Interview with Tony Parella: CEO of the SVRA
The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) is the United States’ largest vintage racing organization, and it’s also one of the oldest. It was originally known as the Southeast Vintage Racing Association when it was founded in the 1970s. At that time it had only 25 drivers, but today, the SVRA features around 2,500 drivers.
The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association hosts races all over the United States. Some of the tracks where they race include the Virginia International Raceway, Auto Club Speedway, Watkins Glen International, Sonoma Raceway, and Road America.
The Growth of the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association
The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association was founded by Ford Heacock III in 1978. The organization has grown significantly since its inception, and it acquired the West HRS-West and General Racing in the 2010s.
In 2012, the SVRA expanded its influence with new racing events and car shows, both of which include live concerts and firework displays. The organization hosted the first Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational in 2014 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The event was the largest vintage race in US history with over 700 participants.
The SVRA also hosts the U.S. Vintage Racing National Championship, where drivers operating vintage vehicles compete for Bell Vintage Racing National Championship Helmets. Additionally, the SVRA is involved in events at the Coronado Speed Festival, Sonoma Raceway, and Portland International Raceway.
SVRA Core Values
The SVRA’s slogan “Some people collect art…we race it” perfectly captures the spirit of the organization. The SVRA restores, preserves, and races vehicles that bear historic significance. Some of the notable classics they race include Jaguars, BMWs, MGs, Lotuses, and Triumphs.
The organization prides itself on having three core values at its events: safe, fair, and fun. Their events are safe with critical equipment and modern protection gear for vintage vehicles. SVRA events are fair because cars with similar specifications race one another, and vehicles are required to undergo inspections to ensure they align with racing rules. Finally, their events are fun for everyone involved.
With thrilling races, enjoyable car shows, and engrossing activities, SVRA events offer great experiences for drivers and vintage vehicle enthusiasts. SVRA races even include “open pits” that enable spectators to be in close proximity with vintage vehicles and their drivers.
SVRA Season Passes
The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association offers season passes for vintage vehicle enthusiasts. The season passes include two VIP/Hot Passes for open events hosted by the SVRA. This is a great option for car lovers because the VIP passes allow you to enjoy the races from a much closer vantage point with access to the paddock area and garages.
In addition to standard season passes, you can also purchase a Season Pass Plus+ that includes digital streaming of SVRA, Trans Am, and FRA/F4 races.
SVRA Upcoming Events
Whether you invest in a season pass or choose to purchase tickets for individual events, you’re not going to want to miss these upcoming opportunities in 2022:
- 2022 Auto Club Speedtour – Auto Club Speedway – Fontana, CA – February 4-6
- 2022 Sebring Speedtour – Sebring International Raceway – Sebring, FL – February 24-27
- 2022 Charlotte Speedtour – Charlotte Motor Speedway – Concord, NC – March 17-20
- 2022 Atlanta Speedtour – Road Atlanta – Braselton, GA – March 24-27
- 2022 Nola Speedtour – NOLA Motorsports Park – Avondale, LA – April 8-10
- 2022 Trans Am Speedfest – WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca – Monterey, CA – April 21-24
- 2022 Sonoma Speedtour – Sonoma Raceway – Sonoma CA, April 28-May 1
For even more upcoming Sportscar Vintage Racing Association events, visit their events page.
