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Dan Gurney's Historic 1961 Chevrolet Impala To Serve As Pace Car At Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Dan Gurney, an American racing legend, made a memorable entry into the British Saloon Car Championship at Silverstone in 1961. He drove a slightly modified Chevy Impala against smaller cars. Now, 63 years later, his son Justin Gurney will drive this same car as the pace car for the Dan Gurney Saloon Car Trophy race at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.
Justin Gurney expressed excitement about showcasing the historic Impala at Laguna Seca. "I’m not going to race the car, but to participate as the pace car in the Dan Gurney Saloon Car Trophy races is going to be both exciting and sentimental," he said. The car's deep guttural engine sound is expected to draw attention during the event.
The Impala faced challenges after its initial race when it was banned before a second appearance due to a broken wheel. Dan Gurney sold it immediately after realizing he couldn't contest the decision. Despite this setback, Justin cherishes memories of his father’s connection with the car.
The original 409 engine of the Impala was lost but later found inside a boat. When Justin decided to purchase the car, he discovered this engine had matching numbers. The vehicle arrived in Los Angeles after traveling through several countries, including Scotland and Canada.
Upon receiving the Impala, Justin experienced an emotional moment sitting behind its steering wheel. "It even has the original AM radio that dad kept intact," he noted, though acknowledging that its loudness makes listening impossible.
A Family Tribute
Bruce Canepa, chair of the Rolex Reunion Advisory Council, expressed enthusiasm about Justin's participation. "We are thrilled to invite Justin to the Rolex Reunion and have him bring this historic Impala that meant so much to his dad," Canepa stated. The event promises memorable experiences for attendees.
Canepa also encouraged Justin to take his mother Evi for a ride during pace laps at Laguna Seca. "I can’t think of a better tribute to Dan than to have Evi riding shotgun with Justin in one of Dan’s favorite cars," Canepa added.
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will feature over 400 historic race cars competing alongside celebrations like Formula 1®'s 75th Anniversary and IROC series returns. Tickets and packages are available online or by contacting WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca directly.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is renowned for hosting top-tier racing events amidst scenic hills in Monterey, California. Managed by Friends of Laguna Seca, it offers thrilling experiences with challenging turns like the famous Corkscrew.
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