“From tiny acorns” the old platitude begins, and so was the Classic Sports Racing Group’s first “Charity Challenge” the seed of an idea which, 18 years later, has become a fixture on the West Coast vintage racing calendar and a charitable event that is more than halfway to its original goal of $2M raised for a local charity.

The Charity Challenge draw is, of course, the opportunity for generous folks in the paddock crowd to enjoy laps of Sonoma Raceway in the “riding mechanic” seat of members vintage machines. As many as 60 member/drivers offer up track time and their chauffeur skills in their precious race cars. Over time, the charity ride donations have raised more than $1.1 million for the Sonoma (Calif.) Chapter of the Speedway Children’s Charities.

This year’s 19th annual Challenge is scheduled for Sept. 30-Oct. 2, and entries are now open (to enter, click HERE). The event will include all the usual CSRG race groups, with vintage and historic race cars dating from the 1930s to the 1990s competing in nine race groups,

Note that there is no sound limit for this weekend. All CSRG-compliant cars are welcome, as are all drivers with current VMC-member-organization Medical Cards.

In addition to the lunchtime charity rides, this year’s event will spotlight the MG marque, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the MGB, a long-time staple of SCCA E Production club racing which remains one of the most popular British sports cars on the vintage scene.

The Sonoma Raceway weekend will also feature rounds of the small sedan Morton Cup and Formula Ford Crossflow Cup, an optional full day on Friday, the return of CSRG’s traditional Saturday night dinner, driver gifts and much more.

As of early July, spectators will be allowed. However, at the time of the event, CSRG must follow then-current COVID restrictions imposed by Sonoma Raceway and local government. Likewise, the usual Saturday night dinner will depend upon protocols in place at the time.

For updates and additional information on the CSRG Charity Challenge and November 2022 Season Finale, click HERE.