If Goodwood had been born in California and embraced the luxurious lifestyle of Monterey Car Week, it would look a lot like Velocity Invitational.
Velocity Invitational brings a modern, California flair to the world of historic motorsport, blending performance with luxury and lifestyle experiences. Over 300 of the world’s most valuable cars, race-focused or otherwise, took over Sonoma Raceway recently for what is likely America’s most ambitious automotive event.
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It’s difficult to put into words the sensory overload that stems from the mixture of roaring engines, race fuel, and burning rubber all in one place. The roar of those fierce, purpose-built machines fighting for a podium finish resonates through the parking lots, beckoning you closer to witness their incredible performances up close.
An automotive enthusiast’s paradise within the paddocks at Sonoma Raceway
The second you step through those gates, you’re welcomed into an automotive enthusiast’s mecca, a one-stop shop for everything mankind has ever made possible on four wheels.
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Are you a fan of vintage racing? You’ll find everything here, from classic BRE Datsuns to Ferrari GTOs and Ford GT40s.
Prefer modern motorsports? Check out the F1 cars alongside an impressive lineup of Porsche GT2 and GT3 racers.
Not that into racing? You can always grab a glass of wine and admire the stunning engineering of exotic cars. Just across from the pits, you’ll find a breathtaking display of McLarens, Porsches, and the awe-inspiring Apollo Intensa Emozione, which feels more like a jet than a car.
Prefer getting dusty? Velocity has you covered there too
The team at Velocity Invitational also invited the dirt devils from DirtFish Rally School to tear up the off-road track set up behind the raceway. For an extra price, attendees could don a helmet and pretend to be Colin McRae for a few laps. I was fortunate enough to get a ride-along in their 1968 Ford Escort Mark I, and it was an experience that surpasses anything I’ve ever done on pavement.
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A fusion of Gymkhana action, Chicano culture, and lifestyle workshops
If burning rubber is more your cup of tea, professional drifters like Travis Pastrana were thrilled to give the crowd a Gymkhana-like experience. For those curious about the importance of tire company partnerships, ride-alongs were available to offer an up-close lesson in the art of controlled chaos.
This year’s event took on an extra twist with the participation of the Impalas Car Club. A row of meticulously maintained and modified lowriders found their home below the bleachers, inviting onlookers to experience a taste of California’s Chicano culture. If you have yet to see a lowrider in person, they are nothing short of eye candy. The hand-painted pinstriping, airbrushed designs, and painstaking engraving on every inch of chrome are nothing short of museum-worthy art. There’s a reason the Petersen Museum displays the Gypsy Rose in its collection.
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A handful of lifestyle events like a driving simulator, panel discussions, and a cooking demo from Food Network star Tyler Florence rounded out the roster for those looking to take a break from the frenzy of the blacktop.
Final thoughts
Velocity Invitational truly stands in a class of its own. No other event packs this much automotive excitement into one location. While Monterey Car Week attracts enthusiasts eager to admire the most extravagant cars on display, Velocity is the place to witness those incredible machines in action, doing what they were built to do. Regardless of where your automotive passion lies, you’ll find your niche within the paddocks of Sonoma Raceway.
About the author
Gabriel Ionica
Senior Editor, Autoblog