During the Fifties and Sixties, one of the most popular sports car racing venues in the West was Palm Springs. The very first race organized by the California Sports Car Club was held there on April 16, 1950. The location had a lot going for it. It is a resort with plenty of hotels and nightlife. And events are unlikely to be rained out even during winter months.
My family has a second home in Palm Springs which, not coincidentally, both John Von Neumann and Vasek Polak also had homes on this same short street. In 1984, the day before Thanksgiving, John and I were visiting Vasek, having a glass or two of wine, reminiscing about the old days. I said, “Why can’t we have vintage races here?” Vasek remarked that he thought it would be impossible. John just said, “Harrumph.” He was never that interested in older cars. His garage always contained the newest Ferrari and Bentley.
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