Velocity Invitational: Where Racing’s Past, Present & Future Merge

By Jake Grubb

Soon to be flying its fourth-year green flag, the ever-unique Velocity Invitational will roar to life with over 250 historic racecars spanning eight decades, featuring luminaries of motorsport and providing rare wonders for enthralled visitors. Presenting an automobile race event that blends extraordinary cars, on-track racing, motorsports culture and the epicurean delights of fine wine and cuisine, the Velocity Invitational takes place at the nexus of automobilia’s colorful past, compelling present and unfolding future.

In a hark back to its 2019 inaugural venue at Sonoma Raceway and after two glorious years at the renowned Weathertech Laguna Seca Raceway, the 2023 Velocity Invitational will once again take place at Sonoma Raceway, in the California wine country that defines the event’s founder, Jeff O’Neill. Proprietor of O’Neill Vintners & Distillers and a lifelong automotive participant and devotee, the Velocity Invitational combines O’Neill’s passions and purposes; excellence in fine wine, car collecting and race driving. And he heartily invites all who enthusiastically share these beloved life passions.

Jeff O’Neill has always had a fascination and love affair with racecars, and even as a child hoped to own historic racecars one day. His father’s love for cars inspired him and the young boy had a fondness for racing and vintage cars in particular. In 2007 O’Neill’s dream came true when he bought a 1957 Maserati 250F Formula 1 car. He soon became an active member of the racing and automotive event community and today owns many storied racecars, including a Ford GTLM, a Maserati 350S and Birdcage Maserati. Along the way, O’Neill realized that many events had shifted from high-level motorsports exhibitions to either more static displays or events with non-authentic vehicles. He decided to leverage his passion and expertise to create something that would truly honor and showcase the heritage of these ultra-special cars and the driving experiences that they impart.

In 2019 O’Neill founded the Sonoma Speed Festival, an automobile racing event that showcased the evolution of motorsports technology and ingenuity. It was important to O’Neill that the event be a family-friendly, curated showcase that would combine the best of food, wine and motorsports. His goal was to introduce a new generation of enthusiasts to a hobby that many of us have been involved in for decades. At the inaugural event, O’Neill gathered 220 cars which were all period racing cars with authentic racing history. Today, this tradition continues.

November 10^th-12^th: Start Your Engines!

Velocity Invitational will celebrate its fourth year in 2023 and brings some of the rarest racecars on Earth, including a hand-picked few of the greatest Formula 1 cars ever created. The event offers an upscale atmosphere in beautiful surroundings, with racing focusing on showing these rare historic automobiles in the context of their intended purpose: competing on the track.

Action is electric, with competitions specifically curated to honor classic racing rivalries and spark new ones. The 2023 event at Sonoma Raceway is scheduled to host Velocity Invitational favorites, including competitive vintage group racing, the Mustangs vs. Minis enduro, modern hypercar demonstrations and several well-known racecar drivers in attendance, all in a family-friendly atmosphere featuring the region’s best food and wine.

“Velocity Invitational is thrilled to return to Sonoma Raceway for 2023,” expresses event founder, Jeff O’Neill. “This is the only event in the world that combines the best in food, wine and motorsports at their zeniths. We are gratified by the support and excitement from the community in helping us make this one of the most anticipated events of the year for enthusiasts. 2023 promises to be the best Velocity Invitational yet.”

Featured participant in the 2023 event, McLaren F1 CEO Zak Brown adds, “Velocity is a very special highlight on the motorsport calendar, and for 2023, McLaren will be bringing some of the most spectacular and historic vehicles in the world from our heritage collection to mark our 60^th anniversary. This is not to be missed.”

Last year’s Velocity Invitational took place in October with more than 15,000 people attending the event throughout the extended weekend. A live stream was shared with over 600,000 followers across YouTube (syndicated by Goodwood Road & Racing) and other streaming platforms. Highlights included hundreds of iconic racecars, including some of the most winning McLarens in racing history. Mario Andretti, among the most renowned drivers in the history of motorsports, attended the event where he piloted a 2013 McLaren MP4-28A on the racetrack. Also in attendance were IndyCar star Pato O’Ward, F1 driver Mika Häkkinen and racecar drivers Alister McRae and Tanner Foust.

For 2023, Velocity Invitational will be celebrating 60 Years of McLaren, which will feature iconic McLaren racecars from several decades past and present, along with current McLaren team drivers from IndyCar and Formula 1, including: Pato O’Ward, Alexander Rossi Tony Kanaan and Lando Norris. And last but not least, McLaren CEO Zac Brown will be racing actual McLaren racecars from his personal collection, as a complement to the company’s spectacular vehicles from its heritage car collection which will be on display.

Visitors’ Ticket packages:

A variety of ticket packages and single-day event passes are now available for purchase at  velocityinvitational.com. Every dad deserves tickets to Velocity Invitational and now they’re at the lowest price of the year. Early bird pricing ends July 5, so act now to lock in the best packages. 

Some of the most popular packages include:

● General admission tickets: These tickets include entry and general parking, as well as access to the paddock and Event Plaza.

● Wine Experience: This package offers a full weekend experience, including three-day general admission and access to the Taylor Farms Sip & Savor Pavilion, as well as private access to the world-class producer, Ram’s Gate Winery, a stone’s throw from the track. The Pavilion features live entertainment and tasting booths from local wine, spirit and food vendors. The Wine Experience is intended for guests 21 and older.

● The Suites: Deluxe amenities of this package include indoor and outdoor seating, elevated track views, climate-controlled environment, catered light snacks, bar service and a parking pass to the Lot 2 VIP lot. Does not include Taylor Farms Sip & Savor Pavilion or Driver’s Lounge passes.

● The Driver’s Experience: Guests will enjoy luxury accommodations, including access to food, drink and great views throughout the weekend. This package includes paddock entry, Driver’s Lounge access with amazing views from the Turn 11 Lawn, Taylor Farms Sip & Savor Pavilion access (ages 21 and over only), Closing Celebration access and VIP Parking. 

● The Ultimate: Guests can leave the planning to the Velocity Invitational concierge staff with an all-inclusive package that ensures the finest event experience from start to finish. They will enjoy a stay at one of Sonoma’s premier destination hotels, breakfast for two, scheduled transportation to and from Sonoma Raceway, VIP Experience package for two, paddock entry all weekend, Driver’s Lounge access with amazing views from the Turn 11 Lawn, Taylor Farms Sip & Savor Pavilion access (ages 21 and over only), Closing Celebration access and VIP Parking.

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