Chaparral, one of the truly great names in American racing history, will be the Featured Marque of the 32nd Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races Presented by Chrysler August 19-21 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The legendary American marque will be part of the event’s overall tribute to the “Great American Specials.”
Hall, along with fellow racer Hap Sharp, started a small racing team in 1962 in Midland, Texas, naming the team Chaparral, the Spanish word for road runner, a common bird in West Texas. They designed, built and tested a series of innovative and powerful racecars on a private two-mile test track behind their garages named Rattlesnake Raceway.
“Jim Hall and his Chaparral cars certainly set the standard in racing during their time,” said Monterey Historics founder, Steve Earle. “And that was around the world, not just in the United States. Their innovative design, preparation and presentation caught the imagination of race fans across the country that grew into a true fan club. They certainly represent the ultimate in American specials.”
“The first cars, known as the Chaparral 1, were designed and built by Troutman and Barnes in California and are now owned by private enthusiasts,” said Earle. The cars designed and built by Chaparral Cars in Midland, known as Chaparral 2s, are now part of the Petroleum Museum in Midland. I am very grateful to them for their support in making this tribute possible.”
Other names such as “The Ardent Alligator,” The BuMerc, ONO, “Old Grey Mare,” Tahis Special, Ol Yeller, and the Baldwin Special achieved their place in motor racing history as did Miller, Kurtis, Edwards, Cunningham, Scarab and Chaparral. The creative talents and the motivation to win of individuals like Max Balchowsky, Roger Barlow, Sterling Edwards, Frank Kurtis, John Fitch, Jack Hagemann, Dick Troutman and Tom Barnes, Ken Miles, Sam and Miles Collier, Briggs Cunningham, Brooks Stevens, Lance Reventlow and Jim Hall, have brought a uniquely American element to the world of motor racing.
Tickets for the 32nd Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races Presented by Chrysler are available by calling 1-800-327-SECA (7322) or logging on to www.laguna-seca.com or ticketmaster.com. For more information on race entries visit www.generalracing.com
