02/10/2026
Historic Motor Sports Association Dinner to Feature World Class “Motorsports “Live Painting” Artist Bill Patterson, Feb. 21 in Riverside, Calif.
MONTROSE, CA — Feb. 9, 2026 — The Historic Motor Sports Association (HMSA) is pleased to announce that renowned motorsports artist Bill Patterson will create a one-of-a-kind painting live during the Night of Racing Legends Gala, presented by Mission Foods, on Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, CA.
The live performance is part of HMSA’s 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Can-Am Series Weekend, a gathering designed to honor the legacy, culture, and community surrounding one of North America’s most influential eras in road racing.
Patterson’s appearance brings a dynamic artistic dimension to the evening, blending performance and motorsport heritage. His finished work will be auctioned live during the event.
“We are thrilled that Bill Patterson has agreed to join us and engage guests through his unique live painting style,” said Cris Vandagriff, HMSA President. “His work captures the emotion and spectacle of racing, and his participation adds another memorable element to a weekend dedicated to celebrating the history and spirit of Can-Am.”
The historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside served as a central gathering place during the years Riverside Raceway hosted Can-Am events beginning in 1966. The hotel is also home to the original Can-Am Mission Bell Trophy, which will be on display in the lobby throughout the celebration weekend.
“The Mission Inn holds countless memories for fans of Can-Am, and many people still carry stories of the drivers, teams, and cars that defined the era,” said Vandagriff. “This felt like the right moment to create a weekend that brings those memories together, celebrates the 60th anniversary of the series, and invites everyone to reconnect with racing’s golden age.”
The Night of Racing Legends dinner and celebration is open to the public. Tickets are available for purchase at: www.hmsausa.com/tickets
The evening begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, and includes:
• Reception with hosted bar
• Signature commemorative cocktail service
• Interviews with Can-Am racing legends
• Historical video and photo presentations
• Live and silent auction
Author Pete Lyons will sign copies of Pete Lyons: My Travels on Racer Road during the cocktail reception and will participate in Cars at the Mission, featuring a display of period Can-Am and historic race cars:
Sunday, Feb. 22 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
In front of the Mission Inn Hotel
For more information, visit: http://www.hmsausa.com/60th-celebration
