Art:
Thanks for putting this out in the public domain. Your correspondent
evidently doesn't go to VSCCA events, where we have lots of prewar and
other rarities and actually have fun! I remember when first SVRA and
then the others came. Some said VSCCA better change or be run over by
the herds rushing to SVRA. Well, it didn't happen. VSCCA is alive and
quite well, thanks. Most of our members (and there are exceptions, of
course) do remember the great cars, when people drove them to races (and
some still do)and raced them. We held the line and it has worked. True,
none of our "staff" is paid. But we can run one event on what it takes
to meet payroll for a week in other clubs. And we manage to have some
terrific events, even without big sponsors. So true vintage is alive and
well.
On the other hand, we also think there is room for other clubs, like HSR
and SVRA, although in their proper perspective. They also have done a
great service to the preservation of older sports cars, whether some
people like it or not. The money and notoriety have actually been good
for the sport. It put us out in the public eye and brought in a lot of
members and money. It saved a lot of cars. It created an aftermarket and
parts industry in the billions, and all that goes with that. I think
where the rub is, is who gets to say they're representative of the
concept of "vintage racing" Nobody wants to be the used sports car club.
"Vintage" or "Historic" racing appellations have that certain cachet
that everybody wants handy for that cocktail party conversation. And
the other thing that differentiates is the tolerance level for carnage.
In most racing, excluding VSCCA and partially SVRA, "incidents" are
treated as part of the game. While these things are not exactly
encouraged or applauded, the attitude about these incidents sometimes is
"that's racing" or even worse. Not a preservationist's dream, certainly.
So in sum, I think you and your writer raise some extremely important
points, and we as a whole absolutely need to address these things,
especially in light of the recent changes that have been abroad in the
sport.
Susan
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