34th Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races

Blog: Larry Bowman
Saturday, 8/18/07, 2:00pm

I have to say that winning the Toyota Charity auction to race against these guys in the Race of Legends was one of the best things I have done.

That race was FABULOUS! All these famous names in identical Toyota Scion tCs - and me! There is no way to describe it. All I can say is that I was out there dicing with the greats! I bumped someone; I think it was Parnelli… When can you say you did that?

Besides that, what other sport in the world can you get in and compete with the legends, and go toe-to-toe? Only in racecar driving! And only in America!

I thought I'd got as high as third place, but someone just showed me the lap chart, and it was fifth. But hey, I'm going to stick with third for my dinner party stories!

I drew ninth on the grid, so I really didn't have a chance, but you can dream!

I was doing fine, I passed Parnelli at the start - this sounds weird even saying it out loud…! We were in a bunch of cars, and there was some great racing, and action. I'm sure I've learned a few new tricks!

I got t-boned at Turn 2 by (I think) Parnelli on the last lap, and the damage was too bad to continue. But that doesn't matter. From my point of view it was money well spent. Any time money goes to a good cause for children like the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation which I am donating my bid too, this will be something I'll remember for a lifetime.

I really have to thank Toyota for the opportunity, and it's the only race all weekend that we're encouraged to have fun! But the opportunity to participate with these guys that I've watched and read about for years was great.

That really was a day to remember.

Would I do it again at Long Beach? Yes. In a heartbeat - that's if they'll take me. I don't know if Toyota has enough cars fit enough to race right now!