Copperstate 1000

On April 3rd, the 32nd Annual Copperstate 1000 took place on yet another glorious Arizona morning. Eighty 1983 and older cars gathered on the outfield of Tempe Diablo Stadium for a close up viewing by hundreds of fans before they were sent off for the first leg of the 4-day thousand mile tour.

Sanctioned by the Men’s Art Council and sponsored by Bell Lexus North Scottsdale, the Copperstate is one of three events MAC puts on every year that benefits the Phoenix Art Museum. Participants registration fee was north of $8200. to run in this year’s tour, which included stops at Elephant Head (south of Tucson), Williams, Sedona, Winslow and places along Route 66. Word on the street is that for a few legs of the tour, accompanying cycle cops “look the other way,” allowing participants to exercise the horses. So fun!! Luxury accommodations and meals are provided, with numerous social events where strong friendships are created. Many participants regard the event as a reunion.

Marques of all sorts were present. Naturally our Porsches had a strong presence. Several 356’s including a ’57 Speedster and 356A, a pair of 911 E’s, a T, an S, an ST, and no less than 4 candy bright Carrera RS’ were peppered throughout the display of American and European makes. Noted others included a 23 window VW bus whose restoration was completed within days of the event, numerous Jaguars and Ferraris, Aston Martins, a Cobra, a Cord and a Karmann Ghia and a particular Shelby GT, which had starting issues from the get go (the complete list is available through the Copperstate 1000 app). Fortunately, MAC provides numerous vintage-specialized mechanics to help, as well as a complement of Lexus back-up vehicles and even professional flatbed carriers for “not-so-willing” cars along the route.

This is an event not to be missed. Typically in early April at Tempe Diablo Stadium, keep it in mind for next year. Our various Porsche Clubs put out announcements, and we try to group our cars in the west parking lot, which in itself is a carshow of sorts, with many Copperstate fans displaying their personal use vehicles. Vendors are available with beverages, food and cheap t-shirts. Despite the faulty audio introduction of participants as they paraded in front of the grandstand during the send-off, it was a perfect spring event.

STORY BY JENNIFER HARRENSTEIN HOTOS BY BRIAN RICHARDSON & JENNIFER HARRENSTEIN