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SVRA Vintage Racing Nationals 2013 – Report and Photos

Stephens Steers in his very pretty and very fast 58 Echidna Roadster. Picasa
Stephens Steers in his very pretty and very fast 58 Echidna Roadster.

The inaugural Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) United States Vintage Racing National Championship was held October 25-27, 2013 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The 20-turn, 3.4 mile road course welcomed over 500 entries to run in 12 groups and two enduros.

The facility itself was a big part of the story of the event. It opened last year, hosting the United States Grand Prix. Big, modern and impressive, it is designed to meet 21st century needs and the major requirements of Formula 1. The track itself is very technical with diverse curves and elevation changes that reward driving talent.

The SVRA U.S Vintage Racing Nationals was an equally impressive event. The quality of cars was very good and the diversity broad enough to fit any automotive taste. The prize for the winners was a Bell Helmet painted gold with black horizontal stripes. With the large number of participants, the track had to add two more paddock areas to the well-sized permanent one. An interesting peek into the world of Formula 1 was seeing part of the permanent paddock fenced off as construction was underway to build the hospitality structures for the F1 teams that will be there in a few weeks.

Perhaps the most interesting car at the event was Brian Blain’s 1911 National Indy. This centenarian vehicle actually participated in the first Indy 500 race. The car was a real crowd pleaser, and when pre-gridded it was surrounded by a large number of people just to watch it start. SVRA even posted a video of this scene.

Among other cars of interest included Paddins Dowling’s 1939 Maserati 4CL, two pre-war Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Prix cars, Jim Stranberg’s 1925 Bugatti Type 35, two Morgan 3-wheelers and Tom Malloy’s lovely 1935 Miller-Ford Indy car. For those with a taste for the more modern cars were the team Regogo Lotus 79; Randy Johnson’s Ford GT40; Cameron Healy’s Cooper Porsche “Pooper” and Porsche 908/3; Stephen Steers’ beautiful Echidna; John Furlow’s Kurtis 500KK; Christian Zugel’s 2006 Porsche RS Spyder; Craig Bennett’s 1974 Shadow DN4 Can-Am and many more.

The closest margin of victory was in group 7 where Lee Brahin in a Ralt beat Howard Katz in his Toj by 0.316 seconds. The fastest lap of the weekend was turned in by George Robinson in his 2007 Lola B07/18, averaging almost 103 mph.

The last race of the weekend encapsulates what it was all about. It was the group 5 race. The cars included a GT40, Chevron B16, Lola T70, Porsche 908/3, Genie Mk10, Brabham BT-8 and several Lotus 23s. Doc Bundy in a Lotus 23B started from pole and lead after lap one with Gray Gregory right on his tail in his Chevron B16. Cameron Healy started poorly in his Porsche 908/3, but after a few laps had used his car’s superior speed to work his way to the the lead and win. Bundy and Gregory continued their fight, now for second. Both gave everything they and their cars had. Bundy drifting through turn 18. Gregory tenaciously on his tail, but never able to make the pass. It was a great show. Meanwhile, Graham Adelman in a Lotus 23B finished lap one solidly in last place. He methodically worked his way through the field to finish a respectable 6th. When all is said and done, that is what the first SVRA U.S. Vintage Racing National Championship was all about.

Photographer David Ferguson documented SVRA’s debut United States Vintage Racing National Championship, offering the following picture gallery that highlights the strong field of entrants and the Circuit of the Americas road course. We split up David’s 220 pictures into two galleries. The first gallery starting below features our favorite images, all displayed in the full-width view of Sports Car Digest, while the second gallery and race winners can be found on the last page of the article and gives a comprehensive view of all the photographs.

SVRA US Vintage Racing National Championship 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery

 

David Duthu, 1939/49 Talbot-Lago T26C.
David Duthu, 1939/49 Talbot-Lago T26C.
Bernardo Martinez, 69 Alfa Romeo GTA
Bernardo Martinez, 1969 Alfa Romeo GTA
John Furlow Sr., 54 Kurtis 500 KK
John Furlow Sr., 1954 Kurtis 500KK
David Neidell in his oversteering 59 Kellison J-5.
David Neidell in his oversteering 1959 Kellison J-5.

 

 

Ed Sevadjian, 58 Corvette
Ed Sevadjian, 1958 Chevrolet Corvette
Glen Stephens, Lotus Eleven Le Mans
Glen Stephens, Lotus Eleven Le Mans
Stephens Steers in his very pretty and very fast 1958 Echidna Roadster.
Stephens Steers in his very pretty and very fast 1958 Echidna Roadster.
John Furlow Sr., 1954 Kurtis 500KK
John Furlow Sr., 1954 Kurtis 500KK

 

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SVRA US Vintage Racing National Championship 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Two

 

Doug Schultz, 1952 Allard K2
Doug Schultz, 1952 Allard K2
Herb Wetanson, 1960 Lola MKl A
Herb Wetanson, 1960 Lola MKl A
6 intake pipes. 6 exhaust pipes.
6 intake pipes. 6 exhaust pipes in the 1949 Talbot-Lago T26C Grand Prix
Tom Malloy, 1991 AAR Eagle GTP MKlll
Tom Malloy, 1991 AAR Eagle GTP MKlll

 

 

Fred Kaimer, 1986 Porsche 962
Fred Kaimer, 1986 Porsche 962
Kevin Rich's 1999 Mustang Trans Am has a paint scheme that is rather prophetic.
Kevin Rich’s 1999 Mustang Trans Am has a paint scheme that is rather prophetic.
Christian Zugel, 2006 Porsche RS Spyder
Christian Zugel, 2006 Porsche RS Spyder
Typical action at turn 1.
Typical action at turn 1.

 

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SVRA US Vintage Racing National Championship 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Three

 

Theo and Toby Bean in their Chevrolet Intrepid GTPs.
Theo and Toby Bean in their Chevrolet Intrepid GTPs.
Jimmy Domingos, 1962 Cooper Formula Jr.
Jimmy Domingos, 1962 Cooper Formula Jr.
Nick Grewal, 1963 Lotus 27
Nick Grewal, 1963 Lotus 27
Doug Elcomb's 1961 Dreossi Canada Class started out as an auxiliary tank for an F-86 fighter.
Doug Elcomb’s 1961 Dreossi Canada Class started out as an auxiliary tank for an F-86 fighter.

 

 

Joseph DeLucia, 1959 Lotus 18
Joseph DeLucia, 1959 Lotus 18
Jim Stengel, 1972 McLaren M8F Can-Am
Jim Stengel, 1972 McLaren M8F Can-Am
Craig Bennett, 1974 Shadow DN4
Craig Bennett, 1974 Shadow DN4 Can-Am
Peter Klutt's always-quick 1969 Chevrolet Corvette
Peter Klutt’s always-quick 1969 Chevrolet Corvette

 

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SVRA US Vintage Racing National Championship 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Four

 

Robert Gritten, Lola T292, Randy Johnson, Lola T296 and Gray Gregory, Chevron B26 race down turn 10.
Robert Gritten, Lola T292, Randy Johnson, Lola T296 and Gray Gregory, Chevron B26 race down turn 10.
Michael Kaleel, 1964 Lotus 23B in turn 5.
Michael Kaleel, 1964 Lotus 23B in turn 5.
Cameron Healy, 1970 Porsche 908/3
Cameron Healy, 1970 Porsche 908/3
Greg Mitchell, 1969 Lola T163 Can-Am
Greg Mitchell, 1969 Lola T163 Can-Am

 

 

Doc Bundy in the Lotus 23B were in some very close action.
Doc Bundy in the Lotus 23B were in some very close action.
1969 Ford GT40
1969 Ford GT40
Paddins Dowling in his awesome 1939 Maserati 4CL
Paddins Dowling in the awesome 1939 Maserati 4CL
The beginning of the rear engine movement and the end of the front engine Grand Prix racers meet at COTA.
The beginning of the rear engine movement and the end of the front engine Grand Prix racers meet at COTA.

 

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SVRA US Vintage Racing National Championship 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Five

 

David Duthu, 1939/49 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Prix
David Duthu, 1939/49 Talbot-Lago T26C Grand Prix
Paddins Dowling in his awesome 39 Maserati 4CL
Paddins Dowling, 1939 Maserati 4CL
Helmet choreography
Helmet choreography in the 1911 National
Two cars, three helmets, seven tires.
Two cars, three helmets, seven tires.

 

 

Jim Stranberg, 1925 Bugatti 35A
Jim Stranberg’s 1925 Bugatti Type 35A
Tony Parella's 1934 Chevrolet
Tony Parella’s 1934 Chevrolet
Reed Yates, in his 1935 MG type N leads Robert Sterling's 1934 MG type N by Tony Parella's 1934 Chevrolet
Reed Yates, in his 1935 MG type N, leads Robert Sterling’s 1934 MG type N and Tony Parella’s 1934 Chevrolet
Tom Malloy in his 1935 Miller-Ford Indy races with Denis Bigioni in his 1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Prix car.
Tom Malloy in his 1935 Miller-Ford Indy races with Denis Bigioni in his 1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Prix car.

 

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SVRA US Vintage Racing National Championship 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Six

 

Bob Leitzinger, 1965 Lotus Elan follows Juan Lopez-Santini's 1969 Porsche 911S
Bob Leitzinger, 1965 Lotus Elan follows Juan Lopez-Santini’s 1969 Porsche 911S
Chris Bender, 1982 March 821
Chris Bender, 1982 March 821
Seb Coppola, 1970 Lola T192
Seb Coppola, 1970 Lola T192
Paul Wilson, 1973 March 73A-2 and Tom malloy, 1975 AAR-Eagle 755-001
Paul Wilson, 1973 March 73A-2 and Tom malloy, 1975 AAR-Eagle 755-001

 

 

Bud Moeller, 1979 Ensign N-179
Bud Moeller, 1979 Ensign N-179
Doc Bundy in the lovely 1978 Lotus 79.
Doc Bundy in the lovely 1978 Lotus 79
Addison Brown, 1966 Shelby GT350
Addison Brown, 1966 Shelby GT350
Andre Ahrle, 1965 Shelby Cobra Comp
Andre Ahrle, 1965 Shelby Cobra Comp

 

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SVRA US Vintage Racing National Championship 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Seven

 

Keith Dunbar, 1962 Jaguar E Type
Keith Dunbar, 1962 Jaguar E-Type
Marty Beaulieu, 1968 Mercury Cougar
Marty Beaulieu, 1968 Mercury Cougar
Group 6 feature race winner Fritz Seidel in his 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR IROC
Group 6 feature race winner Fritz Seidel in his 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR IROC
Tom Roche's 1968 Chevrolet Corvette leads a large group of group 6 cars.
Tom Roche’s 1968 Chevrolet Corvette leads a large group of group 6 cars.

 

 

Jeffrey Giannini, 1968 Chevron B14
Jeffrey Giannini, 1968 Chevron B14
Kurt DelBene's 1964 BRP-BRM F1
Kurt DelBene’s 1964 BRP-BRM F1
Travis Engen, 1970 Chevron B17b
Travis Engen, 1970 Chevron B17b
William Johnson in the blue 1972 Royale RP3a leads Norm Cowdrey in his 1972 Crosley 172FF.
William Johnson in the blue 1972 Royale RP3a leads Norm Cowdrey in his 1972 Crosley 172FF.

 

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SVRA US Vintage Racing National Championship 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Eight

 

Roman Tucker, 1968 Alfa Romeo GTA
Roman Tucker, 1968 Alfa Romeo GTA
Dennis Gonzalez in his 1966 MG Midget leads Michael Silverman's MGA, and Richard Fisher's Sprite
Dennis Gonzalez in his 1966 MG Midget leads Michael Silverman’s MGA, and Richard Fisher’s Sprite
Michael Vogel's 1956 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider
Michael Vogel’s 1956 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider
Robert Hoemke, 1965 Mini Cooper
Robert Hoemke, 1965 Mini Cooper

 

 

Jeff Boston's 1990 Lola S2000
Jeff Boston’s 1990 Lola S2000
Phillippe Reyns, 1972 Lola T212
Phillippe Reyns, 1972 Lola T212
David Nelson, 1955 Triumph TR2
David Nelson, 1955 Triumph TR2
Greg Blake, 1958 Triumph TR3
Greg Blake, 1958 Triumph TR3

 

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SVRA US Vintage Racing National Championship 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Nine

 

Cameron Healey in an early morning qualifying session in his Cooper Porsche "Pooper"
Cameron Healey in an early morning qualifying session in his Cooper Porsche “Pooper”
Randy Johnson, 1969 Ford GT40
Randy Johnson, 1969 Ford GT40
Gray Gregory, 1969 Chevron B16
Gray Gregory, 1969 Chevron B16
Maor Primo, 1971 Fiat 124 Coupe, leads H.D Woodruff, 1974 BMW 2002, into turn 6
Maor Primo’s 1971 Fiat 124 Coupe leads H.D Woodruff’s 1974 BMW 2002, into turn 6

 

 

Bernardo Martinez Jr., 1966 Alfa Romeo GTV
Bernardo Martinez Jr., 1966 Alfa Romeo GTV
Bobby Brown in his fast 1971 Brabham BT-35
Bobby Brown in his fast 1971 Brabham BT-35
John Delane, 1965 Brabham BT18
John Delane, 1965 Brabham BT18
Richard Morrison, 1939 Lagonda V12 Le Mans
Richard Morrison, 1939 Lagonda V12 Le Mans

 

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SVRA US Vintage Racing National Championship 2013 – Main Photo Gallery (click image for larger picture and description)

 

[nggallery id=629 images=15]

 

 

SVRA US Vintage Racing National Championship 2013 – Race Results

 

Group One Feature Race
1. Pat Ryan, 1967 Triumph Spitfire
2. Thomas Tuttle, 1972 MG Midget
3. Greg Wold, 1965 Austin Mini Cooper S

Group Two Feature Race
1. Derek Jones, 1970 Chevron B17
2. Travis Engen, 1970 Chevron B17B
3. Bobby Brown, 1971 Brabham BT-35

Group Three / Four Feature Race
1. Stephen Seers, 1958 Echidn Roadster
2. Denny Wilson, 1962 Lotus Super 7
3. Robert Bodin, 1957 Devin Ryan Special

Group Five Feature Race
1. Cameron Healy, 1970 Porsche 908/3
2. Doc Bundy, 1964 Lotus 23B
3. Gray Gregory, 1969 Chevron B16

Group Six Feature Race
1. Fritz Seidel, 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR IROC
2. Jody O’Donnell, 1969 Chevrolet Corvette
3. Mike Donohue, 1963 Chevrolet Corvette

Group Seven Feature Race
1. Lee Brahin, 1996 Ralt RT41 SR
2. Howard Katz, 1975 Toj 205C
3. Randy Johnson, 1975 Lola T296

Group Eight Feature Race
1. Todd Treffert, 1973 Porsche 911
2. Juan Lopez-Santini, 1969 Porsche 911S
3. Joe Huffaker, 1972 Jensen Healey

Group Nine Feature Race
1. Chris Bender, 1982 March 821 Formula 1
2. Doc Bundy, 1978 Lotus 79 Formula 1
3. Michel Gensini, 1991 Dallara F1 BMS-191

Group Ten Feature Race
1. Craig Bennett, 1974 Shadow DN4 Can-Am
2. Jim Stengel, 1972 McLaren M8F
3. Don Noe, 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Group Eleven Feature Race
1. George Robinson, 2007 Lola B0718
2. Christian Zugel, 2006 Porsche RS Spyder
3. Mark Brannon, 2000 Riley-Scott MkIIC

Group Formula Junior Feature Race
1. Art Hebert, 1963 Lola Mk5A
2. Robert Hoemke, 1962 Cooper T59
3. Ed Moore, 1962 Cooper T59

Group Pre-War Feature Race
1. Paddins Dowling, 1939 Maserati 4CL
2. Luca Maciucescu, 1957 Cooper T43
3. David Duthu, 1939/49 Talbot-Lago T26C Grand Prix

Keenan Motors Historic GT/GTP Enduro
1. Christian Zugel, 2006 Porsche RS Spyder
2. Joel Quadracci, 1997 Lola T97/20
3. Don Soenen, 1995 Ford Mustang TransAm

Keenan Motors Vintage/Classic Enduro
1. Gray Gregory, 1969 Chevron B16
2. Frank Beck, 1972 Porsche 914/6
3. Todd Treffert, 1973 Porsche 911

For complete results, visit SVRA.com.

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[Source: David Ferguson]