The Monte Shelton Northwest Classic Rally is an event I’ve wanted to become more knowledgeable about for a long time. My wife and I were on the coast probably 6 or 7 years ago and saw a line of classic cars heading down 101 with the Monte Shelton number plates on the sides, and I knew that some day I’d like to participate.
This year we planned to be in Portland for the start of the event to take see what it was all about. I was pleased to find that while some of the cars were in fact very valuable and rare collector cars, there were also many other vintage cars of varying rarity and value. It truly looks like an event for well prepared cars and individuals with a passion for driving in the Pacific Northwest. The event also serves as benefit for the March of Dimes which I thought was a nice touch as well.
I’ve never done a TSD rally before, but it looked like there were plenty of first-timers at the event and the morning meeting promised no surprises. And for those not interested in competing, there was even an opportunity to simply follow the route for fun and join everyone at the checkpoints.
I look forward to getting an eligible classic sometime soon so I can participate too. In the meantime, here are the pics outside start/finish line in Downtown Portland:
My full gallery is here (348 pics!):
And I stumbled onto this YouTube picture gallery as well:
dc
2 replies on “Pictures from the Start Line of the Monte Shelton Northwest Classic Rally”
Hey, welcome to the world of TSD! While I haven’t attended Monte Shelton’s excellent even (my brother co-drove for him a few years ago), there are plenty of TSD events in Oregon and Washington. Most don’t even require a classic, although you can certainly run one. Mostly they’re “run what you brung” events, although the Columbia Gorge MGA Club event is for classics only (and a very fun event).
Cascade Sports Car Club puts on a Friday Nighter series in and around the Portland area, and SCCA runs a national road rally program. For Seattle area, you’re looking at the Chuckanut Sports Car Club, Rainier Autusport Club, and a few others. Check here: http://www.nwrally.com/nwrc-clubs.htm
There are some great events in BC as well (Thunderbird, Totem, etc).
I’d start with one of the short, monthly TSD events in your area. Most times these are tricky trappy events, but they’re still fun, even if you get lost.
And heck, Mountains To The Sea is this weekend, down here in the Portland area. I won’t be out there, but many of my friends and family will. It’s a straightforward touring event that winds you to the beach, where there’s a BBQ and beer.
Jon,
Thanks for the great information on events in our area. I’ll definitely be checking it out in the future.
Thanks again!
dc