victorvarela.com:blog

May 15, 1986 – Italian driver, Elio de Angelis, passed away 26 years ago today, as a result of injuries suffered during testing of the Brabham BMW BT55 Formula One race car.  During the test at the Paul Ricard circuit in France, the rear wing from the BT55 at high speed,resulting, in the loss of…

  Belgium’s Circuit Zolder, was bright and sunny on that Saturday afternoon – 30 years ago today, as Gilles powered his #27 Ferrari 126 C2 sideways through the Kleine chicane.  His determination was never more intense, as he opened up the throttle of his crimson steed, disappearing over the hill hea

On May 01, 1994, the racing world lost one of the most enigmatic and naturally gifted drivers that ever sat behind the wheel of a Formula One race car.  A national hero in his native Brazil, He is considered one of the best drivers that ever sat behind the wheel of a Formula One car.…

Ferrari F430 (image © 2012 Victor Varela) The car count was a bit down from last week’s event.  Despite this, there were many of the regulars who attended and filled up the parking lot with many of the cars people just love to come and watch, I covered the parking area and spent more time…

Jaguar Lightweight E-Type. (image © 2012 Victor Varela) My nephew, Andrew and I, arrived a bit earlier than usual this morning, hoping to catch a few more cars arriving to the day’s Cars & Coffee event in Irvine. We found a huge crowd and countless cars at today’s gathering that we were almost lost

… Maria and I, danced to this song at our wedding reception. Happy Anniversary, Maria. With love, like that of a bottle of Perrier-Jouët*, Vic Ain’t there something I can give you In exchange for everything you give to me Read my mind and make me feel just fine When I think my peace of…

Ford GT. (image © 2012 Victor Varela) The morning was particularly cold and clear after yesterday’s storm.  SoCal was visited by a cold front that brought some dramatic lightning and thunder to our area. It might explain why the crowds were a bit light this morning at the Irvine meeting place for Ca

Porsche 911 Turbo… remembering Dr. Ferdinand Porsche. (image © 2012 Victor Varela) I was surprised to find a long train of sport cars trying to get into the parking area for this morning’s Cars & Coffee.  There was also a larger than usual crowd walking to the lot and strolling through the aisles.