Steve Earle out at Monterey Historics

Steve Earle, the founder of the famed Monterey Historics, is done as the organizer of the event after 36 races.

Earle and track officials were unable to iron out a new deal, making this year's races--run last weekend--his final lap.

The future of the must-attend event for classic racing fans is now in question.

Next year, it will keep the Historics name and be run at Laguna Seca during a transition.

After that, Earle said he plans to “continue the tradition of the Monterey Historics” at the Wine Country Classic at Infineon Raceway in June 2010 in Sonoma, Calif.

The Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula also said it plans to continue a historic race at Laguna Seca. The name has not yet been decided.

“Our intention is to maintain the integrity and authenticity of this event,” Laguna Seca CEO Gill Campbell said.

Earle released a statement that hints at a disagreement that has been simmering for awhile. He said track officials told him last September their agreement was no longer “commercially viable.”

“I'm disappointed that we were not able to come to an agreement that would allow our event to remain in Monterey,” Earle said in a statement. “General Racing will allow SCRAMP a one-time use of the name Monterey Historic Automobile Races for the 2010 event.”

Laguna Seca officials say Earle will have a ceremonial role next year. He could not immediately be reached for comment Monday.

Long history

The historic races are a yearly highlight for enthusiasts, and the event has grown since its first incarnation in 1974. That year, Earle was able to stitch together a field of about 70 cars. It's now an international event with 450 vintage racers that chronicle the history of motorsports.

“Whatever melts your butter is there, from way back to modern times,” Mario Andretti said in the Sept. 1, 2008, issue of AutoWeek. He was the man of the hour last year, and was honored for the 30th anniversary of his Formula One world championship.

By Greg Migliore