Racing

Race Car Driver Information

Competition licensed drivers can download an entry request form to register to race in the Pacific Northwest Historics at SOVREN’s main web site, www.sovren.org.

Racing with SOVREN

Vintage race cars are an important part of our automotive heritage, and just the sight of these wonderful machines seems to tell the story of an era gone by and evoke memories of the past. It’s no wonder that vintage auto racing is the fastest growing form of motorsports in the United States today.

The Society of Vintage Racing Enthusiasts (SOVREN) competition rules recognize three groups of race cars: Pre-War (pre-1941), Vintage (1941-1962), and Historic (1963-1969). Formula (single-seat) race cars must meet criteria of the “Monosposto Register,” which allows cars up to 1972. At selected events such as the Pacific Northwest Historics, a fourth class, Exhibition, is recognized. Cars in this group include significant racing cars manufactured between 1969 and 1979.

Many vintage race cars are very rare and have already proven their status in the racing arena, and now the drivers/owners are just having fun with them, and most likely living out their dream.

In reality, vintage racing is not “real” racing when compared to professional racing. Competition in vintage racing is not 10/10ths (at the absolute limit of the car and driver), but simply car enthusiasts getting together to display their cars and talents and compete with other like-minded racers.

Vintage auto races still offer many of the features that make professional auto racing so popular–speed, competition, excitement, and noise. However, in vintage racing, there are no monetary prizes, and the cars do not all look nearly identical like most of today’s race cars do.

At most races, vintage racing fans have the unique opportunity to roam the pits and get a true feel for the sport, as the paddock is open to all spectators. Most owners, who usually are the drivers and mechanics too, relish the opportunity to share their enthusiasm for vintage racing as well as their knowledge of the cars and their history.

In SOVREN, annual championships in the vintage, historic and formula categories are awarded each year. The results are not based on finishing positions, but rather reliability and participation. Ten points are awarded for entering an event and one point is given for each lap completed in the race.

To become a driver with SOVREN you must attend an accredited driving school and then participate in SOVREN’s annual novice day held every April. Finally, novice drivers must successfully complete two race days before they receive a competition license. Due to the size of the event (the large number of cars on the track), only drivers with a full competition license are allowed to race in the Pacific Northwest Historics.

More information on becoming a driver with SOVREN can be found on www.sovren.org.