Spring Classic Retro Revival takes over Weathertech Raceway

Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca hosts several races every year with some of the newest, fastest race cars in the world. This weekend, they’ll have the fast, but not the new.

Can-am’s, Trans-am’s, stock cars, formula cars, vintage racers.

“You name it, we’ve got something for everyone this weekend. Something for every level of enjoyment. Sound, smell, I mean, it’s all going to be here,” said Senior Vice President of Events, Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca Gill Campbell.

The annual Spring Classic will feature a plethora of old school races and events, with the level of seriousness turned down a bit.

“This one is for fun. We are looking for everyone to come out and and see these cars doing what they were meant to do,” said Campbell.

Unlike pretty much every other race at the famous raceway, everyone racing this weekend is just a regular joe, or at least anything but a professional racer.

“You will see doctors, you’ll have owners of great corporations, and on the weekends, they’re grease monkeys,” said Campbell.

Guys like Tim Smith, who came all the way from Carson City, Nevada with his famous stock car that was once driven by Salinas native and racing hall of famer, Ernie Irvan.

“Right now getting set up and getting stoked and, yeah, it’ll be fun!” said racer Tim Smith.

It’s not just about the racing for these guys.

“It’s a great time in seeing the guys you run with and guys that run different cars. Looking forward to seeing the nitro revival and some of the top fuel cars,” said Smith.

Also making an appearance at this year’s Spring Classic is a legend. Drag Racing Hall of Famer Don “Big Daddy” Garlits. He says he’s never been to the Monterey Peninsula for one simple reason.

“There’s no drag strip here! I’ve been all around here, Fresno, I’ve raced in San Jose back in the 60’s and over in Half Moon Bay, that’s probably not too far away,” said Hall of Fame Drag Racer Don Garlits.

The Father of Drag Racing will be signing autographs at various times throughout the weekend, but unfortunately, you won’t see him on the track.

“No racing for me. I just run dragsters, I don’t do any of the other kinds of racing. Now I like it, I might be watching some of it,” said Big Daddy Garlits.