Locals to participate in Wine Country Classic

Four Carson City residents are scheduled to participate in the Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep Wine Country Classic.

The event for vintage cars will be held May 31-June 2 at Sears Point Raceway. Don Stephan, Dean Watts, Wesley Abendroth and Rich Mason are all scheduled to participate.

Stephan will drive a 1959 Sunbeam Alpine, Watts will drive a 1960 Porsche S90, Abendroth will drive a 1957 Sadler Mkll and Mason will drive a 1964 AC Cobra.

The Wine Country Classic is a celebration of motor cars and the people who build and race them.

"It's an opportunity for the caretakers of these race-proven cars to share them with others," Event organizer Steven Earle said. "The Wine Country Classic is not so much about crossing the finish line first, as it is about safely enjoying what the car was originally intended to do."

The Food and Wine Pavilion will also be available to sample some of the Sonoma Valley's finest wins and gourmet foods.

Admission to the Wine Country Classic is $5 at the gate on Friday and for Saturday and Sunday, $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. A weekend pass is $30 in advance and $35 at the gate.

Advance tickets may be purchased by calling (800) 870-RACE or via the web site at www.searspoint.com.

In addition to the Wine Country Classic, the Sonoma Valley Vintage Race Car Festival will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at the Sonoma Plaza. The annual parade of 30 selected vintage race cars will make their way from Sears Point Raceway to the town square. Guests will also be able to enjoy wines and gourmet food provided by Sonoma Valley restaurants.

Tickets are $30 in advance and proceeds benefit the Valley of the Moon Boys and Girls Club and the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau. For more information, call (707) 996-1090.