Summit Point Motorsports Park, Summit Point, WV – November 14-16, 2025

Victory Lane Magazine, January 2026: Volume 41, No.1

Story by Terry Johnsen

It’s mid-November, and Vintage Racer Group (VRG) has once again come to Summit Point Motorsports Park for their traditional Turkey Bowl. The weather throughout the weekend was generally overcast, with the occasional ray of sunshine and temperature highs in the low 50’s. It was very breezy on Sunday, with the autumn leaves constantly blowing across the track. It was classic fall weather. The time of year that typically conjures up thoughts of college football, and marching bands playing school fight songs, not necessarily sports car racing.

For years, VRG had held the Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving weekend. Depending on the weather, only the tried-and-true, hardcore racers would include this event on their calendar. Over time, the event became a sentimental favorite. About five years ago, a change-probably inevitable-was made, and the traditional slot was moved up a week. Then two years ago, VRG bumped the event up another week to its current mid-November slot.

Originally, the Turkey Bowl served as a chance for the VRG faithful to have one final spin of the wheel before their cars were stored away for the winter. There wasn’t timing and scoring, and the grid for each race was set in first come first served fashion. As the tradition evolved and participation grew, a normal race weekend format was adopted, but the flavor of the event kept its charm. 

VRG has produced a community of unity and respect. As I walked the paddock, everyone was upbeat, energized, and happy to see one another. I saw hugs, handshakes, and hearty pats on the back. The chilly morning preparations included steaming cups of coffee and activity with a purpose, for there were races to be run. This year-end celebration had a schedule to keep, and an early start was key, for the sun sets in Summit Point at 4:56pm. So, start your engines and let the fun begin!

VRG presented their run groups in a simple five group format; Group 1: VRG Small Bore, Group 2: VRG Open Wheel, Group 3: VRG Big Bore, Group 4: VRG Medium Bore, and Group 5: Modern Sports/Legends. The weekend format was very straightforward and simple. Thursday evening and Friday morning consisted of registration and tech inspection. Then, each group had two sessions of practice. Saturday morning saw another period set aside for registration and tech, followed by a morning qualifying session. This led into the first race for each group. After the lunch break the second session of group races was held. The day was capped with the traditional Chili Cookoff. Sunday was pure racing, with a session before lunch and one afterwards. 

The racing was fun, fast, and competitive. Even though there may have been runaway leaders in some of the groups, there were plenty of close battles throughout each field of cars. Group 1 for example was dominated by Hervey Parke (#11, 1965 Genetta G4). In Saturday’s two races he extended his lead virtually every lap, winning comfortably both times. Graham Scaife (#129, 1958 Devin Sports 295) finished second in each race, leading a steady stream of competitors across the line. Parke also won the Sunday morning race, with Vic Schuster (#57, 1957 Triumph Ambro) taking second place.

Group 2 featured the open wheel racers, who always provided nail-biting battles that routinely went down to the wire. Scott Fairchild (#20, 1978 Zink Z-10) drove masterfully, winning the two Saturday races and Sunday morning tilt. In both Saturday races he was hounded by Wayne Nicolette (#12, 1973 Lola T-340). Each race was nose-to-tail excitement. The Saturday afternoon race even got more intense with both drivers swapping the lead on multiple occasions. 

The Saturday morning race for Group 3 ended shortly after it began. On completion of lap 2 the race was black flagged due to multiple incidents that took significant time to address. Most notably was that nearly 50 feet of tire wall required repair in the carousel. Jim Scott (#85, 1973 Porsche 911) was in the lead when racing was halted. Scott ran away from the field in Saturday’s race 2, with Samuel Every (#13, 1969 Chevrolet Corvette) taking second place, but not after a heated battle with Allen Levy (#740, 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo). Levy took that competitive momentum and won Sunday’s morning race ahead of Every.

Group 4 belonged to Kenny Williamson (#27, 1969 Nerus Silhouette) driving his sleek racer to the checkered flag in the Saturday races and Sunday morning session. But the field of cars was diverse and competitive with three different drivers claiming second place finishes behind Williamson. Michael Buck (#6, 1973 Ford Capri), Jeremy Hoover (#79, 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco), and Steve Hunt (#141, 1990 Mazda Miata), each drove masterful races, holding off the large field of competitors.

Group 5 had by far the largest disparity in speed, in the name of Ryan Saari (#27, Ligier LMP3). His racer was at least six seconds a lap faster that his closest competitor. It was thought that he may have been using this event as a test session of sorts in preparation of competition elsewhere in 2026. Needless to say, he ran away from the field in each of three races he participated in. Sadly, while approaching the checkered flag in the Sunday morning race, a competitor gently veered into him clipping the Ligier on drivers left, causing a suspension issue, keeping Saari from completing the cool-down lap. This required a tow back to the paddock. Let it be a lesson to any driver when being overtaken by a much faster car, just hold your line.

The Legends cars were also part of Group 5 and had separate/delayed starts. Daniel Silvestri (#97 2021 Legends Car), Nate Morris (#25 2024 US Legend Car 34 Ford Coupe), and Conner Weddell (#8C 2014 Legend Ford) each took first place honors in their races.

As the Sunday morning group sessions wrapped up, many of the competitors decided they’d had their ‘Turkey Bowl’ fill and called it a weekend. This is certainly understandable, especially with dusk arriving earlier. After the lunch break, the paddock was noticeably sparse, leaving the afternoon sessions with much smaller grids. It was the diehards who stayed to get their last helping of tasty racing.

VRG’s sentimental favorite event was once again a huge success, leaving everyone satisfied and content heading into the winter months. At the end of the day, with shadows falling upon Summit Point Motorsports Park, everyone was already looking forward to 2026, when once again they’d be back racing with their friends. See you then.

TJ 2026