One of Tom's favorite events during CAR week, as the locals refer to this week, is the Tour. In past years the tour was about twice the distance as this year and cars completing the tour got points towards the prize. This year the distance was shortened because of fires in the area. It also was 'optional' meaning that points would not be awarded for completing the Tour. Nonetheless, many cars lined up and 'toured'. They are accompanied by police escorts but traffic is not held up and regular cars can find themselves driving alongside these fabulous cars.

The Tour is conducted with two groups.  Tom had scouted out the road where the cars both come and then return.  Here we see the first group (right side) returning and the second group coming by for the first time.  That black car can … — The Tour is conducted with two groups. Tom had scouted out the road where the cars both come and then return. Here we see the first group (right side) returning and the second group coming by for the first time. That black car can only wonder how he got into this crowd!

This is a Delahaye at the starting line.  The French coach builders in the 1930s would accept a chassis from a high manufacturer and custom build a body for a very wealthy customer.  They were the first streamlined cars and other builders … — This is a Delahaye at the starting line. The French coach builders in the 1930s would accept a chassis from a high manufacturer and custom build a body for a very wealthy customer. They were the first streamlined cars and other builders followed their lead. This is one of Tom's favorite cars.

Adding a bit o' color to the line up.  It is another Delahaye.  It is one of the featured marques at this year's Concourse. — Adding a bit o' color to the line up. It is another Delahaye. It is one of the featured marques at this year's Concourse.

A Dusenberg, the biggest, fastest and most expensive car made in the world in the early '30s.  They are so large that the comment, "It's a Doozy" was derived from this car. — A Dusenberg, the biggest, fastest and most expensive car made in the world in the early '30s. They are so large that the comment, "It's a Doozy" was derived from this car.

In line and showing off.  A two passenger Indy 500 race car, another featured class this year. — In line and showing off. A two passenger Indy 500 race car, another featured class this year.

There were crowds along the road where safety permitted people gathering.  These folks waved and smiled. — There were crowds along the road where safety permitted people gathering. These folks waved and smiled.

Deusenberg touring car.  Top of the line! — Deusenberg touring car. Top of the line!

Unknown make but Tom believes it is a Ferrari due to the egg crate grill.

Another Deusenberg touring with the top down.

A 1937 Cord Sedan.  Cord was the first American car with a front wheel drive. — A 1937 Cord Sedan. Cord was the first American car with a front wheel drive.

A Type 57 Bugatti, the most rare and desirable model of the older Bugattis.  The original cost could have been around $10,000 (so much that only kings could afford it. — A Type 57 Bugatti, the most rare and desirable model of the older Bugattis. The original cost could have been around $10,000 (so much that only kings could afford it.

A Deucenburg.  I wonder . . . since it is red if it can go faster? — A Deucenburg. I wonder . . . since it is red if it can go faster?

Tom had to really hustle when they started passing each other coming and going!!

A Delahaye.  This is the standard body from the factor. — A Delahaye. This is the standard body from the factor.

One of Tom's favorite streamlined Delahaye.

Tom is not sure on this one!!  Stumped him! — Tom is not sure on this one!! Stumped him!

This is a car that probably is not part of the Concours d'Elegance!!  It just joined up and drove along with them.  It is a hot rod and does not qualify for this car show.  It is a beautiful example of the Rolling Bones style. — This is a car that probably is not part of the Concours d'Elegance!! It just joined up and drove along with them. It is a hot rod and does not qualify for this car show. It is a beautiful example of the Rolling Bones style.

This is a Delage, a French luxury manufacturer.  Notice the selfie! — This is a Delage, a French luxury manufacturer. Notice the selfie!

The Tour is just one of many events going on all over the Monterey Peninsula. There are auctions at several large resorts. There was a nostalgia race car event at the famed Laguna Seca road race course. Tom needs an assistant to cover all of them!!

I was happy to go back south to Monte Vista to photograph this event with Tom. He needed a car fix! Once we got there I remembered how differently we shoot a 'car' event. I show up to have fun. Tom shows up to WORK it!!! He quickly assesses the scene to determine the cars he wants to shoot. I quickly assess where the food tents are located, where the band will be playing and where the funkiest cars are parked. So, in fairness to fun and seriousness, I have put my photos first to give you a feel of the place. It will be followed by Tom's usual excellent car photography.

I made my way to the starting line for the drag races and then we waited.  And waited!  This is the opening ceremonial car.  I could not imagine what we were waiting for.  What are they looking for? — I made my way to the starting line for the drag races and then we waited. And waited! This is the opening ceremonial car. I could not imagine what we were waiting for. What are they looking for?

Finally, I heard it coming.  We were waiting for a fly-over between the finish line flags!  Very cool looking plane and I have no idea what kind it is. — Finally, I heard it coming. We were waiting for a fly-over between the finish line flags! Very cool looking plane and I have no idea what kind it is.

Then these planes flew over.  There was a lot of excitement in the crowd about how the races were starting. — Then these planes flew over. There was a lot of excitement in the crowd about how the races were starting.

There are two people in that cockpit!  I could see them on the second fly-over. — There are two people in that cockpit! I could see them on the second fly-over.

We are off!  The lovely young lady that waved the start of each race jumped up and down every time!  I thought for sure she would get tired, slow down or have someone else take a turn.  Nope! — We are off! The lovely young lady that waved the start of each race jumped up and down every time! I thought for sure she would get tired, slow down or have someone else take a turn. Nope!

The quarter mile dirt race track is located on a property with an old two screen outdoor movie lot, a motel and restaurant.  This was the opening car returning from its trip down the track. — The quarter mile dirt race track is located on a property with an old two screen outdoor movie lot, a motel and restaurant. This was the opening car returning from its trip down the track.

Next set racing down the track.  It is hard to tell from the start line who finishes first.  There are no lights or times shown at the finish line.  This event is back to the basics. — Next set racing down the track. It is hard to tell from the start line who finishes first. There are no lights or times shown at the finish line. This event is back to the basics.

Haha!  This driver actually manages to spin his tires and create a 'bit o' mud' while the photographers are finally figuring out where the real photo opportunity is! — Haha! This driver actually manages to spin his tires and create a 'bit o' mud' while the photographers are finally figuring out where the real photo opportunity is!

Linda (green helmet) has just yelled out to our flag dancer, "Don't let that other car win!"  Apparently, flag dancer is either ignoring her completely or going over to the other car to take care of the matter!  I could not see who finishe… — Linda (green helmet) has just yelled out to our flag dancer, "Don't let that other car win!" Apparently, flag dancer is either ignoring her completely or going over to the other car to take care of the matter! I could not see who finished first.

After an hour and a half of racing I left the fence along the race track and headed in search of other interesting photographs.  How about this one?  A fixer upper? — After an hour and a half of racing I left the fence along the race track and headed in search of other interesting photographs. How about this one? A fixer upper?

Detail is interesting to me.  Some of it is art! — Detail is interesting to me. Some of it is art!

Would not meet today's standards for safety or comfort!

I was told it really runs, even can race!

Then, there are the scenes that just touch your heart in some way.  This colorful lady with her umbrella looked out of place!  She definitely added some class! — Then, there are the scenes that just touch your heart in some way. This colorful lady with her umbrella looked out of place! She definitely added some class!

She danced in the middle of the green through three songs!

The little girl waited so patiently as her dad struggled to get that tiny strap back in the buckle using his big daddy hands.  I was touched. — The little girl waited so patiently as her dad struggled to get that tiny strap back in the buckle using his big daddy hands. I was touched.

"Yeah, I am having fun!" he said as he drove by.

Off he took after inquiring where the restroom was!  I think he is having fun too. — Off he took after inquiring where the restroom was! I think he is having fun too.

More than dirt, dust and old cars at this event.

Now, it is time for Tom's photos.

Old Sachs motorcycle that caught Tom's eye.

'34 Ford Phaeton.  Pretty gutzy to race down the track in such a nice car. — '34 Ford Phaeton. Pretty gutzy to race down the track in such a nice car.

Going pretty fast to raise that much dust!

This is an 'outlaw' 1932 Ford coupe with extreme chopped top.

#98 is a vintage stock car racer.  The two in front are hand crafted race cars.  They are in the line up to pair off at the start line. — #98 is a vintage stock car racer. The two in front are hand crafted race cars. They are in the line up to pair off at the start line.

Probably the one taken by Tom as I was using him as a leading line.

Hand constructed race car.  The storm eventually moved in over the festivities. — Hand constructed race car. The storm eventually moved in over the festivities.

#31 Model A roadster and behind it is a '32 roadster.

1936 Custom Ford.  He is really taking off at the finish line. — 1936 Custom Ford. He is really taking off at the finish line.

Whew! If you have made it this far you have spent a full day with us!! All you are missing is the almost 2 hour ride home through Cochetopa Pass and Canyon along with some great rain.

Concours Tour

Monte Vista Dirt Drags

Index