34th Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races

For me this is a privilege in more ways than one to be able to express my feelings today on Toyota's website, and as you will see, I am a racing FAN. My name is Ricardo Castaneda, and I'm from Camarillo, Ca.

I stood in line for the autographs for the Legends of Racing guys this morning one hour before the tickets were even available, and another hour after I had my ticket. And that was nothing, believe me. I'd have stood for six hours in line if I needed to, just to get these autographs.

I am a fan of all racing, and I have a big collection of die-casts, from racecars to motorcycles to dragsters - I call my collection "For the Love of Motorsport."

I brought with me a die-cast of Emerson Fittipaldi's Lotus 72 from 1972, and was so happy when I saw him first in line. He signed it, and we talked a little. But then I had to move on. The other eight guys were all amazingly open and friendly. It seemed as though they had formed a good bond.

I've met a lot of drivers over the years, Mario Andretti, Dan Gurney But I tell you what being around all these people at the same time, I had goose bumps all over my body, and butterflies on the inside.

My money is on Bobby Rahal to win the race. I've seen him in historics, and he's still hungry. I'm going to watch the race from different locations and different angles. I like to walk around during a race, and Laguna Seca is a great place to do that.

This is a wonderful day, and the race hasn't even started yet. Like I say, it's a privilege to meet these guys.