“I approached the SVRA’s Tony Parella in 2015 with an idea, promising him a number of pre-war cars in exchange for waiving the entry fee. We also changed from “race” to “exhibition” — the fans don’t know the difference, and we can race in period-correct clothing including old leather helmets. [NOTE: Modern helmets were required at Laguna Seca.]
Tom Malloy getting a push back into the RR paddock in his 1908 Locomobile Model “I”. Photo: Nick Lish“We’ve grown slowly, from half a dozen cars at Sonoma, Coronado and Indy in 2015 to 17-18 cars here this weekend.”

Blain is looking ahead to the next biggest area of concern beyond the ongoing search for cars in running condition: Transportation.

“We’d like to find a sponsor to step in and help with transportation as the group keeps expanding. I brought five cars in the big trailer, and we have a second trailer for the garage diorama; sponsorship of some sort would be a huge help to all the other guys.”
Photo: Nick LishThe Ragtime Racers had and will continue to have no problem drawing a crowd, their presence a hugely impactful addition to the vintage racing crown jewel Rolex Reunion.