The Green Flag WILL be Dropping for the Coronado Speed Festival 2013

SAN DIEGO, June 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The hottest tickets in town to the hottest races in town – the 16^th annual Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival – are on sale now at www.coronadospeedfest.com.  Come out to Naval Air Station North Island for vintage auto racing at its finest featuring Trans-AM, Porsche and historic NASCAR, September 21-22.  The festival is one of San Diego's most successful fundraisers for the military and offers a variety of pulse-quickening events.

The outstanding array of attractions at the "Race At the Base" can't be beat for an exciting way to spend a day or an entire weekend that's fun for all ages.  Plus, back for its second year, Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival is pleased to be an official event on the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup circuit.

Marquee Attractions

50^th Anniversary of Porsche 911 – For five decades, the 911 has been the heart of the Porsche brand. It has been inspiring car enthusiasts the world over since its debut and Coronado Speed Festival will celebrate it with over 200 Porsches from the Porsche Club of San Diego on display in the Car Club Corral and an honorary parade lap.

Mazda MX-5 Cup – The 2013 MX-5 Cup series will consist of 11 races held on eight high-profile race weekends and is the entry level of production car-based competition in SCCA Pro Racing.

5^th Annual Car Procession – don't miss 40 hand-selected race cars proceed off Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) through the streets of Coronado on Thursday, September 19, beginning at 3:30 pm.  These cars – all of which will be racing over the course of the weekend – will travel down Orange Avenue then park at the Rotary Plaza at Isabella Avenue for closer inspection.  This event is free!  After gazing at these racing beauties, do a little sight-seeing, shopping and dining in one of Southern California's most charming tourist destinations.

Ride & Drive – Would-be racers test drive high-performance vehicles from three of the auto industry's leading manufacturers: Chevrolet, BMW and VW.  Drivers ages 18 and older are accompanied by trained product specialists who point out vehicle features and answer questions as you get the feel of their top-of-the-line cars.

Driven2Dare Military Tribute Safety Tour – featuring vintage semi-trucks from the American Truck Historical Society.

Car Show Showdown – See Southern California's finest examples of muscle cars, hotrods and sports cars battle it out for Best in Show. Who will it be: Chevy, Ford or Mopar? Or will we have a European or Japanese champion? Come visit the 8^th Annual Car Show in the Car Club Corral to find out.

Stock Car Race Series Military Pit Crew Challenge – BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! 16 Navy command teams will race against each other in a full pit stop (tire change, fuel) relay to the finish.

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.  Tickets will also be available at the venue ($35 one day and $45 for both days).

Naval Air Station North Island Open House
Each year, Naval Air Station North Island is the gracious host to this wonderful event.  This is the only Navy Open House on the West Coast. Naval Base Coronado is home to over 20,000 active duty military and over 4,000 civilian employees. The general public only gets a glimpse of the daily activities happening at the base. This is San Diego's opportunity to interact with the young men and women who defend our freedom. Climb aboard and tour an active Navy ship berthed at NASNI, visit command displays, watch flyovers and see military vehicles in action.

Military Displays
A multitude of current Navy helicopters, special boats and hovercraft, will be on display at the entrance of the event, with pilots eager to answer questions, show you, and allow access into the craft. This is a perfect opportunity to take pictures and ask questions.

Garage Tours
One of the Coronado Speed Festival's most unique attractions is the Garage Tours.  Unlike most racing events, visitors are encouraged to freely explore the garage area, inspect the cars and talk with owners and drivers of these fascinating vehicles.

Learn about the history of these magnificent cars straight from the pros that drive and maintain them. Witness first hand mechanics prepping the classic machines for racing on the 1.7 mile track.

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 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 2013