Robert Ryan's 1968 McLaren M6B.
Robert Ryan\'s 1968 McLaren M6B. 2013 Coronado Speed Festival © 2013 Victor Varela
Vintage Car Racing

Coronado Speed Festival 2013 – Report and Photos

Avatar photoVictor Varela

Report and photos by Victor Varela

The Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California, played host once again to the thundering symphony of vintage race cars at the 2013 Coronado Speed Festival on September 21-22. Over 200 historic race cars participated in this year’s event, including several Porsche 911s in celebration of the car’s 50th anniversary.

Entering its 16th year, the annual “Race at the Base” hosted vintage race cars from around the country on a temporary 1.7 mile course that is constructed each year on the Naval Air Station’s runways and taxiways.Race fans were treated to a weekend of vintage racing with the various race classes that participated, as well as an open paddock where the cars and drivers prepared for their time on the track. With the numerous vendors, food stands, car club corrals and several military vehicles and aircraft on display, car fans along with their families and friends, had a lot to see, eat and experience throughout the warm and sunny Southern California race weekend.

With this year marking the 50th anniversary of the iconic Porsche 911, the 2013 Coronado Speed Festival celebrated this milestone with a large contingent of 911s in the car corral as well as several 911s racing throughout the weekend. Among the 911s racing at Coronado were Jim Bouzaglou’s 1973 Porsche Carrera RSR, Erich Joiner’s 1972 Porsche Carrera RSR, Ed Matsuishi’s 1965 Porsche 911, Matt Parson’s 1969 Porsche 911, Erich Wilms’ 1967 Porsche 911S and Patrick Paternie’s 1968 Porsche 911.

Other notable and interesting entrants at the Fleet Week event included John Goodman’s 1972 Ferrari 312P Sparling Special, 1958 Devin SS and 1964 Shelby Cobra, Alex Curtis’ 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, Erich Joiner’s 1977 Chevron B36 and 1964 Shelby Cobra, Steve Thein’s 1967 Porsche 910, Wes Abendroth’s 1965 Fiberfab Special, Ned Spieker’s 1957 Maserati 200 Si, Bill Lyon’s 1960 Porsche RS 60, Al Arciero’s 1957 Lister Knobbly, Tom Malloy’s 1969 Lola T70, Steve Hilton’s 1968 Lola T70 Mk3, Robert Ryan’s 1968 McLaren M6B, Steve Schuler’s 1991 Roush Ford Mustang and Lance Smith’s 1968 Ford Torino.

Racing great Tony Adamowicz served as Honorary Grand Marshal for this year’s Speed Festival. Highlights of Adamowicz’s career include winning the 1968 Trans-Am Championship in the Milestone Racing Porsche 911 and the 1969 Formula 5000 championship in his Gurney Eagle F5000.

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Victor Varela documented the 2013 Coronado Speed Festival. We split up Victor’s pictures into two galleries. The first gallery starting below features our favorite images, all displayed in the full-width view of Sports Car Digest, while the second gallery and race results can be found on the last page of the article and gives a comprehensive view of all the photographs. To see more from Victor, visit VictorVarela.com.

Coronado Speed Festival 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery

 

Steve Hilton's 1968 Lola T70 Mk3.
Steve Hilton’s 1968 Lola T70 Mk3.
Brent Berge and his 1978 Lola T-133 during Sunday's race.
Brent Berge and his 1978 Lola T133 during Sunday’s race.
John Goodman holds off a Shelby GT350 in his 1964 Cobra.
John Goodman holds off a Shelby GT350 in his 1964 Cobra.
Erich Joiner exits turn nine in his 1964 Cobra.
Erich Joiner exits turn nine in his 1964 Shelby Cobra.

 

 

Bob Stockwell's 1965 Ford Mustang.
Bob Stockwell’s 1965 Ford Mustang.
Leon Desimone in his 1974 Chevrolet Camaro IROC.
Leon Desimone in his 1974 Chevrolet Camaro IROC.
Dean Watts in his 1964 Porsche 901 - just ahead of the #99 Lotus.
Dean Watts in his 1964 Porsche 901 – just ahead of the #99 Lotus.
Rick Carlile and his 1969 TVR Vixen S2 during Sunday's race.
Rick Carlile and his 1969 TVR Vixen S2 during Sunday’s race.

Coronado Speed Festival 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Two

 

Francois Castaing keeps the Porsches at bay in his 1970 Ford Escort R8.
Francois Castaing keeps the Porsches at bay in his 1970 Ford Escort R8.
Tom Byrnes and his 1964 Brabham BT 8 during Sunday's race.
Tom Byrnes and his 1964 Brabham BT 8 during Sunday’s race.
Ted Stroscher's 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL.
Ted Stroscher’s 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL.
Ed Roll at speed in his 1964 Fiat Abarth 210 Berlino Corso.
Ed Roll at speed in his 1964 Fiat Abarth 210 Berlino Corso.

 

 

Leonard Tumbeaugh and his 1958 Porsche 356A.
Leonard Tumbeaugh and his 1958 Porsche 356A.
Adam Carolla's 1970 Datsun 510.
Adam Carolla’s 1970 Datsun 510.
The corner worker looks on as Greg Umphenour takes his 1964 Mercury Comet through turn six.
The corner worker looks on as Greg Umphenour takes his 1964 Mercury Comet through turn six.
Doug Manista finds himself dragging the cone in his 1965 Chevrolet Corvette.
Doug Manista finds himself dragging the cone in his 1965 Chevrolet Corvette.

Coronado Speed Festival 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Three

 

Tom Farrington and his 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint.
Tom Farrington and his 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint.
Alex Curtis' 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing during Sunday practice.
Alex Curtis’ 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing during Sunday practice.
Ron Myska qualifying his 1969 Ford Talladega.
Ron Myska qualifying his 1969 Ford Talladega.
Steve Schuler at speed in the turbo monster that is the 1991 Roush Ford Mustang.
Steve Schuler at speed in the turbo monster that is the 1991 Roush Ford Mustang.

 

 

Steve Hilton qualifying his 1968 Lola T-30 Mk3.
Steve Hilton qualifying his 1968 Lola T70 Mk3.
Robert Ryan's 1968 McLaren M6B.
Robert Ryan’s 1968 McLaren M6B.
If Darth Vadar drove a race car, it would be Tom Malloy's 1969 Lola T70 Mk3B!
If Darth Vadar drove a race car, it would be Tom Malloy’s 1969 Lola T70 Mk3B!
Marc Petein qualifying his 1966 Shelby GT350.
Marc Petein qualifying his 1966 Shelby GT350.

Coronado Speed Festival 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Four

 

Greg Umphenour's 1964 Mercury Comet.
Greg Umphenour’s 1964 Mercury Comet.
Lorne Leibel and his red beast - the 1964 Cobra.
Lorne Leibel and his red beast – the 1964 Cobra.
Ron Carter exits turn ten in his 1967 Datsun 2000.
Ron Carter exits turn ten in his 1967 Datsun 2000.
Mike Taradash at speed in his 1962 Lotus Super 7.
Mike Taradash at speed in his 1962 Lotus Super 7.

 

 

Mike Thurlow's 1973 Lola T294.
Mike Thurlow’s 1973 Lola T294.
Erich Joiner, qualifying the 1977 Chevron B36.
Erich Joiner, qualifying the 1977 Chevron B36.
The 1957 Maserati 200 Si of Ned Spieker.
The 1957 Maserati 200 Si of Ned Spieker.
Bill Lyon's 1960 Porsche RS 60.
Bill Lyon’s 1960 Porsche RS 60.

Coronado Speed Festival 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Five

 

Gary Cox in his 1958 Jaguar Special during Saturday qualifying.
Gary Cox in his 1958 Jaguar Special during Saturday qualifying.
Tim Brecht at speed in his 1969 BMW 2002 TA.
Tim Brecht at speed in his 1969 BMW 2002 TA.
Dennis Daugs almost gets the right front tire of his 1969 Alfa Romeo, off the ground.
Dennis Daugs almost gets the right front tire of his 1969 Alfa Romeo off the ground.
Jon Norman exits turn eleven in his 1971 Alfa Romeo GTV.
Jon Norman exits turn eleven in his 1971 Alfa Romeo GTV.

 

 

Erich Joiner brakes for turn one in his 1972 Porsche Carrera RSR
Erich Joiner brakes for turn one in his 1972 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR
Jim Francies' 1966 Shelby GT350.
Jim Francies’ 1966 Shelby GT350.
Craig Wright heads for the front straight in his 1966 Shelby GT350.
Craig Wright heads for the front straight in his 1966 Shelby GT350.
The unique 1965 Fiberfab Special of Wes Abendroth.
The unique 1965 Fiberfab Special of Wes Abendroth.

Coronado Speed Festival 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Six

 

Jim Migliaccio's 1967 Alfa Romeo Alfa Romeo GTV.
Jim Migliaccio’s 1967 Alfa Romeo Alfa Romeo GTV.
Bob Wass leads the into turn 11, in his 1967 Alfa Romer GTV.
Bob Wass leads the into turn 11, in his 1967 Alfa Romeo GTV.
John Goodman's 1972 Ferrari 312P Special.
John Goodman’s 1972 Ferrari 312P Special.
Erich Joiner's 1972 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR.
Erich Joiner’s 1972 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR.

 

 

John Goodman's 1964 Cobra.
John Goodman’s 1964 Cobra.
Pete Whitehead and his 1964 ISO Rivolta during Friday practice.
Pete Whitehead and his 1964 iso Rivolta during Friday practice.
Hal Monheim leans his 1962 TVR Grantura MK3 out of turn ten.
Hal Monheim leans his 1962 TVR Grantura MK3 out of turn ten.
Martin Lauber points his 1970 Titan MK 6 into the apex of turn ten.
Martin Lauber points his 1970 Titan MK 6 into the apex of turn ten.

Coronado Speed Festival 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Seven

 

Artist Nicolas Hunziker in his 1969 Lotus 51C.
Artist Nicolas Hunziker in his 1969 Lotus 51C.
Steve Thein leads a pack out of turn nine in his 1967 Porsche 910.
Steve Thein leads a pack out of turn nine in his 1967 Porsche 910.
Cal Meeker has his eyes on the mirror of his 1973 Lola T-294.
Cal Meeker has his eyes on the mirror of his 1973 Lola T294.
The 1977 Chevron B36 of Erich Joiner.
The 1977 Chevron B36 of Erich Joiner.

 

 

Alex Curtis' 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL as it brakes into turn six.
Alex Curtis’ 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL as it brakes into turn six.
Tim Brecht lifts the right rear tire of his 1960 Austin Mini Cooper S, as he enters turn six.
Tim Brecht lifts the right rear tire of his 1960 Austin Mini Cooper S as he enters turn six.
Steve Schmidt at speed in his 1965 Mini Marcos MkIII GT.
Steve Schmidt at speed in his 1965 Mini Marcos MkIII GT.
Douglas Avery's 1957 Alfa Romeo
Douglas Avery’s 1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce

Coronado Speed Festival 2013 – Main Photo Gallery (click image for larger picture and description)

 

[nggallery id=615 images=15]

 

 

Coronado Speed Festival 2013 – Race Results

 

Group 1: 1952 – 1959 Sports Racing and Production Cars
1. John Goodman, 1958 Devin SS
2. Al Arciero, 1957 Lister Knobbly
3. Thor Johnson, 1959 Lotus 17

Group 2: 1953 – 1966 Production Cars Under 2000cc
1. Leonard Turnbeau, 1958 Porsche 356A
2. Michael Patlin, 1959 Morgan Plus 4
3. Noel Park, 1958 Chevrolet Corvette

Group 3: 1969 – 1980 Sports Racing and Formula Cars
1. Erich Joiner, 1977 Chevron B36
2. Eddie Lawson, 1978 Osella 782
3. Gray Gregory, 1974 Chevron B24

Group 4: 1962 – 1972 Sports Racing and Formula Cars Under 2000cc
1. Tom Malloy, 1969 Brabham
2. Michael Reischl, 1967 Chevron
3. Martin Lauber, 1970 Titan

Group 5: 1959 – 1966 Production Cars – Disc Brake
1. Edith Arrowsmith, 1970 Porsche 914/6
2. John Mahall, 1962 Lotus Seven
3. Jon Wactor, 1970 Porsche 914/6 GT

Group 6: 1962 – 1966 Production Cars Over 2500cc
1. Michael Malone, 1965 Lotus 26R
2. J. Bittle, 1968 Ford Mustang
3. Mark Cane, 1966 Shelby GT350

Group 7: 1965 – 1988 FIA Manufacturer Championship Cars
1. Robert Ryan, 1968 McLaren M6B
2. Tom Malloy, 1969 Lola T70 Mk3B
3. Ken Davis, 1985 Ford Mustang

Group 8: Historic NASCAR
1. Wes McNay, 1991 Pontiac Grand Prix
2. Ralph Borelli, 1991 Ford Thunderbird
3. Fred Cziska, 1994 Ford Thunderbird

Group 9: 1966 – 1972 Historic 2.5 Liter Trans Am
1. Tim Brecht, 1969 BMW 2002 Trans Am
2. Jon Norman, 1971 Alfa Romeo GTV
3. Craig Hauenstein, 1969 BMW 2002

[Source: Victor Varela]

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14 Comments

  1. What can I say? A nice collection of images, sharp, dense color, well composed, and Vic used the back ground to enhance the cars. Coronado is not one of the more photographic race courses and Vic’s eye for composition really enhances the cars on track. I hope we can see more of Vic’s work.
    By the way, Vic is a graduate of the f8 Motorsports Photography Workshop and just so you know I am an instructor. http://www.f8photoworkshops.com.

    1. I know what I can say…thank you for the kind words, Dennis. I appreciate all the support, guidance and encouragement that you, Llew Kinst and Jeffrey Dahl have given me. My experience through the f8 Motorsports Photography Workshop was the catalyst I needed to pull all my years of experience in photography and my passion for cars and motorsports and really focus my skill and abilities to produce the quality of images that garner the positive comments you have given me here.

  2. What a great event and captured perfectly by Vic. There isn’t an other event in the world like the Speed Festival. In addition to all the great track action wonderful cars and spectacular weather you get to say “thank you” to all the men and women in uniform keeping us safe. From the Thursday car show down town to the awards on the largest ship in the Navy, USS Ragen this is one event you can’t miss.

  4. Victor,
    Nice job – Very good images shot on a track with a difficult background – I like the shot of #26 Corvette dragging the cone! Your time at the f8 Motorsports Photography workshop was well spent! Looking forward to seeing more of your work.

    1. Thank you, Bill. Coronado was a tough place to shoot because of the fact it was an airfield. One thing I have always done is to walk around as much as possible in order to get as many different perspectives when capturing an image. At a place like Coronado, this was a must!

  5. Great Photographs Victor, what a nice mix of cars. I especially enjoyed looking at your photographs of the historic 50 s sportsracing cars. Cars that we don´t see here in Scandinavia / Europe , the Devlin`s etc, and what a beautiful car is that Jaguar special #5 . Congratulations on such an excellent coverage. Cheers from Graham in Sweden…

  6. Hello Victor,
    Thank you for taking a awesome picture of my 1969 Coors Light Corvette, You think its hard to take pictures….hahahaha try racing on that run way surface…its hard on tires and drivers, but what a great place on a active military base…. I race many other events and none of them compare to this great event that is sponsored on by HMSA…just awesome….great pictures keep up the great work.
    Sincerely,
    David Fisher

    1. Maybe we can switch next year, David. You can get behind the viewfinder of my Canon and I can get behind the wheel of your Corvette! 😉
      I agree, The HMSA puts on a great event in Coronado.
      Thanks for the compliment on the images!

      1. Hello Victor,
        Well, Maybe not switch, But if i could i would give you a ride but no passengers seat…in this race car, Keep up the great work and we all look forward to seeing you next year, please stop by the pits and say hello….
        Cheer,
        David