RALLY RACING

On a warm spring evening in May, the Museum held a festive party to celebrate the annual exhibit opening. This year the reception was in honor of the exhibition “STREET | RALLY | RACE.” Rally racing is a tradition that dates back to 1894 in France. This exhibition explores its rich history. Attendees viewed rally cars such as the 1949 62 Series Cadillac that traversed the 9,000-mile Peking to Paris rally race. There was an HP2 Enduro rally motorcycle and a Rosso Corsa Ferrari team racing suit and gloves. Presented in a dynamic format with video and objects, a mini exhibition focused on some of the first female race car drivers and their scintillating history.

Attendees expressed their surprise at seeing the 1901 Winton moved upstairs. This car, designed by Alexander Winton, set a world track speed record, averaging around 38 miles per hour. One attendee mentioned, “What a sight to see one of the first race cars alongside the rally cars.”

An eclectic mix of food and drink was served including delicious sushi rolls, tasty Beef Wellington, and a signature cocktail. The weather was warm, and the excitement of spring and a new exhibition was in the air. Museum guests mingled, happy to be together. Longtime members were glad to see that once again the Museum has refreshed and reinvented itself with a dynamic interpretation of rally racing. a number of driving circuits: teen defensive driving, snow driving, manufacturers renting out track in a neutral area,” Irvine continues, “It’s a safe area where people can push their cars in ways that they can’t on streets legally.”

The atmosphere was lively and one member, who had driven all the way from Connecticut, commented, “I’ve been coming for a long time, and this is one of the most colorful exhibitions I have seen.” Indeed, rally racing lends itself to an exploration of color and pattern: With many of the cars outfitted in traditional European livery, there is so much to see and learn.

The AutoX event took place on the Proving Grounds, and it followed the format of autocross. Among the participants was Larz Anderson board Vice President Bill Keeney. Bill explained, “Candidly, I didn’t know what to expect, and so because of that, there’s that fear of the unknown. Between the track staff, who were three pros, professional drivers, it set the whole thing at ease.” Participants started with 45 minutes of Autocross 101 basics. “We went through the phases: enter turn, apex, exit turn,” Keeney continued. “That helped center my mind and allowed for an amazing day.” The morning was set aside for general lapping and education, while the afternoon allowed for timed laps against other participants. “I had no idea how fun it was going to be,” Keeney exclaimed. “It’s a very safe way to get a chance to flex some competitive muscles.”