The 21st Annual CSRG Charity Challenge returned to the iconic Sonoma Raceway September 13-15, 2024, promising an unforgettable weekend for motorsport enthusiasts and charity supporters alike. The cool conditions were ideal for enjoying the sights, sounds, and speed of some of the world’s most beautiful vintage racecars.
Founded almost 50 years ago, the Classic Sports Racing Group (CSRG) has become one of the premier organizations dedicated to preserving the history and excitement of sports car racing. With a mission to not only celebrate motorsport history but also give back to the community, CSRG’s annual Charity Challenge blends thrilling competition with a focus on raising funds for local causes. True to its name, the event has a strong philanthropic focus. The Charity Challenge, now in its twenty-second year, has raised over 1.2million dollars for local nonprofits, making a meaningful impact on the Sonoma community. Each year, a portion of the proceeds from raffles, auctions, and lap rides around the track goes to support regional causes, making it a weekend of both racing and giving back.
This year’s event featured eight groups of vintage racecars, ranging from 1950s and 1960s classics to iconic sports and GT cars as well as Formula Cars, Open-Wheelers, American Muscle and the John Morton Trophy group. Fans witnessed everything from nimble Formula Fords, thundering Trans-Am muscle cars and Austin Mini’s to the elegant lines of Porsche and McClaren. These meticulously restored and maintained machines tackled the 2.52-mile road course at Sonoma Raceway, a circuit renowned for its technical turns and elevation changes.
Saturday night, CSRG hosted a trackside dinner at Turn 11 for all the entrants, their spouses, crew members, corner workers, CSRG personnel, and friends. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to wind down after a full day of racing, share stories, and relax with good food and wine. The event underscored the close-knit nature of the vintage racing community, where camaraderie is just as important as the competition.
Racing resumed Sunday morning, but by the afternoon shortly after the laps for charity had begun, a wind-driven fire broke out on the other side of Cougar Mountain just West of the track. Fire crews stood by as smoke billowed into the air above the track and with a lack of powerthe event was put on hold in case of evacuation. Local fire agencies battled the fire from the ground as air tankers flew over dropping fire retardant and water. Approximately ninety minutes later, racing resumed once control of the fire was gained.
Sonoma Raceway, nestled in the rolling hills of Northern California’s wine country, provides a stunning backdrop for the weekend’s activities. The track’s challenging blend of tight corners, sweeping turns, and elevation changes make it a favorite for drivers and spectators alike. Fans wandered the Paddock and got up close to the action, with ample viewing areas offering great vantage points of the entire circuit.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of vintage racing or simply looking for a fun and meaningful way to the day, Sonoma Raceway is the place to be for a thrilling weekend of racing for a cause!
CSRG Charity Challenge Photo Gallery
