HSR Bobby Rahal Historic Races

August 20-23 - HSR Bobby Rahal Historic Races, Autobahn Country Club, Joliet, Ill. Info: 888-477-5999
www.hsrrace.com

Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Background
"The Cars Are The Stars"

Today, motorsports attracts the largest number of spectators in the sporting world; more than baseball, football and the PGA. Historic racing series such as HSR represent the fastest growing segment of motorsports in the United States and Europe.

In HSR, the cars are the stars, and spectators are treated to prior winners of great events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring, 24 Hours of Le Mans and 24 Hours of Daytona. Events are as educational as they are adrenaline-inducing, as fans are exposed to pieces of history at the track.

HSR events represent fast-paced, wheel-to-wheel racing. To keep competition close, cars are generally grouped according to type and engine size for racing. The HSR features several separate series, which range from the heart-pumping GTP/Group C Series featuring GTP prototypes to the ROLEX Endurance Challenge, which includes historic GT Porsche and Jaguars.

New for 2002 is the Historic GTP/Group C/WSC Series, which will run as a support race for three American Le Mans Series (ALMS) events. Essentially an extension of the ThunderSports Series, these races will provide a great deal of exposure for sponsors and tremendous brand development for the HSR, as ALMS fans represent a strong and enthusiastic demographic.

Perhaps the best part of HSR events is the open feeling experienced by spectators; unlike other series, fans can stroll through the paddock to view the cars and talk with the drivers. Often, racing legends such as Hurley Haywood, John Paul, Jr. and actor/racer Paul Newman are on hand, as well.

As a result of all this, historic racing is coming of age. Major HSR events attract 300 plus entrants and up to 40,000 spectators. Participants and enthusiasts represent an upscale market with large discretionary incomes. Major corporate sponsors such as ROLEX and others are utilizing HSR in their marketing programs.

As a "time machine" of sight and sound, historic racing recaptures an era of motorsports when the cars were simple and the drivers were visible. As modern racing grows ever more dependent on technology and remote from the fans, the appeal of historic racing can only increase.