Photos: Vintage racers blast downtown for Monterey Car Week Kickoff

Prior to last weekend's Pre-Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca,  vintage racers from a variety of run groups roared from the track to Alvarado Street for the annual Car Week Kickoff in Downtown Monterey.

California Highway Patrol cleared the roads for the parade into town where spectators flocked to celebrate the start of this unique week on the Monterey Peninsula. The event not only marks the beginning of car week, but also highlights the motorsport aspects prevalent throughout.

Local radio station KMBY was jamming music throughout the two-hour show and raffles were held giving away passes to Rolex Reunion and other prizes.

Former Vintage Motorsport owner/publisher Mike Silverman asked if I would like to ride along in his '59 Echidna Sports Racer to which I quickly replied, "Yes, please!" Certainly grateful for the opportunity... and the unique vantage point.

Chip Fudge is more than ready for the festivities in his recently-acquired '63 Ol' Yaller Mark IX.

Insert "You know how fast you were going?" joke here.

Down the perimeter road and out the track.

One can imagine this was quite a sight for Friday afternoon commuters on Highway 68.

More than a few family photo opportunities. This one thanks to Gay Bentley's '66 Chevrolet Corvette.

The tired pup's vantage point of Dave Hagan's '67 Porsche 910 is quite pleasant.

Saint Nick made a welcome appearance because... why not?

Greg Powell fires up the '58 Morgan Plus 4 and prepares for the journey back to the track.

Back to WRLS and ready for six days of on-track action in the next week.