The first race group on Saturday at Laguna Seca featured 17 Bentleys serving as the honored marque representatives.

   The weekend's final race on Sunday included 30 historic Trans-Am cars, with Camaros, Mustangs, Javelins and other racers reliving epic battles of the past.

   Over 300 racecars participated during the weekend including Art Riley's infamous 1800 Volvo racecar No. 51.

   But the most discernible event on the track was the first lap of the day on Sunday. It was an Honorary Volvo Parade Lap to honor Irv Gordon and his 1.9 million-mile 1800 (just 30,000 miles short of a 2 million-mile landmark).

   The Volvo Parade Lap was lead by Irv Gordon in his infamous '66 1800S followed by six outstanding examples of 1800 series Volvos.

   Irv was followed by Bill Webb in his white "Saint" looking '71 1800E, Bob Kelly in his award wining red '62 P1800, Art Banks in his record setting Master's Class blue/gray '71 1800E, Lee Cordner in his incredible modified red '71 1800E, Mike Dudek in his gorgeous red '73 1800ES, concluding with Ken Rodenbush in his yellow award winning No. 48 1800S Volvo racecar.

   The parade lap was stopped at mid point to allow Speed Vision to interview Irv Gordon on the track that was viewed by thousands of race fans on several giant viewing screens.

   But this was just the icing-on-the-cake. Months prior to the races Bryon Farnsworth of Freeman/McCue in Santa Ana CA, Volvo's PR firm, spear-headed an elaborate celebration to honor the 40th anniversary of the P1800 and to honor Irv Gordon's 1.9 million-mile Volvo at the Historic Races at Laguna Seca.

   With the help of Dave Hunt, Dave Barton and Lee Cordner, over 70 Volvos arrived at the racetrack's VIP parking.

   Some of the vintage Volvos worthy of note included Lee Cordner's modified 122S, two 544s, one from the bay area and the other owned by Doug Wilson, a fully restored P210 "Duett" owned by Mike Dudek and Dave Hunt's 1956 P1900 the oldest Volvo attending.

   Ten more of the finest 1800 examples were also on display, surrounding Irv Gordon's 1800. They were all exhibited inside a very prestigious Volvo Corral located next to the racetrack.

   Saturday late after noon, Volvo catered an elaborate Swedish banquet for all of the Volvo supporters. The head table was highlighted with a huge ice sculpture and the table was adorned with many tantalizing Swedish appetizers.

   During the banquet Dan Werbin, new CEO of Volvo Cars of North America, honored Irv Gordon with an oil painting of Irv's 1800 that was super imposed on a scene from Route 66.

   Roger Ormisher, Vice President of Public Relations VCNA-Irvine, gave a very refreshing speech on the significance of Volvo heritage, Volvo supporters, and public viewing of all Volvo facilities e.g. their Volvo Design Center and their Volvo Proving Grounds.

   At the end of the presentations all in attendance received a commemorative T-Shirt, dash plaque, plus a print of Irv's painting that Irv gladly autographed.

   Another distinguished guest at the ceremony was Jim Bisch, an avid Volvo supporter and owner of Westside Volvo.

   We should all loudly applaud the efforts of Volvo Cars of North America in recognizing the historical importance of the 1800 series Volvo, and to Bryon Farnsworth of Freeman/McCue for organizing this grand tribute to Irv Gordon and for also recognizing the 40th anniversary of the P1800 Volvo.

   "Volvos are for life"