Monterey Pre-Historics

[MOMO3.2]

Has anyone attended the Monterey Pre-Historics? I have read that the weekend before the Monterey Historics (known as the Pre-Historics) is nearly as good as the event it self plus there are VERY few people in attendance.

Moreover, I read a post from 2002 that stated anyone with $5.00 and a helmet got to tour the track at lunch time in his or her own car... I would drive up for that alone!

So, has anyone attended? What caliber of cars can one expect to see the weekend before?

Thanks.

Mike

[Zeke]

Last year several people said they preferred the weekend before. There were a lot of the cars to be run at the Historics being shaken down and access to all was simple. Not big crowds either. Don't know about the tours, but it's common to have a lead/follow lunch time session at various events. No helmet required as the pace car usually keeps the speeds in check. Due to some unfortunate accidents including 2 deaths in an Austin Healey (I think), this practice may not be as prevalent as it once was. You can check with the organizers or check the daily events calendar and schedule.

[MattKellett]

Mike

I 've been going to the prehistorics for a few years now. It's without doubt the best free motorsport event you can see. I would say about 3/4 of the cars that attend the historics will be there. It's 2 days of practice for the competitors so you are able to see some great cars on the track. Also as there are no crowds, it's easier to talk to some of the owners. just drive straight into the padock and park, that's what i do! The only thing missing is the commercial side of the Historics.

Let me know if you decide to go, we could always meet up. I like to have lunch at the Baja Cantina!!!! A quick blast over the Laurel Grade.

Cheers
Matt

[MOMO3.2]

Thank you for the responses Milt and Matt. It sounds great. I am considering a one day early morning run from Los Angeles. Perhaps PCH on the return trip...

Matt:

I will PM you if I stay overnight. In that case, I would have time to check out Laurel Grade.

Mike

[sammyg2]

Bummer. I'm going to be working this year as an ambassador at the historics, but no way can I swing two weekends in a row.
Maybe next year i can hit the week before, I really hate crowds.

[Zeke]

BTW, what's tha date on that? I might even go.

[MattKellett]

Milt - 12th and 13th August.

If anyones up fpr a pelican meet, count me in! I can make either Saturday or Sunday. Maybe we can repost a few days before to see if anyone is interested.

Cheers
Matt

[MOMO3.2]

The plot thickens...

I am going to give a call to the raceway tomorrow and see if there will indeed be a lunch time track tour. A gaggle of Pelicanites negotiating the Corkscrew together for the first time would likely be exhilerating.

[Wickd89]

Sounds like fun.
Does anyone know the schedule for that 3 day weekend?

Is there any structure to the Pre-historic, or is it just being in that town early and looking around?
It would be great if we can check the Lodge, the track, the rally route, etc....

[Nutmeg911]

I haven't checked my calender yet, but I would definitely be interested in going to the pre-historics.

[gulf908]

Mike,

In '98 we went to the 50th at Monterey and just happened to go to the Pre Historic weekend as well by accident.
We had a good day talking to many of the support crew and got many unhindered pics of a number of cars that we would normally not get so close to.
My personal highlight was a pic of myself sitting in a blue Brabham BT8(similar to a Lotus 23 but usually have much larger Climax/BRM motors).
I think the mechanic was surprised that someone actually knew something about the car he was taking off the trailer.
A good relaxing day with plenty of photo ops.Do it !

Cheers,
Dennis.

[atlporsche]

Pre-Historics?



sjd

[MOMO3.2]

Very cool Dennis. I think I know the BT8. I got a chance to see it run at a vintage race in San Diego at Del Mar Race Track. The BT8 had navy blue and white livery if I am not mistaken. It also had a very brassy and loud engine note.

Mike