The U.S. Vintage Grand Prix 2010 was held September 10-12th at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York. Sanctioned by SVRA, the U.S. Vintage Grand Prix is one of the largest vintage car races in the country and 2010 was no exception, with a field of more than 400 entrants taking to the 3.4 mile Watkins Glen road circuit. In addition to the featured marque Alfa Romeo, the featured guest for the historic race weekend was Elliott Forbes-Robinson. “EFR” made several appearances throughout the weekend, including autograph sessions and fan forums.
“The fact that we are yet again one the largest vintage racing events in the country, is a testament to the drawing power our historic road course,” said Michael Printup, president of Watkins Glen International. “There is no better place to celebrate the history of racing and the career of Elliot Forbes-Robinson than in this great town of Watkins Glen, and no better time of year than to honor these cars than in the fall in Upstate New York.”
Jimmy Clark was also honored Saturday when he was chosen as the latest addition to the Watkins Glen International “Legends of The Glen.” The former Formula 1 star joins Hurley Haywood in the class of 2010 and is the final inductee into the group this season. Sally Swart, Jim Clark’s long-time girlfriend accepted a hand-blown glass vase made by Vitrix Glass, of Corning, N.Y on behalf of the late racer. Her husband, Ed was competing at the track this weekend in a Lola T163. The couple now reside in Burbank, CA.
“I think he would have been totally amazed that nearly 50 years later he would be so well remembered and honored,” said Swart after receiving the award on his behalf. “Watkins Glen was my first trip to America and Jimmy loved it here. I am honored to be here this weekend.”
Photographer Michael DiPleco documented the racing action from the U.S. Vintage Grand Prix at Watkins Glen. He produced the following 190+ images that show a strong field of Alfa Romeos, as well as the wet conditions that interrupted many races at the Glen.
U.S. Vintage Grand Prix at Watkins Glen 2010 – Results and Photos
Group One Results
1. Harry Gentry – 1962 MG Midget
2. James VanNordstrand – 1968 Zink C4 FV
3. David Durnan – 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider
Group Two Results
1. Dave Handy – 1969 Brabham BT29
2. David Clubine – 1970 Brabham BT30
3. Travis Engen – 1970 Chevron B17b
Group Three Results
1. Dennis Wilson – 1962 Lotus Super 7
2. Mike Besic – 1969 Alfa Romeo Duetto
3. Joe Canella – 1968 Alfa Romeo GTV
Group Four Results
1. Steve Seers – 1958 Echidna
2. Peter Giddings – 1953 Maserati 250F
3. Bill Schwacke – 1955 Chevrolet Corvette
Group Five Results (Qualifying Race)
1. Farrell Preston – 1966 McLaren M1B
2. Dennis Olthoff – 1966/2005 SPF GT40 Mk II
3. Archie Urciuoli – 1965 Lola T70 Spyder
Group Six Results (Qualifying Race)
1. Peter Klutt – 1969 Chevrolet Corvette
2. John Farano – 1971 Chevrolet Corvette
3. Sean Ryan – 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Group Seven Results (Qualifying Race)
1. Travis Engen – 2005 Audi R8 LMP
2. David Nikolas – 1981 March 817 Can-Am
3. Smith/Schoft – 1994 Bennett Mk 2 WSC
Group Eight Results
1. Erik Wood – 1966 Alfa Romeo GTV
2. Michael Unger – 1972 Datsun 240Z
3. Ronnie Randall – 1967 Porsche 911S
Group Nine Results
1. Mark Brannon – 1997 Lola T97/20
2. Shelby Mershon – 1976 Lola T86/20
3. David Porter – 1997 Lola T97/20
Group Ten Results
1. Oliver/Grahame Bryan – 1994 Ford Mustang Trans-Am
2. Todd Sprinkle – 1998 Audi S4
3. Dinah Weisberg – 1998 Ferrari 355 Challenge
New York Governor’s Cup Invitational Race
1. Frank Beck – 1972 Porsche 914/6
2. Farrell Preston – 1966 McLaren M1B
3. Dennis Olthoff – 1966/2005 SPF GT40 Mk II
Pre-War Race Results (Qualifying Race)
1. Peter Giddings – 1931 Alfa Romeo Tipo B P3
2. Jon Shirley – 1934 Alfa Romeo P3
3. Mike Barstow – 1953 MGTD
U.S. Vintage Grand Prix at Watkins Glen 2010 – Photo Gallery (click image for larger picture and description)
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[Source: Watkins Glen, SVRA; photo credit: Michael DiPleco]
Some nice images. Boy to have green grass here in California.
Great pictures – thanks for the captioning. I’m beginning to re-learn some of the cars that I haven’t had to I D since high school.
Great images… but, do you think there are enough of those Pre-War Alphas of Shirley and Giddings?? (I would like to have seen one or two of the Bocar and those very fast Group 4 Devins!
Wonderful photos. I was there. It was a great weekend both in the village and at the track. Thank You!
It was a truely spectacular weekend, starting with the re enactment and running of the origional Grand Prix course through the streets of Watkins Glen. The Tech Inspection at Smalley’s Garage was a super highlight.
It is lovely to see the P3 Alfas racing as they are meant to. I am lucky enough that I was involved with the restorations of both 31 and 12. Many memories of both cars also the 250F Maserati.