Notice has been received that the Coronado Speed Festival at North Island Naval Base in San Diego cannot take place in 2017. The Executive Officer of Naval Base Coronado noted that due to ongoing runway/taxiway repairs and associated construction projects, the Naval Base Coronado would not be able to support the event.
Responding to the cancellation, SVRA President and CEO Tony Parella said, “We are hopeful and optimistic that we may continue the Coronado Speed Festival’s great racing traditions in 2018.”
This is very bad news to an enthusiastic local fan, such a great program have not missed one since the beginning and know many participants personally….hope it is only a one time thing. D P
CDR R. Merritt (USN-Ret) – I became interested in vintage racing by attending this event and have participated the last 4 years in a row….It felt great to give back to the crew-troops and I sincerely hope we can put on a show for them again in 2018.
Sorry to hear that as it is the last and best race of the year ! Jim Gallucci
Having attended every Coronado event from day one, this is distressing news. What an unique honor and experience to run (just like in the old days!) on a temporary circuit at an active air force base.
To be able to give back, whilst enjoying the hospitality (including the amazing evening event — sometimes with live music presented by talented military musicians and singers), along with a conducted aircraft carrier tour — this defines “unique”.
Fleet Week … please please have us back in 2018.
Peter Giddings
I also have competed at Coronado every year since 2010 in my 1964 Volvo PV 544. Just driving over the Coronado bridge, race car in tow would put tears in my eyes. Driving on to the base was an honor and the young men and women around on the base were a real inspiration.
San Diego has lost a great gem. It was the biggest car weekend/lovefest all year long, unequalled by any other car event. As Peter said, the old aircraft runway tracks are gone, save for Coronado.
My hope is the event will be revived in 2018, that would be the 20th year. The money problems can be resolved. As an entrant I would happily increase my entry fee to $1000 if it would help keep the books balanced. Perhaps not everyone can do this but many entrants are very wealthy and may continue even more to have Coronado continue in 2018.