October 22 1961, Dave MacDonald debuted the sensational lightweight Corvette Special at Laguna Seca Raceway. The Corvette was pitted
against a strong field of modified Maseratis, Lotuses, Chaparrals, Porsches and Cooper Monacos. The lineup of drivers was even more spec-
tacular; Sterling Moss was there, so was Dan Gurney, Bruce McLaren, Jack Brabham, Rodger Ward, Jim Hall, Roger Penske, Ken Miles,
Don Hulette and many many more. Tough task for young Dave MacDonald in the Corvette Special's maiden race.

Dave MacDonald's new Corvette Special before its debut race. Dan Gurney's Arciero Bros owned Lotus to the left. Photo Friedman

Practice time before heat 1. MacDonald had performed a brief shakedown run at Riverside two weeks earlier but for the most part this was
the first opportunity for Dave to get a feel for the new Corvette Special. Below is Robertson, Miles & MacDonald. Photo John O'Donnell

Dave MacDonald still getting accustomed to the new Corvette spins in front of future Shelby Cobra teammate Ken Miles's Porsche during
practice. Turn 9 was hairy as Chuck Sargent (bottom) slams his Maserati into the hay bales as Ken Miles nearly does the same in his Porsche.

Bob Bondurant (Corvette) and Ken Miles' get in a little practice time as well. Photo Dave Friedman

Bill Dickson in the beautiful Maserati 300S Chevrolet hits the track for practice. Bill was unable to get the car up to speed and did not qualify
for heat 1. He was able to run in heat 2 but left the race after 2 laps. Photo Tam McPartland

Another practice photo shows Walt Hangsen, Augie Pabst & Dick Thompson in a trio of Cunningham Maserati Tipo 60's. (Biro-Brady-Joy)

Top qualifiers for the 1962 Pacific Grand Prix - Dan Gurney and Sterling Moss were fastest in twin Lotus 19 Monte Carlo Climax's

Start of heat 1 and Dave MacDonald blasting his Corvette Special through turn 2.

Still lap 1 and MacDonald, who had started 16th, is moving rapidly through the field. Here he is just ahead of Bob Hurt's Ferrari 250 GTO

The track, already oily from an earlier class race, saw several mishaps at the start of this race. One such mishap was a pile up on the very first
turn when Bob Bondurant collided with Dave Ridenour and then slammed into the back of Augie Pabst (who was just in front of Bob). The
collision ruptured Pabst's oil pan and spilled oil all over the track. Photo Pete Biro

With the cars towed off and the oil cleaned, the race resumed. Below: Dan Gurney's Lotus leads Sterling Moss's Lotus into turn 9. Jack
McAfee's #88 Porsche moves outside while the leaders lap him. McAfee finished 14th, 3 laps back.

Lap 10 and Dick Thompson has his Maserati Tipo 60 running towards the rear of the field in 18th position. Photo Tam McPartland

Jack Brabham in the Cooper Monaco T57 Climax running 5th on lap 15. Photo Tam McPartland

Lap 20 and Bruce McLaren has moved his Cooper Monaco T57 Climax up to 3rd. Photo Tam McPartland

Two-time Indy 500 winner Roger Ward was running strong until he was forced to retire on lap 37 due to overheating. Photo Biro-Brady-Joy

Lap 40 and Sterling Moss is still race leader and charging hard in his Lotus 19 Monte Carlo Climax. Photo Tam McPartland

Roger Penske driving a fine race is in 5th position late in the race. Photo Tam McPartland

Lap 50 and its still Stirling Moss and Dan Gurney locked in a fierce battle for the lead. Photo Pete Biro Jack Brady Ron Joy

Race ends as Sterling Moss streaks across the line to win heat 1. Moss would also take heat 2 and was declared the 1962 Monterey Pacific
Grand Prix Champion.

Sterling Moss accepts his rewards for winning the 1961 Monterey Pacific Grand Prix

Moss in an interview at thw winner's celebration. Photo Pete Biro Jack Brady Ron Joy

Results for the 1961 Monterey Pacific Grand Prix. Dave MacDonald scored the Corvette Special's first victory 2 weeks later at Cotati

News articles recapping the 1961 Monterey Pacific Grand Prix

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