Fasten Your Seatbelts and Shift into High Gear for NEW Can't-Miss Events At the 16th Annual Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The roar of magnificent historic engines returns at this year's Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival happening September 21-22 at Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI). Entering its 16th year, the annual "Race at the Base" won't disappoint as NEW and exciting events will be added to the schedule – among them, a tour of United States Navy supercarrier, USS Reagan, a Kid Zone featuring bounce houses and zip lines, the Robby Gordon Sand Sports Super Truck Show, autographs by Honorary Grand Marshal Tony Adamowicz and multi-champion driver Scott Pruett, and one of the main attractions, the SCCA Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup.
Named in honor of President Ronald Reagan and part of Carrier Strike Group Nine, the USS Reagan will be available for tours by crew members. A one-of-its-kind open house, visitors will have the opportunity to view a multitude of current Navy aircraft and vehicles and tour these massive machines. The Navy Open House is FREE to the public and tours run from 10 am – 4 pm each day.
Robby Gordon's high-powered off-road super trucks, which bring the excitement of motor cross on four giant wheels, will roll in this year and put on a show that's sure to make the crowd go wild. Robby Gordon's Sand Sports Super Truck Show will be held Saturday on the track at noon and will feature high jumps, crossovers, whoop sections and much more.
Fleet Week is proud to bring back the Military Pit Crew Challenge which showcases young sailors and/or marines currently stationed on NASNI, its ships or air squadrons. The teams will be timed as they recreate an actual pit stop, which includes jacking up a specially-designed Stock Car, changing all four tires, fueling it and then pushing it out of the box and across the finish line. This is a very fast-paced scenario that will prove to be a fun challenge for our Nation's best. The Military Pit Crew Challenge semi-finals will be held on Saturday, and finals will be Sunday starting at 11:00 am.
Tony Adamowicz's renowned career includes winning the 1968 Trans-Am Championship in the Milestone Racing Porsche 911. Not coincidentally, Coronado Speed Festival is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Porsche 911, designating the car as the event's marque. Adamowicz will be signing autographs at Maynard's Garage Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 pm. Coronado Speed Festival also welcomes Scott Pruett, a race car driver who has won numerous championships in NASCAR, Champ Car, IMSA, Trans-Am and Grand-Am. Pruett will sign autographs at the BMW Ride & Drive, Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.
The 2013 SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup series consists of 11 races held on eight high-profile race weekends and is the entry level of production car-based competition in SCCA Pro Racing. Local MX-5 Cup racer Elliott Skeer, head of the MX-5 championship standings this year, again promises to provide a lot of excitement. The college freshman from San Marcos, CA ended his rookie season in 2012 with 6 podiums and 1 win. Now Elliott will fight for the championship and the next step in the MAZDASPEED ladder in 2013. Skeer competes for CJ Wilson Racing.
Honoring our military men and women, the Coronado Speed Festival is the perfect way for all ages to spend the day or entire weekend enjoying the various attractions and getting a glimpse into the working lives of those who serve our country. Whether it's visiting the Car Club Corral, watching the MX-5 Cup, or taking a tour on the great USS Reagan, there is sure to be something for everyone. This weekend event will also be honoring the 40th Anniversary of the return of the Vietnam POWs. San Diego-area members of that group will be honored during the Opening Ceremonies Sunday.
Military and Kids FREE
Once again, all active duty, active reserve and their direct-dependent military ID-holders will enjoy free admission to this year's event. Active duty military, active reservists and dependent ID-holders will not need tickets and will enter through a specially-designated gate. Admission is free for children 12 and under, both military and non-military. Thanks to our sponsors who have enabled this event to honor our nation's military in this way.
For the public, tickets cost $25 for one day and $35 for both days, in advance and are available at http://coronadospeedfest.com. Tickets will also be available at the venue ($35 one day and $45 for both days).
About Coronado Speed Festival and Fleet Week San Diego
The Coronado Speed Festival is Fleet Week San Diego's preeminent event featuring fast-paced, thrilling auto racing and exhibitions for car enthusiasts of all ages. Staged at one of racings' most distinctive locations – Naval Air Station North Island, the birthplace of Naval Aviation – it's the only place to see live racing on an active U.S. Navy runway. Proceeds for the event benefit the San Diego Fleet Week Foundation and the Navy Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) program.
Find Coronado Speed Festival at our website, http://coronadospeedfest.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coronadospeedfestival or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SpeedFestSD.
About Historic Motor Sports Association (HMSA)
The Coronado Speed Festival is produced and sanctioned by Historic Motor Sports Association (HMSA). Established in 1977, HMSA specializes in race events with historic cars, emphasizing the preservation and proper use of historic race cars. For more information about HMSA, call 818-249-3515 or visit www.hmsausa.com or follow at www.facebook.com/hmsausa and www.twitter.com/hmsausa.
SOURCE Coronado Speed Festival and Fleet Week San Diego
Share this article