Heritage Invitational Ignites North Carolina with Historic Racing and Concours

Automotive enthusiasts and collectors are flocking to the Ten Tenths Motor Club in North Carolina this weekend for the highly anticipated Heritage Invitational, an event promising a captivating blend of historic racing and a prestigious concours d'elegance. Running from April 9th to 11th, 2026, the invitational is set to deliver an immersive experience celebrating the rich tapestry of automotive history, featuring legendary vehicles and iconic personalities.

Thrilling Track Action Takes Center Stage

The Heritage Invitational commenced its full program on Friday, April 10th, with a strong focus on high-octane track activities. A highlight for many is the Vintage Indy showcase, presenting a spectacular array of open-wheel racers spanning from the 1930s through to the 1990s. Spectators have the unique opportunity to witness both front-engined and later rear-engined Indy cars in dynamic on-track sessions, rather than merely static displays.

Further upping the adrenaline, the International Race of Champions (IROC) also features prominently in the Heritage Invitational 2026. This timed, elimination-style contest unfolds on Ten Tenths Motor Club's challenging 1.7-mile circuit, drawing racing legends such as Joey Logano, Mark Martin, Ken Schrader, and Max Papis, who are confirmed to participate. Adding to the star-studded lineup of machines, a remarkable 1987 Porsche 962 is present, a car that clinched fourth place overall at Le Mans in 1987 and eighth the following year. This particular example, part of the esteemed Kremer Collection and sporting its original Leyton House livery, is even road-registered in the United States. Also captivating attendees is a 1981 Lamborghini Countach P400S, originally commissioned for Jean Claude Mimran and famously serving as the official Monaco Grand Prix Safety Car in both 1981 and 1982.

Elegance and Heritage on Display

As the weekend progresses, the spotlight shifts on Saturday, April 11th, to the prestigious Heritage concours. More than 115 meticulously curated collector cars are expected to grace the venue, representing a diverse spectrum from pre-war automotive marvels to influential later European and American performance cars.

A special centenary display for Pontiac, expertly arranged by the Carolina Classic Pontiac Club, offers a fascinating journey through the marque's development. This curated exhibition traces Pontiac's evolution from its late-1950s road cars to its renowned later performance models, including a 1958 Chieftain, a 1979 Trans Am, and a 2008 G8 GT, originally destined for the Australian market. Motorsports heritage is further celebrated with a dedicated Dale Earnhardt tribute, showcasing iconic vehicles such as a 1981 Pontiac, a 1986 Richard Childress Racing Monte Carlo, and Darrell Waltrip's legendary No. 17 TIDE Chevrolet show car.

For connoisseurs of Italian automotive artistry, a breathtaking display of Ferrari halo models from the private collection of NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick is a major attraction. This stunning ensemble includes a 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO, a 1992 F40, a 1996 F50, a 2003 Enzo, and a 2015 LaFerrari, offering a rare glimpse into the pinnacle of Ferrari's engineering and design prowess. Complementing the concours is the popular RADwood event, celebrating the vibrant automotive culture of the 1980s and 90s.

The Heritage Invitational positions itself as more than just an automotive exhibition; it's a vibrant community where collectors, enthusiasts, and dreamers converge to share unforgettable stories and forge lasting memories. Drawing inspiration from leading automotive experiences worldwide, the event masterfully blends the spirit of classic automotive celebrations with a fresh, forward-thinking energy, creating an elevated, immersive, and truly unforgettable gathering.