Formula 1’s sleek, futuristic race cars often take the spotlight, but around the world vintage events celebrate priceless automobiles racing for speed and spectacle. If you love classic machinery, consider planning a trip around one of these upcoming historic races — several of which pay tribute to Formula 1’s 75th anniversary.
Check out these top vintage racing events and see where you can witness automotive history in motion.
© Jaclyn Trop
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (Aug. 13–16)
Monterey Car Week has grown into a 10-day celebration of automotive culture, and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is its motorsport centerpiece. Nearly 450 historic race cars compete across more than a dozen classes, offering a richly varied display of speed and engineering from multiple eras.
This year’s Reunion honors Formula 1’s 75th anniversary with a special assembly of 25 vintage F1 cars racing on the 2.2-mile Laguna Seca circuit, famous for its dramatic Corkscrew turn. The steep drop, blind crest and uphill apex make that corner one of the most iconic challenges in racing.
Featured F1 cars from the series’ non-turbo era (1966–1985) will contend for the Mario Andretti Trophy. In addition to serving as the event’s Grand Marshal and commentator, F1 champion Jenson Button will be behind the wheel of a 1967 Alfa Romeo GT Junior for demonstrations, adding star power to the historic grid.
Silverstone Festival (Aug. 22–24)
The Silverstone Festival returns to the storied Silverstone Circuit for a three-day celebration that blends racing and entertainment. The program runs from early morning into the evening and includes races for GT3 Legends, 500cc F3 cars and other historic classes, alongside live music and cultural performances.
As part of Formula 1’s 75th anniversary festivities, the festival will present the World Champions Collection: a curated lineup of grand prix cars linked to all 34 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champions. Silverstone is a meaningful venue — the circuit near the Midlands village of Silverstone hosted the very first world championship Grand Prix in 1950 — and the collection traces the sport’s evolution from Giuseppe Farina’s Alfa Romeo 158 to a recent Red Bull Racing car driven by Max Verstappen.
Driving an Aston Martin DB5 © Jaclyn Trop
Goodwood Revival (Sept. 12–14)
Goodwood Revival is one of Britain’s most elegant automotive events, held on the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex. Unlike modern motorsport festivals, Revival is staged entirely in period, evoking the midcentury heyday of racing. The three-day meeting blends competitive historic racing, carefully curated displays and immersive period atmosphere; drivers are hand-picked by the Duke of Richmond, preserving the event’s exclusive and authentic tone.
The audience participates in the experience: many spectators dress in vintage attire and arrive in classic cars. The Revival’s unique charm extends to fashion and lifestyle elements, including the Best Dressed competition that attracts style icons and enthusiasts alike. Past highlights include special presentations tied to cultural touchstones — for example, celebrations around the 60th anniversary of the James Bond DB5 drew rare Aston Martins into the paddock for close-up viewing.
Each of these events offers more than just historic racing: they provide a living museum of motorsport, where sound, smell and motion bring automotive heritage vividly to life. Whether you’re a longtime fan or newly curious, attending a vintage race weekend is an unforgettable way to connect with the sport’s past.