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I’ve often said that automotive enthusiasts should be open to appreciating all kinds of cars and builds. Am I saying I’ve never broken that rule? Of course not. But this is more of a “do as I say, no as I do” kind of lesson.

Regardless, the point is that I’ve never been head over heels about race cars. I tend to value aesthetics over performance and the purpose-built nature of race cars sometimes foregoes pleasing looks for excessive aero or other forms of performance-enhancing additions.

Which is precisely why my girlfriend and I made the counterintuitive decision of attending Velocity Invitational.

Hosted at the famous Sonoma Raceway and partly managed by my good friend Ali, Velocity Invitational is a gathering of some of the most important, fascinating, and mind-blowing speed machines dating back to the early 1900s.

One of the most captivating aspects of Velocity Invitational is the juxtaposition of classic and modern vehicles. As cliché as the phrase may be, there truly was a little something for everyone. The rows of vintage cars stood proudly alongside cutting-edge machines, each with its own pedigree and battle scars serving as a memento of past victories and losses.

The moment you set foot into the pits, the resonating roar of powerful engines engulfs your senses. It was a cacophony of horsepower and adrenaline, a harmonious blend of combustion echoing through the air. The anticipation of witnessing these mechanical beasts in action sent shivers down my spine.

Step a few feet from the pits and the blistering gravel of the track beckons you closer to witness these vintage machines battle it out for much-desired spot on the podium. The all-too familiar dance of changing positions turned the race track into a stage, with each car a performer in a high-stakes drama that unfolded before our eyes.

More of a concours type of person? Just adjacent to the Sonoma Raceway Suites was a sprawling lawn adorned with some of the finest automotive eye candy, culinary delights for our body’s garage, and all the merchandise your wallet (and trunk) can handle. Yours truly also had the privilege of partaking in the “Sip & Savor” package which gave me the opportunity to enjoy the thunderous sounds of roaring cylinders in the company of gourmet food and plenty of the region’s finest wines. I can hardly think of better ways to spend an afternoon.

Stepping out through the gates and walking towards the media lot, the echoes of the engines gradually faded away, leaving us with a lingering sense of yearning. How often does one get to not only see cars like a Ferrari 250 GTO but also witness them unleash their power and fulfill their intended purpose? Events like Velocity Invitational seem like once-in-a-lifetime endeavors that would be foolish to miss. Sure, it’s a yearly event and in theory, you could attend it next year too but…what if you can’t? I’m glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and made the hour-long drive. In hindsight, it seems like a no-brainer, but in the moment, I was unsure if I would end up liking it.

I’m happy to report that we both loved it and will continue to do so with every opportunity we’re given. A heartfelt thanks to Ali and the entire team for making it an unforgettable event. We love y’all ❤