This weekend sees a brand-new motorsport festival take place at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in California.
Held between Thursday 11 November and Sunday 14 November, Velocity Invitational will feature a host of on-track action, plus a luxury experience for fans.
A total of 10 race groups will compete over the weekend. These range from Brass Era models through to modern sports cars, GT prototypes, and even Formula 1 machines.
Multiple Ford GTs in action
One of the star attractions among the multiple motorsport classes on-track is a collection of Ford GTs. Seven of the eight Ford GT LM GTE Pro race cars built will be at Laguna Seca over the weekend.
It marks the first full reunion for the LM GTE Pro cars since Ford’s historic victory at the 2016 Le Mans 24-Hour race.
Along with being on static display in the paddock, the Ford GTs will perform demonstration runs. Joey Hand, Le Mans LM GTE Pro class winner, will be at the wheel.
For historic Le Mans contrast, a 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe will also attend the event.
Mustang vs. Mini night race
Although Velocity Invitational will feature many races over the weekend, Friday plays host to a special night race. A field of Ford Mustangs will challenge a squad of motorsport-prepared classic Mini Coopers.
It should make for a true ‘David and Goliath’ battle, with the featherweight Minis taking on the iconic pony car from the 1960s. Starting when dusk falls at 4:50 PM, more then 30 cars will take part.
For those who miss the on-track clash on Friday, a daytime ‘Mustangs vs. Minis’ race will be held on the Sunday.
Flying Finn Mika Häkkinen to star
A key partnership with the McLaren Racing Formula 1 team will see former star drivers, and the cars they used, take center stage.
Double Formula 1 World Champion Mika Häkkinen leads the McLaren action at Velocity Invitational. He will be joined by his 1998 Formula 1 championship-winning MP4-13 race car.
Other McLaren Racing highlights include the 2011 MP4-26 and 2012 MP4-27, along with the unique MP4-98T two-seat F1 car.
Trackside banquet with automotive leaders
Along with the on-track action, the Petersen Automotive Museum will host ‘The Future of Motorsports Panel Discussion and Auction’ discussion on Thursday 12 November.
Headlining the panel will be Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, and Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing. They will be joined by other automotive industry executives.
Following the discussion, attendees can bid on motorsport items. These include a race suit worn by Dan Gurney, plus an electric guitar signed by Metallica frontman, James Hetfield.
RADwood display at the center of Laguna Seca
Taking over the central island at Laguna Seca will be a display by RADwood. On both November 13 and 14, a curated line-up of 50 cars from the 1980s and 1990s will be on show.
Expect a mixture of retro supercars, mini trucks, motorcycles and hot hatchbacks.
Tickets for Velocity Invitational are still available, ranging from single-day passes through to full weekend admittance.
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