At Laguna Seca, don’t go in with an expectation.  That’s not me being negative, that’s me being honest.  I only say this because you might come across a 550 Spyder, but then stumble on a piece of ancient automotive history like this racing Ford.  When I was photographing it, the entire area around it stank like spent old brakes.  Of course, that’s because someone had the guts (and the crazy) to drive this on Laguna Seca.  This happens to be a 1915 Ford race car, utilizing a 1915 Model T engine with 50 hp.  The list of tech pieces reads like something out of a horror film for racing, including a 12-speed transmission (via the use of a 2 speed planetary gearbox hooked up to a 3 speed Muncie transmission, then out to a 2 speed rear axle), a 2 wheel rear drum used as a service brake, and a pressure fed fuel system.  According to the owners, this bright yellow Ford can break 100 mph.  Judging by its minimal use of anything regarding bodywork, I’m not shocked at all about that.  What I was shocked about was that the driver got out, said hello, and was in one piece.  To the man who drove this car that day: I salute you, sir.  Enjoy the photos of this incredible little car.

-Albert S. Davis