Velocity Invitational will offer wine tasting from Californian wineries and top restaurants. Luxury spectator accommodation and cultural exhibits will be on offer, too.
Velocity Invitational Founder, Jeff O’Neill, commented that: “We have all missed racing and seeing these extraordinary and rare cars in the past year. So we’ve decided to make up for lost time with an event that is sure to please both drivers and spectators.”
Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO, added, “We are delighted to partner with Velocity Invitational to showcase our McLaren Racing history on track and contribute to one of the most exciting automotive lifestyle festivals in the United States.”
Tickets are on sale for Velocity Invitational now, with children aged under 15 eligible for free entry. Those with tickets for the cancelled 2020 Sonoma Speed Festival will have their purchase automatically transferred to this year’s event.
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