The 2016 edition of the Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival organized by the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association working with Steve Earle’s General Racing, took place on the 2.890-mile road course of Sonoma Raceway last weekend, with nearly 400 vintage racecars taking part, some dating back a full century.
As the SVRA maintains that “finishing positions are not a component of this event,” a number of presentation awards were given out, with top honors going to the two Sonoma Historic Trophy winners, Nathaniel Green for his 1925 Bugatti T35 in the Pre-1940 Category, and Robert Engberg for his 1957 Elva MK IIB in the Post-1940 Category.
A baker’s dozen of Sonoma Historic Awards were also distributed for “Presentation and Performance in Race Group” to:
Group 1 – Brian Blain – 1916 Sturtivant-Auburn Racer
Group 2 – Don Tevini – 1959 Devin D Porsche
Group 3 – Paul Christensen – 1956 Porsche 356A
Group 4 – Karen Barry – 1960 MBC-Huffaker F-Jr.
Group 5 – Linda Mountanos – 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle
Group 6 – Michael Doyle – 1961 Jaguar E-Type
Group 7 – Martin Lauber – 1969 Chevron B16
Group 8 – Ron Horning – 1971 Brabham BT35
Group 9 – Ed Matsuishi – 1965 Porsche 911
Group 10 – Drew Alcazar – 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Group 11 – Emmett Murphy – 1972 McLaren M8F
Group 12 – Steve Walker – 1973 BMW CSL
Group 13 – Chris Liedenberg – 1991 Ford Mustang
However, the action on the track did yield 1st-place finishers in each race group, who are listed below. For complete information, please visit www.svra.com
Group 1 – Paddins Dowling – 1932 ERA R2A
Group 2 – Cameron Healy – 1953 Cooper-Porsche “Pooper”
Group 3 – Paul Quackenbush – 1963 Lotus S7
Group 4 – Art Hebert – 1963 Lola Mk5A
Group 5 – Jim Hague – 1972 Ford Gran Torino
Group 6 – Ken Sutherland – 1968 Ford Mustang 427
Group 7 – Martin Lauber – 1969 Chevron B16
Group 8 – Randall Smith – 1969 Brabham BT29
Group 9 – Fred Della Noce – 1964 Ginetta G12
Group 10 – Ken Epsman – 1971 AMC Javelin
Group 11 – Scott Drnek – 1970 Sting GW1
Group 12 – John Hildebrand – 1978 Chevrolet Camaro
Group 13 – Chris Liebenberg – 1991 Ford Mustang