Vintage cars, including Old Yeller II, will race July 2-4 at Pacific Raceways in Kent.
Old Yeller II is considered a must-see car by organizers of the 33rd annual Pacific Northwest Historics races that help raise money for Seattle Children’s. The car is yellow and named after the 1957 Disney movie “Old Yeller.”
The 1959 Old Yeller II Buick Special will race with driver/owner Ernie Nagamatsu. This car has raced over 60 years. It has many track records and been raced by some of the great legions, Dan Gurney, Carroll Shelby, Bob Bondurant, Bill Krause, Paul O’Shea, Bobby Drake and Max Balchowsky. Car fabricator Jimmy Shine will accompany Nagamatsu and Old Yeller II, which has been featured on Jay Leno’s Garage show.
The races are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 2-4 at Pacific Raceways, 31001 144th Ave. SE. Gates open at 8:30 a.m.
Ticket prices (three-day pass) are $25 for adults, $5 for children ages 7-16 and children 6 years and younger get in for free. Prices for seniors (ages 65-99) are $15, centenarians are free and military with identification is $10.
Tickets may be purchased online or at the track ticket booth. Track policy for wearing masks follows whatever the state has published to date.
The Pacific Northwest Historics features many of the world’s rarest and most beautiful pre-1985 race cars. The featured marque for the 2021 is celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Jaguar E-type race cars.
Other favorite marques include, BMW, Mustangs, Camaros, Porsches, Alfa Romeos and Ferrari. Some less recognizable names like Marcos, Devin, and Piper may also be racing. Most are in mint condition through extensive restoration, and many attain straightaway speeds in excess of 150 mph.
Competitors come from all over the West Coast and Canada. The wheel to-wheel competition runs on the challenging 2.25-mile Pacific Raceways road course that includes 10 turns, a 300-foot elevation drop, and a nearly ¾ mile straightaway. The infield offers unparalleled access to spectators.
Fans on Friday and Saturday, July 2-3 can attend a swap meet in the infield of the track with vendors featuring car parts and unique memorabilia.
An additional 250-plus vintage and collector cars from local car clubs will be on display in the car corral throughout the weekend.
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