OK, here's my two-cents worth:
When I first stumbled upon vintage racing in the middle 1980s, these same
questions were being debated, and I suspect that 10 years from now we'll
still be kicking them around.
I became hooked on vintage racing for two reasons:
No. 1 -- I loved the cars that were being raced, because they were so old
that they came from my teenage years, and it was something unique. Sure, I
could turn on ESPN and see all manner of Indy car, IMSA and NASCAR racing,
and if I needed to feel the thunder there was live action not too far from my
home at the time in California. But in vintage, I saw cars I could never see
race on TV, and they were being raced by people who loved them as much as I
do.
Which brings me to reason No. 2 -- the philosophy of the people out there
racing. I hold no illusions that, had I gotten a big break in my youth, I
would be sporting an Indy 500 ring on my finger. I am at best a competent
driver, and some days I feel slightly ashamed that I'm not smoother, more
precise. But vintage racing gives me the opportunity to live a fantasy,
driving a car ('65 Mustang) that I love.
When I'm on the track with my fellow SCCA vintage racers, I don't feel the
need to go all-out and risk life, limb and sheetmetal. I drive fast, I skate
near the edge, but I try to keep the red mist from overpowering my better
judgment.
When the racing is over, it's great to share experiences, swap some lies, and
pack up a car that hopefully will be ready to race another day.
All of this is a long-winded way of saying that the two key elements that
make vintage racing the blast that it is are the cars and the attitude of the
people. If you take that away, then what you have is just racing -- which is
fine, if that's what you're looking for.
To all the owners of outdated NASCAR beasts, or Super Seven descendants, or
whatever, I wish you all the fun in the world, with whatever organization
that will take you. You are pursuing your fantasy.
But please leave vintage racing to the vintage racers.
Terry Jackson
Miami, FL
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