History and Happenings at the Classic Motorsports Mitty

This past weekend, Speedfest at the Classic Motorsports Mitty Presented by Hagerty put participants inside an automotive three-ring circus, an event that celebrated horsepower, history and heroics. From HSR-sanctioned historic racing and a skidpad face-off to car corrals and club get-togethers, the Mitty again offered something for nearly every gearhead.

This year’s Mitty celebrated BMW. The manufacturer displayed their historic racers in the infield, while Saturday’s schedule featured a BMW-only race. Our grand marshal, Boris Said, tasted success at places like Sebring, Daytona and the Nürburgring behind the wheel of one of these Ultimate Driving Machines.

Another huge draw was the season premiere of the Masters USA series. Imagine Formula 1 cars once piloted by the likes of Mario Andretti and Sir Jackie Stewart going toe to toe.

This weekend was about more than just spectating. The GT Radial Ride and Drive allowed participants to sample three different GT Radial performance tires on the Road Atlanta test track behind the wheel of a brand-new MINI Cooper S.

The Traqmate Skidpad Challenge required a little more preparation: Participants got to see whose car gripped best. Seventy-one entrants took up the challenge for this inaugural event. The winner? Mason DeJarnett, a 9-year-old driving a Quarter Midget circle track car. He managed to hold an incredible average of 1.89g around the Road Atlanta skidpad.

Love venturing through mountain roads? On Friday, the Coker Tire Tour led participants from the tire maker’s Chattanooga headquarters to the Mitty. Fifty-four cars participated, and yes, we plan on bringing back the event next year.

Those who wanted to take a break from the action and simply dream were able to wander through a packed vendor row full of offerings from Fantasy Garage, Coker Tire, V8 Roadsters and many, many more.

Did you miss out on this great event? There’s always next year! Join us at Road Atlanta for the 2016 Classic Motorsports Mitty next April.

Comments

noddaz GRM+ Memberand Dork
4/27/15 12:09 p.m.

A 9 year old driving a 1/4 Midget car for the win in the Skidpad Challenge? Congratulations to Mason DeJarnett! When will the videos be posted?

Klayfish UltraDork
4/27/15 12:26 p.m.

Yeah. Sure, the car was a ringer wearing what looked like gumballs for tires, but all credit goes to the kid. He knew how to handle that little thing. Incredibly well done by him.

For the rest of us grown ups, it was awesome too. I watched everything from Exocets, Polaris Slingshot, Mazda 5, sand rail, Kia Optima, even a golf cart. It was cool. Yours truly managed 1.15g out of my 'lil 'ol pick 'em up truck, took 2nd in the $2000 Challenge class.

Cotton UltraDork
4/27/15 12:59 p.m.

Where are the pictures and results?

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
4/27/15 1:34 p.m.

Cotton wrote: Where are the pictures and results?

Some photos are here: http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/news/sun-and-smiles-at-the-classic-motorsports-mitty/

Once everyone is back, look for more photos. As soon as HSR posts results, we'll let you know. Today is basically a traveling day.

JThw8 PowerDork
4/27/15 1:54 p.m.

Thanks again to everyone at GRM for a great event!

GPDren Reader
4/27/15 3:28 p.m.

Yes, a big thank you to the GRM staff. This was my seventh year at the Mitty and I've loved it every time.

Congrats to Mason too. He was a cool kid. I was in the staging lane for my third run and he was working his way down the lane, shaking driver's hands and telling us good luck (he probably knew we'd need it).

Cotton UltraDork
4/27/15 3:49 p.m.

David S. Wallens wrote:
Cotton wrote: Where are the pictures and results?
Some photos are here: http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/news/sun-and-smiles-at-the-classic-motorsports-mitty/ Once everyone is back, look for more photos. As soon as HSR posts results, we'll let you know. Today is basically a traveling day.

Looks like a lot of fun. I will try and make it next year.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
4/27/15 4:54 p.m.

Cotton, it is fun. Next year come and join us.

Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
4/27/15 10:30 p.m.

It wasn't noted so much on GRM, but there was a V8 Miata gathering sponsored by Flyin' Miata at the event. We had somewhere around 30 cylindrically enhanced Miatas show up, all gathered around the FM tent close to the racing. Of course, we had quite a few four cylinder variants hanging around as well. They all got out on the track for some touring laps on Friday afternoon, creating a bit of a eye/ear disconnect as what looked like a Miata club did a NASCAR imitation.