In response to the press release issued by SCRAMP on August 16, 2009 regarding the future of the Monterey Historic Automobile Races at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Steve Earle, President of General Racing, Ltd., has issued the following statement:
General Racing, which has created and produced the Monterey Historic Automobile Races® for 36 years, will no longer be doing so. In the future SCRAMP, the Sports Car Racing Association of Monterey Peninsula, will organize a new event.
On September 5, 2008, I was advised that the economic terms for the agreement between General Racing and SCRAMP were no longer commercially viable for SCRAMP. I’m disappointed that we were not able to come to an agreement that would allow our event to remain in Monterey. General Racing will allow SCRAMP a one-time use of the name Monterey Historic Automobile Races® for the 2010 event.
General Racing will continue the tradition of the Monterey Historics at the Wine Country Classic at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., in early June 2010.
We are very proud of all that we have accomplished with the Monterey Historic Automobile Races®, and I truly believe that we have brought something special to the community of Monterey as an event of world renown and the generator of substantial revenue for the local economy and the charities to which SCRAMP contributes.
The purpose of General Racing, Ltd., is and always has been to encourage the restoration, preservation and use of historic, sports and racing cars. General Racing events and races are for the enjoyment of participants and enthusiasts alike.
[Source: General Racing]
SCRAMP strikes again!Looks like a case of Mr. Earle “making too much money”.Now Scramp can keep it all after 2010. Not for profit? You would certainly think that in over 50 years
the contributions to charity would exceed $20,000,000. Sounds like a money grab to me.I assume this was the final year of a contract/agreement so I really don’t understand why Mr. Earle didn’t take his show along with it’s title to Sears Point(excuse me,Infineon)in 2010.
In 1964 I helped a guy push his car out of the intersection of Sunset&Crescent Heights in Hollywood.I had a 64 Pontiac GTO.The car we pushed was a REAL GTO.His name was Steve Earle.Sure wish I would have gotten to know him better.
Thanks Steve (Earle) for years of great events..
yup- Steve Earle should be commended for the great shows we all have seen- I have witnessed 19 Monterey Historical Races, and hopefully will attend a few more, providing the prices of tickets do not take ANOTHER jump…..
Not everyone is on the Steve Earle love train. A number of us see Steve Earle as the Bernie Ecclestone of vintage racing. Monterey was great fun back in the 70’s and 80’s until it got overly commercial. And do not even get me started on the “rules” running the show. A fully original car can be passed over for a “restoration” of a more famous car that is, in reality, only the rim, a few bolts, and maybe an axle of the real thing. Me thinks he overstayed his welcome.
I am happy that Mr. Earle is no longer involved! He gave special treatment to his friends. As participant it was like dealing with Hitler! The parking was a mess and unfair. The rules were bent both directions depending on who you were or weren’t. Could qualify in 3rd and be gridded 12th! You could finish the race in first place and not be the winner. I for one will enjoy never having to be a participant in a General Racing event! Congrats to Chris Vandergrift and everyone at SCRAMP! The Monterey Historics produced some fabulous racing and cars to see, but behind the scene’s was a Steve Earle butt kissing contest! Good bye Mr. Earle, I for one will not miss you!
I agree with what “Big Daddy” says, but even though Monterey turned into a commercial venture from basically a fun event, hasn’t everything else? Auto racing has been more about money than sport for a LONG time…even historic racing.
Fractured racing. IRL in the mid ’90s. FIA GT, the sleekest ever, after ’99, Daytona Prototypes, now a Nor Cal split. What happen to the spectacle?
Anyone who has devoted his mature years as Steve Earle has is to be commended. Thanks Steve, I’m sure it wasn’t easy..I enjoyed watching and participating. mgs