11 replies to this topic

[HistoricMustang]

Modern day it is more than likely the Motorcoach but history tells us that certain venues were officially or unofficially "Race Headquarters". Great stories from these "places" and realizing that my exposure is limited, thought that a place just a fews miles from my home could kick off this topic since "search" proved that very little had been discussed. I especially would like to discover those out of the way places and social times before and after the big events.

This could prove very interesting as stories abound about Watkins Glen, Sebring and even out of the way Summit Point as I experienced the "Historic" sport of automobile racing. The world stage should be impressive.

Please put up information that may be in your files or your memories.

Henry

[HistoricMustang]

Still believe this could be an interesting thread with good photos. Thinking tonite about a place visited while doing a historic race:

http://www.senecalodge.com/

Any comments or stories from the bar at the Seneca Lodge?

Henry

[HistoricMustang]

This is another done with fun:

http://www.kenlodge.com/

I remember most the shower heads being on the wall in the middle of the washing area. the stair case was also impressive.

Henry

[Ray Bell]

I guess you could say that Bathurst was primitive in the late forties and early fifties...



See it all there in the background? Over top of the 'sound van', past the lady who sold the chips and the man looking over the Day Special, just past the rag top on Ken Tubman's Jeep.

[HistoricMustang]

Bare with me gentlemen.

I still believe there are stories and photogrpahs on these places away from the track!

Get the shoe boxes out.

Henry

[antonvrs]

For most, if not all, of the races that I attended at Riverside Raceway from the late '50s to mid '80s, the "Race Headquarters" was always the "Historic Mission Inn" in downtown Riverside.
<www.missioninn.com>
Beginning as an adobe built in the late 1800s, it had it's ups and downs, and numerous owners, surviving today as a large and luxurious resort hotel around the core of the old adobe. Many a good party was held there over the years and the list of attendees would make a Who's Who of racing drivers, owners and journalists from around the world.
Anton
Scrutineer at F1, CanAm, Cal Club and other events at Riverside Raceway.

[HistoricMustang]

Can a member identify the location of this hotel? Perhaps not a host hotel but it does have a racing flair.

Henry

[Bjorn Kjer]

Could be near SPA Franchorchamps in Belgium ?

[RDV]

As you come down the hill towards the hairpin, when going to the pits, its on the right, and usually with a lot of "frites" and beer stands around it....

[brooster51]

http://www.francorch...acing-hotel.be/

Hmmmm! Does look like fun.

This looks like it could be a really fun thread . . . waiting for the Nurburgring . . . and Monza . . . Clermont-Ferrand . . . Rouen-les-Essarts . . . Pau . . .

[john ruston]

Racing Hotel About 400 meters from La Source.
Remember seeing Honda Team using it as race prep shop in 65 with cars being driven to circuit.
Its a bit run down these days but bar stays open longer than any other Franchorchamps bar

[Frank S]

Originally posted by antonvrs
For most, if not all, of the races that I attended at Riverside Raceway from the late '50s to mid '80s, the "Race Headquarters" was always the "Historic Mission Inn" in downtown Riverside.
<www.missioninn.com>
Beginning as an adobe built in the late 1800s, it had it's ups and downs, and numerous owners, surviving today as a large and luxurious resort hotel around the core of the old adobe. Many a good party was held there over the years and the list of attendees would make a Who's Who of racing drivers, owners and journalists from around the world.
Anton
Scrutineer at F1, CanAm, Cal Club and other events at Riverside Raceway.

The Mission Inn was and is worth a visit on its own merits. The 'secret hallways' are as creepy an experience as you can have in a high-tone establishment.

It may have been the 'Headquarters', but I attended at least two Official Workers' parties at a closer-to-the-track hotel, maybe a Ramada Inn? A Saturday before a CanAm, another either Friday or Saturday of the F1 race weekend. Each time the center of attention was a certain advocate of dancing-ability as an indicator of driving-talent. Young Stirling Moss and his ravishing partner chatted animatedly as they whirled and tripped the light fantastic, immune to all the hidden stares and open-mouthed ogling. I somehow found myself telling Phil Hill how my spectacles came to be put (back) together with safety-wire. (Recalcitrant Miscreant Syndrome)

--
Frank S
Hadn't thought of that in 30+ years
(Swiss-cheese Memory Syndrome)