Coming Up: Velocity Invitational

I’m tempted to simply insert a hyperlink and call this article done. What more does a gearhead with a taste for the finer liquid things in life need, more than that introduction? Yeah, fine wine and vintage race cars.

Well, here it goes: the Sonoma Festival of Speed is now the Velocity Invitational. Formerly hosted at Sonoma Raceway, this world-class event features fine wine and cuisine from the region, over 200 classic cars, and ten race groups - including one titled "Mustangs vs. Minis" that has piqued my interest. Oh, and did I mention the famed Corkscrew? The Velocity Invitational is being held at the legendary WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. #sold

Just when I’m kicking myself for not being available to experience this epic meeting of vinology and velocity in person, it gets worse/better. [editor's note: LACar will be covering the event... but Glenn couldn't make it]

The Future of Motorsports

My beloved Petersen Automotive Museum will ALSO be on hand (damn you, Loki, you mischievous disrupter of Outlook calendars!). But for those of you with the means to be there, you don’t want to miss "The Future of Motorsports" panel discussion and auction on November 12th.

Panel Discussion

The panel is going to be headlined by the who’s who of the automotive world – Ford CEO Jim Farley, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, INDYCAR President Jay Frye, MotoAmerica CFO Richard Varner, and Hypercraft CEO Jacob Hawksworth. Guests will get a chance to hear how these titans of the automotive world see the future of motorsports.

Live Auction - Hosted By The Pete

The Petersen is also hosting a live auction, featuring high-end motorsports collectibles. If you’ve got an AMEX Black Card burning a hole in your selvedge denim jeans, a) I’m available for adoption immediately, and b) get that card ready to use on some amazing items - like a racing suit broken in by none other than Dan Gurney at the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Long Beach Grand Prix... Or maybe a ride-along with Bruce Canepa in one of his legendary vintage race cars? How about a signed painting by ex-F1 piloti Stefan Johansson and(/or) limited-edition James Hetfield Signature Iron Cross electric guitar autographed by the Sandman himself. Oh yeah, Hetfield’s jaw-droppingly cool collection of customized cars will also be on hand.

It’s too late for me, but you have enough time to save yourself. Head over to the Velocity Invitational’s website for more information and to secure tickets for The Future of Motorsports Panel and Discussion. See you there next year!

Future of Motorsports Panel and Auction - Event Details

The Future of Motorsports Panel and Auction takes place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Turn 1 hospitality pavilion at the track, giving guests views of the "Mini vs. Mustang" Enduro Challenge race at 5 p.m. that evening. Dinner attendees receive access to VIP parking on Friday as well as dinner and a selection of local fine wines. Event and live auction proceeds will be donated to the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Event Details - Velocity Invitational

The Velocity Invitational takes place November 11-14 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Salinas, Calif. with back-to-back races held daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information about the Velocity Invitational and to buy tickets for The Future of Motorsports Panel Discussion and Auction, please visit VelocityInvitational. For more information about exhibits and events put on by the Petersen Museum, please visit Petersen.org.