HMSA‘s Historic Formula Atlantic Challenge kicked off track activity Friday morning at the Long Beach Grand Prix with a practice session followed by afternoon qualifying. The field of 18 cars drew a mob of bright-eyed spectators as they staged just outside of their paddock area in the conference center.
Warming up Andrew Wait’s ex-Rahal, ’75 Players FA series 1975 Lola T360. Photo: Nick Lish
Top-qualifier Todd Willing (1974 Chevron B27) noted that it was “a great privilege to be running on such a historic circuit here in Long Beach.” The group now prepares for their first of two races, starting at 4:30 Saturday afternoon.
The business end of Todd Willing’s ex-Trois Rivieres & Jean Pierre Jaussaud Fred Opert 1974 Chevron B27. Photo: Nick Lish
John McKenna paces this group through the fountain complex in his 1978 Ralt RT1. Photo: Nick Lish
Awaiting afternoon qualifying is Travis Engen’s 1976 Ralt RT1 (Left), Bill Fickling’s ex-Patrick DePaillier 1975 March 75B (middle), and Gordon Medenica’s ex-Gilles Villeneuve “Skiroule” 1975 March 75B (right),Photo: Nick Lish
Kyle Buxton through Turn 2 in his ex-RJ Nelkin 1977 March 77B that ran here in period. Photo: Nick Lish
Chris Bender’s ex-Bobby Rahal 1976 March 76B before qualifying. Photo: Nick Lish
Chris will be starting from P5 for Saturday’s race. Photo: Nick Lish
Cal Meeker’s 1978 Ralt RT1 through the fountain complex. Photo: Nick Lish
