67 Shelby T/A coupe #19

[Richstang]

Can anyone identify the location of this photo with certainty?

It was noted to be a west coast event. We can see the 'A/S' markings on the doors of both cars.
It might be Don Pike driving this James Hilton owned car.

[Side-Oilers]

98.4% certain that's RIR.

[Richstang]

Ha!

It's the 1.6% I'm worried about.

Seeeriously though, I thought it could be Riverside too, but where's the thick white fence railing (with the two horizontal rounded posts)?
Also the grandstands don't look big / high enough on the left side for the start finish line?

[Side-Oilers]

Yeah, me too, on those details.  The topography of the background sure looks like it could be RIR.

I don't recall the half-buried white tires in that area...even though they were used elsewhere on the track.
(But 99.3% of my personal memories of that track are 1967-later.)

[Side-Oilers]

There was a previous discussion (months ago) about the names of the streets that you took to access RIR, off of Highways 60 or 395.

I just found this map in a 1966 Times Grand Prix program from RIR that I have.

I was hoping to also find a photo of the start/finish area it in, but there were none.   

[Side-Oilers]

Also this Shelby ad in the same program.

[Side-Oilers]

Richstang,
Taking a closer look at the photo showing the grandstand: I believe that's not the start/finish grandstand. It's a smaller stand with a better view of the exit of Turn Nine.   I have sat there.

[Richstang]

I'll need some help with where exactly 'Turn 9' is.

Looking back at the original photo of the Shelby Mustang and Camaro, maybe that is about a 100 feet back from the start finish line.
Comparing to this areal view (focused on the left side center) it almost looks like could be the same place.

sourced photo from "Dean's Garage' some other neat photos in there too.
http://www.deansgarage.com/2011/1965-times-grand-prix-at-riverside-international-raceway/

[Side-Oilers]

Turn Nine is not visible in that pix. It would be at the very bottom of the frame, if it were there to show.

The photo does show the grandstand at start/finish and near the tower. The other one isn't we are discussing isn't visible.  (I love how someone has colored the Union 76 balls orange in that B&W photo!)

If you look at the drawing of the track that I posted above, Turn Nine is the hairpin at the bottom.

[Richstang]

Yes, I got it (turn 9) now thank you!

I think the mustang / Camaro photo was taken just after turn 9 looking towards the left side in that aerial view.
Notice there are no white fence railing in the section of the track too!

Here's a found I just came across from Nov '66 showing what appears to be the same area.
I think you've helped me find the right location! Thank you!

[Side-Oilers]

Agreed.
When you get a chance, watch the film of the 1965 Times GP on that Dean's Garage link you posted. Great footage, and at the 12:36 point you see the white tires near the start/finish that I had the doubt about. (I was obviously remembering incorrectly  )

[Richstang]

The video solidified it as Riverside. Thanks again.

It must have been a cool track to visit back in the day. By the time I made it out to California in the area, it was already a mall and suburb/homes.
So much Shelby racing history just at that track alone. At least Willow Springs is still around!

[Side-Oilers]

I chose to attend UC Riverside as my college, because it was only about eight miles from the track.  Made skipping class a regular necessity.
True story!

[98SVT - was 06GT]

It's Riverside. In this area. If you look at the track map you can see the little road on the north side of the upper grandstand in the lower left corner.