Stepping out of your car in the parking corral, the first sensory input you obtain is sound. The roaring vintage motors racing around the track at blistering speeds. The next sensory input is the sight of the old racecars flying by. Some of them actually spitting fire from the exhaust pipes on the downshift from the back pressure. The third input, and most visceral, is the smell of race fuel. As soon as you pass over the archway steps into the event venue you are smacked in the face with the unmistakable odor of it. That, mixed with cigar smoke being puffed by a few old men enjoying the act of reliving their glory days behind the wheel of a racecar again. It is a venerable potpourri of manly smells.
Founded by Jeffrey B. O’Neill, the Velocity Invitational is a unique event showcasing period-prepared racecars competing in exhibition races. There are also vendors such as Hennessey Performance, Czinger, Gunther Werks, and Hagerty to name a few. Attendees can also enjoy a VIP wine tasting room, in addition to the expected regular venue entertainment and food you find at WeatherTech Laguna Seca.
The racing is split into classes; antique racers, GT cars, Mini’s from the ’60s, Mustangs, and stock car muscle to name a few. As a spectator, the pits are open to the public, so you can walk amongst the cars being prepared for racing, and then watch them file out onto the track as they take off in preparation to slowly do battle. I talked with a number of owners, drivers, and pit crews, and seemed happy and excited to be there. It felt kind of like how an exhibition basketball game would be with superstar players of the past, coming out of retirement for a bit of exercise and some slow-paced bragging rights. There were a few serious competitors however. They would usually leave the pack in the dust, literally and figuratively. The speeds also greatly depended on the class of cars as well.
Former racecar drivers rubbed elbows with social media influencers, photographers, and spectators alike. The open nature of the property lent to a special feeling of almost being included in the race prep, like you are part of the action. You can talk to the crew as they wrench on the vehicles, most of whom are happy to chat. The booths were buzzing with lively conversations and lots of amateur photographers circling the display vehicles to get their TikTok videos ready to post.
All in all, Velocity Invitational 2022 was a wonderful event to have visited. I would recommend anyone interested in new race technology, or old racecars being brought out of retirement to swoop down the corkscrew, to visit future Velocity events. For more information visit www.velocityinvitational.com
