HMSA Car Show to feature the Chaparral 2E

When you’re lucky, you know when you are watching history being made. In 1966, when the Chaparral 2E made its way through the Can-Am series of events, everyone knew they were witnessing a change in how cars were designed to race around North America and beyond. 

The car that helped usher in a new era of aerodynamics to win, the 1966 Chaparral 2E, will be on display at the Historic Motor Sports Association’s (HMSA), Cars at The Mission event, on Feb. 22. 

The car show will be held at the historic The Mission Inn in Riverside, Calif., and is part of the weekend event that kicks off with an exquisite dining experience, The Night of Racing Legends Dinner, presented by Mission Foods, on Feb. 21. Tickets are now available for the dinner, but admission to the car show is free. 

“The Chaparral was an incredible car that was just ahead of its time with the technology it brought on to the racetrack,” HMSA President, Cris Vandagriff, said. “I remember how in awe I was just looking at this car. It was like an airplane on the track and it just transformed the way cars were designed and prepared to race. 

“We are celebrating the 60th anniversary of Can-Am racing sponsored by Mission Foods. The celebration wouldn’t be complete without such an important part of motorsports history. The Chaparral changed so much in every racing series, it will be a delight to see that car on display next month.”

The Chaparral will join other iconic machines in the 60th Anniversary celebration of Can-Am as well as some of the drivers and crew members that helped make that season so special.

“The Chaparral, with its massive rear wing, introduced a more intense emphasis on aerodynamics and the rules eventually changed because of that car,” Vandagriff said. “The car was too good and everyone in motor sports paid attention. I can’t wait to see that car again.”