The prewar hospitality tent was graciously managed by Donna Dell'Ario, Kathy Tollworthy, and ad hoc volunteers who really made everyone feel welcome and encouraged prewar camaraderie. The tent attracted not just the prewar spectators but many enthusiasts there for the day who just dropped in to enjoy the sounds and odors of prewar cars.

Saturday morning practice began at 9 with the burbling and popping of vintage exhausts. Not all continued well, as Al Moss headed down the finishing straight and the right king pin sheared on his '34 trike. Al avoided collision, coasted to a wobbly stop, but was out of action for the weekend. He continued as spectator, keeping his Morgan on display while adding his support to the efforts of the other racers. That's the spirit! Some racers might have loaded up their cars and left for home.

Another hardy prewar driver, Dale Barry, tinkered and tweaked his '34 Morgan trike which was suffering distributor problems and a persistent gearbox leak. He worked most of Saturday on the problems but was ready to race on Sunday and burned up the track. Well, for a Morgan three wheeler that is.

One of the big hits of the prewar group was the 1926 chain gang Frazer Nash. It was the first vintage race outing for this car in a number of years and many of us had not seen the five chain drive configuration up close. A true delight!

Following lunch and track tours, the prewar vehicles took to the track to establish a qualifying position for Sunday's race. The weather continued warm and dry. Most of the group seemed to perform well but were no match for Peter Gidding's fast Bugatti or Joe Harding's V12 Lagonda which lapped the pack at least once. The slower vehicles had their own "race within a race" and loved the 3 mile track which challenges but doesn't overtax prewar vehicles.

The traditional Saturday night track BBQ was well attended and the consensus held that the food was superior to last year. The meal was followed by entertainment which lasted well into the night.

Sunday opened with an 8:30 warm-up and a scheduled 11:30 race, which actually took place closer to 12-noon. After one pace lap, everyone raced off as the green flag dropped. The standard joke among the prewar group is that track officials use an hour glass or a sundial to time our laps. Don't you believe it! A couple of Morgan trikes were turning laps in the 3:10 range. Fred Huddleston was blazing as long as he was on the track and Brian Blain even passed someone. All in good fun. There was enough track and competition for all the drivers to enjoy themselves. VARA gave a bonus to all the participants by awarding each a checkered flag as they finished the race. Hurrah for prewar!

With 214 vehicles entered in 7 groups, a British Concours, track tours, good fellowship, making new friends, and some fun track parties, the weekend lived up to its name - Extravaganza!

All we needed were more prewar cars sharing the fun. Even if one races at less than freeway speeds, exhibiting racing history while enjoying the uncrowded track conditions provides a thrill for both spectators and drivers. VARA and Moss Motors do a terrific job with this event but we need increased participation to ensure the continuation of a prewar group race. Chains, sprockets, spindly wheels and prewar cars. Bring them out. Show them off. We love 'em. Thanks to Donna Dell'Ario and Dale Barry for contributing to this article.