18 replies to this topic

[MG Brown]

ELKHART LAKE, Wis., February 12, 2014 - A celebration of the historic race car known as the Cheetah is scheduled for July 17-20 at Road America during the famed vintage racing event, The HAWK with Brian Redman. This 50th Anniversary gathering will include the largest collection of Cheetahs in one location as several historic and modern Cheetahs are expected to be on display and in competition. Bill Thomas III, son of the original builder of the Cheetah, will serve as the Cheetah celebration host.



For those who are unfamiliar with the legendary race car, the Cheetah is the creation of California car builder Bill Thomas II and was introduced to the sports car race scene in 1964. The Cro-Sal Special Cheetah, named for mechanic Gene Crowe, and its original owner/driver, Ralph Salyer, won the 1964 June Sprints at Road America. The Cheetah became widely popular due to its unique shape and high power-to-weight ratio, which allowed it to be very competitive during the 1964 and 1965 race seasons. There were less than 25 original Cheetah cars built and only a few of these cars are still in existence. Revered by vintage racers and collectors, the Cheetah name now lives on due to events such as the HAWK with Brian Redman. Drivers Bob Boyce and Brian Garcia have successfully campaigned their modern Cheetahs at Road America in recent years and a handful of others make appearances at tracks across the country. For more information on the Cheetah, visit www.cheetahevolution.com

The HAWK with Brian Redman is widely regarded within automotive circles as a can't miss spectacle for any racing enthusiast. A mid-summer classic including everything from the popular Nationwide Insurance Concours d'Elegance on Friday and Saturday along the streets of Elkhart Lake, to a Historic CAN-AM race in celebration of CAN-AM's 48th Anniversary. Add in the 50th Anniversary gathering of the Cheetah along with the Ford Mustang serving as the featured marque and you have the ultimate celebration of vintage racing in one weekend.

For more information and tickets, visit www.roadamerica.com or call 800/365-7223.

[SlotStox#53]

Oh wow! That would be some event to watch! Ever since seeing the Cox Cheetah I've looked online at the "real" cars... Most impressive looking cars Love the sound of the Evolution new models.... *time to find some spare cash*!!!

[Bill from NH]

The Cheetah was a much better looking race car than it ran. Was it the American version of a Lotus 30?

[JohnnySlotcar]

Please don't anyone schedule a slot car race that weekend! IMHO.

[MG Brown]

No kidding.

[John Streisguth]

I love this line they have on the Cheetah Evolution website:

 

"Our mission: to provide you, the builder, a chance to have your own full size version of that slot car you had as a kid!"

[MG Brown]

Hemmings had this additional article in their blog:
 
Bill Thomas' Cheetah turns 50, so Road America throws a party.

[MG Brown]

 

Dave Kennedy of Carrera North America is scheduled to be on hand at this event with his test track so people can try out the latest slot cars and accessories from Carrera.

[Ramcatlarry]

Alpha Raceway in nearby Fon du Lac may have a retro type race on his king over the weekend - after the real cars are put to rest for the evening.

 

Camping party in the carosel and at the 'brown bar' friday and saturday evening as well.  The downtown car shows (racecars on friday and everyone on saturday) are always interesting.

[Gator Bob]

I love this line they have on the Cheetah Evolution website:

 

"Our mission: to provide you, the builder, a chance to have your own full size version of that slot car you had as a kid!"

 

Thanks for posting MG.. great pictures and story.

 

Making a 1/24 Cheetah now!   

[MG Brown]

[MG Brown]

2014 event entry list: http://www.roadameri...p_7-15-2014.pdf

[MG Brown]

The Cheetah Reunion at Road America is this weekend!

 

 

 

[MG Brown]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SlotStox#53]

Thanks for posting ! Truly remarkable looking car Awesome to see them all together Including the continuation Cheetahs . I want one

[MG Brown]

Bill Thomas Motors official photo.

[MG Brown]

I want one

BTM is planning to make them available soon.

In the mean time, Carrera has the BTM approved Cheetah slot cars in 1/32 and 1/24. They are beautiful and affordable.

[SlotStox#53]

Excellent news they're gonna be available, but may have to settle for one of the nice Carrera 1/24 examples

[Bill from NH]

Paul, I never owned a Cheetah in the day either. I'll add it & the Cobra coupe to my "some day" list. Tom Anderesen, in Ft. Wayne repops both in PETG. Victor might have them too, but I'm not sure.