TJ – vintage & historic racing coverage

Group 3 – Jim Scott, 1973 Porsche 911 (#75+1).

Victory Lane Magazine, February 2015: Volume 30, No. 2.

Story and photographs by Terry Johnsen

Summit Point Motorsports Park, November 28-30, 2014.

On Friday morning, the day after Thanksgiving, the weather conditions while driving the 50 miles to Summit Point Motorsports Park offered up swirling winds, snow squalls, and temperatures hovering around 30 degrees. While witnessing this virtual winter wonderland, I asked myself, “Why do vintage racers choose to race in these conditions?”

This then was one of the first questions I asked VRG event coordinator, Michael Oritt, when we sat down for a chat. Without hesitation Michael said VRG is like a family. He explained that the VRG Turkey Bowl is the last hurrah of the season. It’s one more opportunity for the group to get together as one. He then thought for a moment and added that VRG is a “clubby club.” They’re a very close-knit group. 2014 marks the 10^th anniversary of VRG’s involvement with the Turkey Bowl. Overall this is the 18^th annual Thanksgiving event.

Despite the early morning conditions, once I made it to Summit Point, the track itself was dry and the cars were already making their first laps of the day. Slowly they were getting up to speed. The track workers were at their stations, bundled for the conditions, and armed with hot coffee and cocoa. As fortune would have it, the weather steadily improved throughout the weekend, and the “last hurrah” enjoyed a full weekend of activity.

Michael noted that Summit Point is his favorite track. He stated that it’s very challenging, safe, and very fun to drive. He also praised the track for being so well run and providing good facilities for the competitors.

The format for the Turkey Bowl is unique, in that there are no timers, scorers, lap-sheets, or final tallies. This one is for fun. The event is focused on the enjoyment of driving, safety, and getting that last little bit of track time. The schedule makers made the best use of limited daylight hours by neatly fitting in three solid days of racing for five groups into the shortened days of wintertime.

The five groups consisted of three vintage categories. Group 1 featured the Small Bore (< 2 liter) cars. Setting the pace in this group were the cars of Peter Carroll (1963 Austin-Healy Sprite), Tom Grudovich (1960 Elva 200FJ), Michael Oritt (1958 Elva MK IV SR), Hank Giffin (1959 Elva Courvier), and Mark Palmer (1957 MG MGA). The racing was clean, close, and fast, featuring many memorable moments that will be discussed well into the winter break.

Group 2 consisted of Open Wheelers and Sports 2000 racers. This was the smallest group of the five, but it didn’t lack in speed and competitiveness. The old saying, “it only takes two cars to have a race” was never more true. The pace setters in this class were the cars of Todd Reid (1967 Lotus Super Seven), Tom Grudovich (1966 Ginetta G4), Tivvy Shenton (1980 Crossle 32F), Andrew Stein (1970 Merlyn Mk. 11/17), and Michael Clifford (1966 Ginetta G4).

Group 3 brought some thunder and featured the Big Bore (> 2 liter) cars. The pace setters in this class were the cars of Jim Scott (1973 Porsche 911), Alan Friedman (1973 Porsche 911 RSR), Fred Pfeiffer (1974 Porsche 914-6), Mike Steplock (1969 Porsche 911), and Shawn Bullard (1974 Alfa Romeo GTV). Despite the cold conditions, these cars really stretched the bounds of track adhesion. It was fun to watch them hang it all out.

Adding depth to the weekend were two groups of non-vintage cars. Group 4 brought out the Modern Sports/GT cars, along with the Baby Grand’s. Group 5 featured the popular Legends racers. Their involvement rounded out the weekend agenda and offered something for everyone’s taste in cars.

Sunday’s setting sun signaled the end of the 2014 VRG season. Earlier, Michael Oritt had reflected on what he described a very good season. VRG was pleased that the New Jersey event rebounded and was a success. New to the schedule was the weekend at Thompson that was shared with VSCCA. It proved to be a big and very successful event. Michael noted that the Watkins Glen and Jefferson 500 events were also high points. Looking forward he expected 2015 to be even better. A new event at Dominion Raceway (south of Fredericksburg, VA) will be the kick-off event for their new road course. The facility already hosts drag racing and oval racing events.

So as the 2014 season comes to a close, one only needs to wait a month for the calendar to turn over to 2015. Before you know it the eventual snow covering will melt away and everyone will be itching to get back behind the wheel and on track. The upcoming season promises to be exciting, and in a blink it too will be winding down. It’ll be the perfect time for another Turkey Bowl.

————————————————–   TJ2014

Dale Oesterle (#162 – 1962 Triumph Spitfire). Cover photo.

Victory Lane Magazine, January 2015: Volume 30, No. 1

Story and photographs by Terry Johnsen

Watkins Glen International, October 10-12, 2014

For a vintage racer, where better to be in mid-October, than Watkins Glen, New York. The October 10-12 weekend at Watkins Glen International featured the Vintage Racer Group’s event, VRG @ The Glen. Formula One traditionally visited Watkins Glen in the early part of October, from 1961 through 1980. So, the experience of the crisp morning air, the fog hanging over the lake, and the surrounding fall leaves in their full splendor was a fitting reminder of yesteryear during this vintage racing weekend.

The Village of Watkins Glen was filled with a mix of vintage racers and wine aficionados. The streets were a buzz with fall colors and the change of seasons. The beautiful foliage also provided a perfect backdrop for anyone who wanted to take time out of the racing schedule and trundle down to take a lap of the original Grand Prix course that was in use from 1948-1952. The roads that comprised the track layout are still in full use today. While driving the course it’s hard to believe this was the scene of some heady racing and high speeds. The roads are flanked on either side by trees as it winds its way around and through the Watkins Glen State Park. The thrill of coming down and around Big Bend and seeing Seneca Lake and the fall trees in the distance is spectacular. So, its natural to appreciate that this is the perfect time of year to bring back vintage cars for a spin through the Finger Lakes region of New York.

I spoke briefly with VRG President Mack McCormack on Sunday morning. He was preparing for his morning race, and was able spent a few moments with me. Mack reflected on the 2014 season and said it was a really good year. He noted that the Thompson Speedway event was new to the schedule, was well attended, and overall it was a success. He also noted that VRG was pleased that membership continued to increase in 2014. During the Saturday evening VRG dinner in The Glen Club, Mack noted that he was re-elected as President, and Paul Bova was re-elected as Treasurer. Mack added that Butch O’Connor was also elected to the Board of Directors. Butch has been the Event Chairman for the New Jersey event for the last 3 years.

Setting the stage for the weekend was a robust schedule that included plenty of track time time for the competitors. There were four race groups that provided the action for the VRG @ The Glen. The groups were designated as follows: Group 1: Pre 1960 on 70 series tires; Group 2: Pre 1979 Production S/C & Sedans under 2.5 liter; Group 3: Pre 1979 Production S/C and Sedans over 2.5 liter; and Group 4: Open wheel & Sports racers. Each group was also broken down into detailed sub-classes. The weekend schedule called for three races per group, two on Saturday and one on Sunday, along with initial practice sessions.

Group 1 featured a healthy field of 21 cars. Dale Oesterle (Columbus, OH) driving his (#162) 1962 Triumph Spitfire, enjoyed a very successful weekend, by taking wins in races 1 & 2 on Saturday, and a second place in race 3 on Sunday. Despite the second place finish he secured the fastest lap for Group 1 during the entire weekend of racing with a 2:28.051. Michael Clifford (Hopewell Junction, NY) put it all together and brought home the win in race 3. Michael drove the ever-stylish (#94) 1960 Elva 200 FJ to victory.

Group 2 featured a solid field of racers, with up to 27 cars making it to the grid. Dick Stockton (Marmora, NJ) took the win in race 1. Dick drove the black (#1) 1963 Triumph TR4, finishing just 1.2 seconds ahead of second place finisher David Lebrun (Auburn, NY), in his (#3) 1965 Alfa Romeo GTA 1600. Group 2 then belonged to Paul Netterstrom (Cocoa Beach, FL), who took two very decisive wins in races 2 and 3. Paul drove the dominant (#88) 1961 Lotus Super 7, to victory with gaps of 46.338 seconds in race 2 and a 1:14.270 difference in race 3. As could be expected, Paul secured the fastest lap of the weekend for Group 2 with a 2:12.265 in race 3.

Group 3 presented a smaller grid, but made up for it with quality cars through and through. Race 1 on Saturday featured a Corvette 1-2-3 finish. Joseph Riolo (Woodbury, CT) piloting his beautiful (#13) 1965 Chevrolet Corvette captured the fastest lap of 2:11.324 and first place. Second place belonged to Chris Horner (Westbrook, ME) in the (#49) 1964 Chevrolet Corvette. Taking the third step on the podium was Jim Glass (Kingston, NY) in his (#11) 1965 Chevrolet Corvette. Race 2 ended before it had finished the first lap. An incident that occurred up through the esses collected four cars. A black flag was thrown to assist the drivers involved and remove the vehicles. All of the drivers were able to walk away from the incident, but with a few bumps and bruises. A special acknowledgement of appreciation is extended to the Watkins Glen International safety crew and track workers for their immediate response and quick turnaround of the racing incident. Sunday morning greeted everyone with cool temps and frost on the windshields. Group three opened the day of racing with their race # 3. Because of the cooler track conditions, the overall lap times were approximately 4-5 seconds slower than in the other sessions of the weekend. Chris Horner (Westbrook, ME) took the win, with Michael Clifford, Jr. (Hopewell Junction, NY) taking second place, and Peter McLaughlin (Lyme, NH) in the third spot.

Group 4 provided plenty of open-wheel action and a healthy field of 17 cars taking to the grid. Joseph Griffin (Doylestown, PA) and Kyle Kaulback (Bethel, PA) paced the field taking the top two steps of the podium in all three races. Joseph captured the first race in his (#23) 1981 Crossle 45F, with Kyle coming in 10.525 seconds behind in his (#33) 1970 Lotus Type 61 MX. Races 2 and 3 saw Kyle take the wins with Joseph right on his heals. The gap in race 2 was 0.906 seconds, and in race 3 it was 0.089 seconds. Down to the wire!

An enduro race concluded the VRG track activities on Sunday. Chris Horner (Westbrook, ME) driving his bright red (#49) 1964 Chevrolet Corvette stormed away and lapped the field before ultimately taking the victory on lap 16. Second place honors was secured by Andrew Stein (Kintnersville, PA) in his (#195) 1970 Merlyn Mk. 11/17. Coming in third place was Peter McLaughlin (Lyme, NH) in his (#148) Ralt Cicale. A total of 25 cars took the start in the enduro and capped a very successful weekend of racing at Watkins Glen.

As the weekend came to an end, the fading light of the setting sun brought out the beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows of the fall foliage. If only every racing weekend could have this scenery as its back drop. It makes a vintage racer think, that Watkins Glen is the best place to be racing in October.

————————————————– TJ2014

Summit Point Motorsports Park, November 28-30, 2014.

Thanksgiving weekend for the vintage racer has become synonymous with the Turkey Bowl at Summit Point. Cold, windy, mixed precipitation, and lots of fun. This year was no different. Here are a few photos from the event. I’ll post the article once it’s published in Victory Lane Magazine. Enjoy!  TJ.

Group 1 – Peter Patterson, 1959 Lotus 18 fj (#207).

Group 2 – Bob Andersson, 1965 Mini Cooper S (#177).

Group 3 – Alan Friedman, 1973 Porsche 911 RSR (#23) leads a pack through turn 3.

Watkins Glen International, October 10-12, 2014.

It was a beautiful time of the year to be hanging out in Watkins Glen and the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. I attended the Vintage Racer Group event and submitted the article to Victory lane Magazine. Until it’s published, here’s a taste of what went on. It was amazing. Enjoy! TJ

Frank Newton (#60 – 1971 Ford Titan MK6) and Dan Finocchiaro (#62 – 1980 Crossle 40F) leading a pack from Group 4 up out of The Boot!

Steve LeBrun (#46 – 1970 Datsun 240Z).

Peter McLaughlin (#148 – Ralt Cicale) leads a line of cars up through the famed Esses.

Andrew Stein (#195 – 1970 Merlyn Mk. 11/17) on the grid early Sunday morning.

Frank Marcum (#22) 1965 Ford Mustang; Tom Shelton (#62) 1965 Lola T70.

Victory Lane Magazine, December 2014, Volume 29, No.12

Story and photographs by Terry Johnsen

Virginia International Raceway, September 26-28, 2014

The 2014 vintage racing season marked a seasonal change as the calendar turned a page to Autumn. That could only mean one thing, that it’s time to visit Virginia International Raceway (VIR) for The Heacock Classic Gold Cup Historic Races, sanctioned by The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA). VIR has enjoyed an exciting season of racing and is fresh off of a very successful event in which they hosted a round of the IMSA Tudor United SportsCar Series. But, this weekend was reserved for a special look-back in time. A moment to celebrate the wonderful legacy of vintage sports car racing.

The Heacock Classic Gold Cup Historic Race weekend offered the vintage racing competitors of SVRA an opportunity to experience many of the exciting track improvements that VIR has introduced this year. Those modifications included a total repaving of the Full Course and Paddock area. The Full Course was also widened by 6 feet for a significant portion of the track. The start/finish line was extended further down the track towards pit out, and featured a new start/finish podium tower.

Track Owner/CEO Connie Nyholm has been involved with the expansion of VIR since its rebirth in 2000. Connie noted that hosting premiere series such as IMSA and SVRA has put VIR on the map with other classic road racing tracks such as Sebring, Road Atlanta, Lime Rock, Watkins Glen, Road America, Mid-Ohio, and Mazda Raceway/Laguna Seca. The 3.27 mile Full Course that ebbs and flows over the rolling natural terrain of Southern Virginia serves as a perfect venue for vintage racing. Connie was very pleased to mention that VIR and SVRA are now in the second year of a five year agreement.

The Friday racing schedule of events concluded with a track walk, led by SVRA Chief Driving Instructor, Peter Krause. The walk benefited High Performance Heroes, a group that is dedicated to helping combat wounded veterans achieve their motorsports dream of racing. Peter Krause described VIR as a wonderful track, a natural terrain road course, in the classic European tradition. Peter noted, “the best drivers make a study of this place and are rewarded more than other tracks.” He stated that all of the corners are linked and that a mistake can have an impact on down through the lap. He added, “Precision and accuracy are highly prized.” Peter described that the global grip of the track is greater since the repaving project, and that the Spec Miata Full Course lap time dropped exactly 4 seconds. In all, the track walk illustrated the various nuances and technical challenges that VIR presents. I came away with a new found respect for an already renowned track.

The weekend also marked the final event of SVRA’s East Coast season. Saturday evening featured the “Black & White” awards dinner. To begin the night of celebration and recognition, VIR’s Owner/CEO, Connie Nyholm made two important announcements. First, she presented the Spirit Award to Pete van ver Vate. Pete raced at VIR from 1960 through 1974, and holds the distinction and honor of being the winningest driver in VIR history. Connie then introduced writer, Bill King, and presented him with gifts of appreciation for having completed a recent book that chronicles the early history of Virginia International Raceway. The book is entitled, “VIR – A Living History”. This is Part One: The Early Years (1956-59). It’s a fascinating book with amazing photos and track history.

SVRA President/CEO, Tony Parella, announced the two newest inductees into the SVRA Hall of Fame. Robert Path and West Clapp were introduced as the 2014 class of honorees. Many of the endurance and sprint series overall winners were announced, yet a few titles were still up for grabs during the Gold Cup weekend. The recipient of the prestigious Driver of the Year Award for 2014, was Mark Giroux. During the awards ceremony, Competition Director Ray Snowdon, stated during his comments, that in his opinion the racing he has witnessed during the weekend was some of the finest he has ever seen. The trend continued , because Sunday’s Gold Cup races were just as memorable.

The Gold Cup race for Group 7A opened Sunday’s busy day of racing. Ben Sinnott (Fairfield, CT) led the way in his 1991 Lola T91/90 (#5). His pace was impressive as he pulled away from the 2nd place and 3rd place finishers, Mark Coombs (Chicago, IL) and Dave Handy (Semora, NC). Ben also recorded the best time of the race with a 1:57.203.

Next up on the schedule for the day was the Group 1 Gold Cup race. Peter Uzdavinis (Carrollton, VA) took home first place honors. Peter led the way in his 1964 MG Midget (#25). Rounding out the podium was Sharon Adelman (Free Union, VA) and Phil Wicks (Columbia, SC) finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively.

The Hawk Performance Historic GTP/GT Enduro then took center stage. This event featured entrants from Groups 5b, 6b, 7, 9, 10 & 11. The 90 minute battle was ultimately won by Travis Engen (Weston, CT) driving his dominate 2005 Audi R8 LMP (#2). Travis covered the timed event in 42 laps. One lap back in 2nd place was Phil Lasco (N. Venice, FL). Phil drove the 1995 Roush Mustang (#14). Finishing in 3rd place was the driving team of Debbie Cloud/Wes Burton (Wellington, OH). Together they tallied 39 laps in their 2000 Ford Mustang Cobra (#70).

Saturday’s schedule of events included the 1 hour Hawk Performance Vintage/Classic Enduro. This event featured entrants from Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5a, 6a & 8. The winner of this battle was Paul Stinson (Center Hall, PA) driving his 1963 Lotus Super 7 (#7c). Paul covered the timed event in 24 laps. Jim Steinmetz (Park City, UT) came home in 2nd position in his 1969 Merlyn 11A (#142). The driving team of Goran Nyberg/Dennis Olthoff (Park Ridge, NC) finished in 3rd place in their 1965 Volvo P1800S (#68).

The Gold Cup race for Groups 3 & 4 followed next. The always fast Denny Wilson (Washington, MO) led the field home in first place driving his 1962 Lotus Super 7 (#7). Harry Gentry (Knoxville, TN) took 2nd place honors, while Michael Unger (Gloucester Point, VA) finished in 3rd position. Saturday’s race for Groups 3 & 4 featured the same podium finishers, but Gentry and Wilson swapped places, with Harry Gentry talking the top spot in his 1964 Ginetta G4 (#4). Harry also claimed fastest lap in both events.

After the lunch break, the supporting SCCA Pro Racing/Trans-Am Series held their 100 mile race. 39 cars started the event and in the end Paul Fix (Williamsville, NY) took the checkered flag. Paul piloted his Stopflex.com/Tony Ave Racing/Chevrolet Corvette (#4) to victory, just a mere 7.437 seconds ahead of second place finisher Doug Peterson (Bonita Springs, FL). Third place finisher, Amy Ruman (Kent, OH), was just 9.431 seconds behind the winner. The top three finishers had separated themselves from the pack and crossed the line 20 seconds clear of 4th place.

The Gold Cup race for Groups 7b & 11 followed next. Travis Engen (Weston, CT) paced the field in his silver and red Audi R8 LMP. Phil Lasco (N. Venice, FL) and Jacek Mucha (Laval, QC) finished second and third respectively. The Saturday race from Groups 7b & 11 featured the same podium finishers, with Phil and Jacek having swapped positions for 2nd & 3rd.

The afternoon schedule proceeded on with the Gold Cup race for Group 8, in one of the most evenly matched events of the day. Linwood Staub (Doylestown, PA) led the field and finished 1st in his red/white/blue BRE 1972 Datsun 240Z (#22). Lee Talbot (McLean, VA) followed Linwood to the checker for 2nd place, with Ross Bremer (Atlantic Beach, FL) right on his tail for 3rd position. The top three finishers virtually matched fastest laps; 2:15.449, 2:15.657, 2:15.863 respectively.

The Gold Cup race for Groups 5 & 6 featured three of the most photogenic cars in attendance for the weekend. Bill Thumel (Virginia Beach, VA) drove the stunningly beautiful white and red, 1968 Lola T70 coupe (#71) to victory. Close behind was Hobart Buppert (Sparks, MD) driving the ever-classy blue and white, 1969 Lola T70 MkIII (#82). Coming in third place was Mac McCombs (Mooresville, NC) driving the iconic orange/blue Gulf colors, in the Superformance Ford GT40R. The scenic VIR landscape and even prettier weather provided fans plenty of opportunity to photograph these magnificent vintage racer cars. Saturday’s race also featured the same order of podium finishers.

Next on the agenda was the closely contested Gold Cup race for Group 9. The Sunday event provided a mirror image to the outcome of Saturday’s race. Conner Kearby (Corpus Christi, TX) took home first place honors both days driving his 1997 Lola T97/20 (#3). Gaston Kearby (Corpus Christi, TX) and Marc Giroux (Cushing, ME) finished 2nd and 3rd respectively. Conner achieved fastest lap in both races; 1:43.666 and 1:43.836.

The penultimate event of the day featured the Gold Cup race for the thundering Group 10. These cars and drivers thrilled the fans with some of the closest racing of the weekend. Jeffery Bernatovich (Brewerton, NY) drove his 1990 Chevrolet GT1 Corvette (#90) to the winner’s circle, just as he had done in the Saturday event. Sean Ryan (Candler, NC) finished in 2nd position, closely followed by Maurice Hull (High Point, NC) in 3rd place. In Sunday’s race, Jeffery pipped Sean for fastest lap, 1:54.055 to 1:54.060. That’s close!

The final Gold Cup race featured Group 2. This proved to be the battle of the Brabhams. The top three finishers, all driving Brabham formula cars, were clearly the class of the field. Dave Handy (Semora, NC) took first place honors in both the Gold Cup race and Saturday’s race, driving his 1968 Brabham BT 29 (#2). Completing the podium for both races was Bobby Brown (Oyster Bay Cove, NY) in 2nd place and Lee Brahin (Cherry Hill, NY) in 3rd place, who was sporting a “James Hunt” style helmet. Nice touch!

The pairing of VIR, SVRA, and a pinch of Autumn provided a wonderful weekend of racing. The beautiful weather ensured that there was a very good crowd of enthusiastic fans in attendance. For the SVRA East Coast season finale, it could not have been a better showcase of vintage racing and sportsmanship. This look-back in time sure was a fun show to watch.

————————————————–   TJ2014

I spent a beautiful weekend in Southern Virginia attending The Heacock Classic Gold Cup Historic Races on the weekend of September 26-28,2014, at Virginia International Raceway. The full race review has been written and submitted to Victory Lane Magazine. I’ll post the article as soon as its published. Until then, here are a few photos. Enjoy!  TJ

Jim Steinmetz (#142) 1969 Merlyn 11A.

Bill Thumel (#71) 1968 Lola T70 Coupe, and Hobart Buppert (#82) 1969 Lola T70 MKIII.

Linwood Staub (#22) 1972 Datsun 240Z.

Travis Engen (#2) 2005 Audi R8 LMP.

The annual pilgrimage to Mid-Ohio for the Indy Car weekend has come and gone. As always, a great weekend with friends and relatives, camping at the track. I’ve submitted an article to Victory Lane Magazine for their Future History section. Hope to see it in the September issue. Until then, here are a few photos. Enjoy!  TJ

From last to first. Mr. Mid-Ohio! Scott Dixon.

Pole position, and a second place finish for Sebastien Bourdais.

The Pirelli World Challenge GT3 sports cars put on quite a show for the fans. The Audi R8 Ultra is one of my favorites.

Ryan Dalziel, in the #31 EFFORT Racing/Porsche GT3R, won both GT/GTS races.

June 29, 2014 was a day to remember. It had been 40 years since I was last at The Glen for the Six Hour Endurance Race (1973 and 1974). I’ve always wanted to go back. Watkins Glen is such a special place. So, when The Grand-Am Series and The American Le Mans Series joined forces to become the IMSA Tudor United Sportscar Championship, and included Watkins Glen on their inaugural season schedule, I had to be there. My friends Dan and Anthony accompanied me to the big race. I took my camera, but the main goal was to enjoy a full day of sports cars, beer, and a day with my buddies. Here’s a few snaps from the event. Enjoy, TJ

Overall race winners, Michael Valiante (Canada) and Richard Westbrook (England), driving the #90 Spirit of Daytona, Corvette DP.

On the grid walk. The helmet of Nic Jonsson (Sweden), driver of the #57, GTLM, Ferrari F458GT, for Krohn Racing.

On the grid walk. Corvette Racing driver, Tommy Milner (United States). #4 GTLM, Chevrolet Corvette C7.R.

#911 GTLM, Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche North America. Drivers: Nick Tandy (United Kingdom), Richard Lietz (Austria), and Patrick Pilet (France).

On the grid walk…saved the best till last. Lovely representatives of Turner Motorsport. The driving team of Dane Cameron (United States) and Markus Palttala (Finland) won the GT Daytona class.

#32 Thomas Leavy, 1962 MGB; #148 Christopher Roberts, 1973 MGB.

Victory Lane Magazine: July 2014, Volume 29, No. 7

By Terry Johnsen

The one-hour ride from the Washington, DC metro-area to Summit Point Motorsports Park was a bit different this year. As everyone can attest, it had been a brutal winter, which then was followed by an equally unpleasant spring. Rain, rain, and more rain had been the weather experienced in the area leading up to the 2014 VRG Jefferson 500. Just in time though, the rainy weather cleared and the early morning Saturday drive to the track was marvelous. The road to Summit Point wound through the beautiful West Virginia countryside leading to Charles Town and beyond. The excitement and anticipation was building as I entered the paddock. I could sense the electricity in the air. Finally we’re racing again at the Jefferson 500. For me, summer had arrived.

Peter Krause, VRG Driving Instructor and Group 6/Sports 2000 Competitor, described the atmosphere at the track perfectly. During the Saturday evening Jefferson 500 post-dinner comments he stated, “This is what club racing used to be like”, adding “This event celebrates the cars and the people.” That paints the perfect picture of the Vintage Racer Group and their events. VRG has continued to grow and develop their series, and in particular The Jefferson 500. The series continues to attract a cohesive community of enthusiasts.

A full calendar of Group Sprint races, enduros, and special events highlighted the weekend. American Sports Car legend, John Morton, served as the Jefferson 500 Grand Marshall. John was the featured speaker at the Saturday evening dinner that was held in a spacious white tent located just off of turns 7 and 8. John entertained the audience with stories from his career, but most notably had the crowd laughing with his down-to-earth wit and humor. He began his comments by describing his racing experiences at Summit Point. He then sculpted his remaining time around his most asked questions; How did you get your start in racing?, What is your favorite track?, and What is your favorite car? This led to stories of his career beginnings with Carroll Shelby, and his love for racing at Le Mans. He listed a long roster of cars that he had driven in his career, but could not narrow his favorite to just one. Ultimately he chose four stand-outs in his career; the Scarab, Datsun 510, Datsun 240Z, and the Group 44 Jaguar. It was an enjoyable and entertaining trip down memory lane with an American racing legend.

When focus and attention returned to the track, VRG put on quite a show of car and driver. Sunday’s action began with a special Sports Racer 2000 race. Peter Krause (Durham, NC) #91, driving his 1984 Tiga SC84, took the win. Ben Sinnott (Fairfield, CT) held an early lead, but Peter’s relentless pace proved too much for the field of eleven competitors.

The first of the Sunday sprint races featured Group 1 (Wyer Cup). Scott Kissinger (Leesport, PA) #202, led from start to finish in the 15 lap event driving his 1971 Datsun 240Z. Scott finished second in the Saturday sprint race which was won by John Baucom (Waxhaw, NC) #86, in his 1969 Fiat 124 coupe.

Both Saturday and Sunday’s Group 2 (Cunningham Cup) races were won by Michael Zappa (Pittsburgh, PA) #12, driving the elegant black and gold 1964 Ford GT 40. Sunday’s race featured a last lap pass to secure the win.

Next up on Sunday’s schedule were the cars and drivers of Group 6 (Charlie Gibson Trophy). Ralph Manaker (Marshall, VA) #3, led from start to finish in his classic yellow 1969 Chevron B16. Ralph finished fifth during the Saturday sprint race which was won by Ben Sinnott #5, driving his menacing, flat black, 1991 Lola T90/91. Group 6 never disappoints. The racing was fast, furious, and fantastic.

The track was still smoking hot when the the competitors of Group 7 (Phil Hill Cup) took the green flag for their Sunday sprint race. Thomas Frealich (Marathon, FL) #10, driving a blue and white, 1979 March Super Vee took the lead on lap four and held on for the win. Scott Fairchild (Powhatan, VA) #20 stormed away from the field for a dominating victory in the Saturday race. His 1978 Zink Z-10 was untouchable.

The Sunday morning schedule of races finished with a Group 8 (Bill Scott Cup) battle. Ralph Salomon (Katonah, NY) #98, methodically moved up from third position, to second, and then took the lead for good on lap five. He piloted his 1960 Elva 200 fj to an impressive win.

During the lunchtime break, charity rides were given in support of High Performance Heroes. HPH is a group of dedicated individuals from the racing community that have donated their time and talents to develop cars for combat wounded veterans in order for them to pursue their racing dreams. The Friday track walk conducted by Peter Krause also raised funds for this wonderful organization. This is a fantastic organization that truly needs our continued support and thanks. You can learn more through their website; www.hpheroes.org.

Track activity began after lunch with the second of the Brian Redman Enduro races. Both Friday and Sunday’s races were won by Jim Freeman (New York, NY) #17, driving the fan favorite, 1967 Matich SR3. In the Sunday race, Jim took the lead on lap 2 and never looked back. Ben Sinnott kept up the pressure throughout, but ultimately the strength of the throaty Matich won out.

The group sprint races then made their return with Group 3 (Marlboro Cup). The Sunday race was stopped early with a black flag due to an incident on the front straight involving Matthew Roberts (Egg Harbor, NJ) #48. His 1979 MGB rode the turn 10 curbing then pitched the car toward the inner wall, dislodging the tire barrier. Thankfully Matthew stepped from the car on his own and was tended to by the ever-present safety crew. Todd Reid (Elkton, MD) #1, was declared the winner in his 1967 Lotus Super Seven. On Saturday, Michael Clifford (Hopewell Junction, NY) #95, won the race driving his 1965 Ginetta G4.

Up next was Group 4 (Lola Cup). This race was also black-flagged due to a blown engine and oil on the track. David Gussack (Armonk, NY) #88, held the lead when the race was called. David was declared the winner in his 1963 Triumph Spitfire. The Saturday Group 4 race went the complete distance and was won by Bill Thumel (Virginia Beach, VA) #36, in his 1959 Elva Courier.

It should be noted out at this point that great credit should be given to the marshaling staff, track workers, and safety crew. Their responsiveness throughout the weekend was very impressive. The collective effort by VRG and Summit Point speaks volumes to the strength their continued partnership.

Sunday’s track activity came to a close with a Group 5 (Donahue Cup) sprint race. Greg Miller (Richmond, VA) #4, brought home the win, just as he did in Saturday’s sprint race. His 1962 Morgan 4/4 paced the Group 5 field all weekend.

The weekend calendar featured some special event races on Saturday. Ralph Salomon #98, won the Formula Vee Feature race in his 1960 Elva 200 fj. John Baucom #86, won the IMSA RS/SCCA 2.5 Feature Race driving a 1969 Fiat 124 Coupe. David Gussack #88, won the Eifel Porsche Feature Race in his dominant 1972 Porsche 914/6. Finally Scott Fairchild #20, won the Formula Ford Anniversary Feature race in his lightening fast 1978 Zink Z-10.

When covering a race meeting as a writer/photographer, I try not to lose sight of the pure basics and enjoy the race meeting from a fan’s perspective. Every one of VRG’s race groups and race specials provided an interesting mix of cars and race dynamics. VRG has hit the sweet spot. The weekend ended as it began, with an electricity and excitement in the air. Everyone wanted more. Luckily the summer has just begun.

————————————————–   TJ2014

The 2014 VRG Jefferson 500 marked my first race weekend of the year and it felt good to get out to the track. Finally! I covered the event for Victory Lane Magazine. I’ll be posting the article real soon. Until then, enjoy a few photographs from the races. Enjoy….TJ

Ben Sinnott’s helmet…ala Nigel Mansell.

#08 Daniel Crough, 1969 Porsche 911T. I love red sports cars!

#131 Earl Roberts, 1972 GRD Formula 3.