Vince Tjelmeland is a race car driver with a vast array of experience in multiple categories. We caught up with him at the press day for the 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach where he brought out his beautiful Lola T332 F5000 car (ex Danny Ongais) for everyone to see and hear in preparation for his race at the 50^th Anniversary of the Grand Prix where he’d be running with other historic cars in his class as well as F1, and Indy cars. A very friendly and humble guy, he tells the story of how he got into racing and how he came into possession of this historic and classic car. He also gives us some eye-popping statistics that further reinforce how cool this car really is. Enjoy!

NOTE: For more information on HMSA, please visit their website at: www.hmsausa.com. For more info on Tjelmeland, please visit: sabinadrives.com

By Larry Mason

Copyright © 2025 Larry Mason

Vince Tjelmeland is not only a racer with experience in multiple categories, but a friendly guy you’d want to meet and hang out with.

As tall as the air scoop is on Tjelmeland’s ex-Danny Ongais Lola F5000, he towers above that!

It’s a family affair when it comes to racing in the Tjelmeland family. Here on the left is Vince’s dad, Les.o.

Beautifully restored and ready to race again, the Lola T332 was one of the top F5000 race cars of its time. 

Attention to detail – even Tjelmend’s visor strips match the striping on his Interscope Lola.

Racing with other historic race cars, Tjelmeland leads through the tricky Turn 10 at Long Beach during the 50^th Anniversary of the Grand Prix.

Interview and photos Copyright © by Larry Mason (unless otherwise noted)