In an age where the whisper of electrification spreads swiftly through the automotive world, the 2023 Velocity Invitational stands as a sanctuary for those enchanted by the symphony of twelve cylinders and the rich aromas of petrol history. For devotees whose pulses quicken at the very thought of historic racing, this event is not just an occasion; it’s a pilgrimage to the heart of classic motorsport passion.
A Homage to Automotive Heritage
Spanning three days, from November 10 to 12, the Velocity Invitational returns to its birthplace at the picturesque Sonoma Raceway in Northern California. After a brief interlude at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, this year marks a homecoming of sorts, intensified by growing anticipation and the echoes of preceding years.
A Festival of Authenticity and Excellence
Ferrari 250 GTO
Velocity Invitational
A highlight on the starting grid will be the venerable 1948 Talbot Lago T26C, juxtaposed against the technological innovation of Jeff O’Neill’s 2016 Ford GTLM. Attendees can expect a showcase not solely informed by value or rarity but by the authenticity and racing provenance of each vehicle—be it a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO worth millions or a car of more modest means but equal heart.
Celebrating McLaren’s Milestone
The event is set to honour the sixtieth anniversary of McLaren, featuring prominent appearances from renowned Formula 1 drivers and a curated selection of McLaren’s heralded heritage fleet. Lando Norris, of McLaren Racing, will grace the event, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere with his competitive spirit.
The Experience: More Than Racing
Turn 11 Sonoma Raceway
Sonoma Raceway
Pushing beyond mere spectatorship, the Velocity Invitational invites guests to indulge in the region’s finest culinary offerings at the Taylor Farms Sip & Savor Pavilion, situated within Sonoma Raceway’s newly minted 19,000 square-foot Turn 11 complex—a luxurious oasis that promises to elevate the motorsport observation experience.
Embracing the Past, Inspiring the Future
Velocity Invitational captures a profound respect for the vehicles that have traced asphalt across decades. Jeff O’Neill, the driving force behind the event, sees these machines as legacies not owned but shepherded for public admiration—a sentiment that underscores every aspect of the Velocity Invitational, ensuring its return next November is nothing short of spectacular.
