School Revamped to Incorporate West Coast Racers at Thunderhill Raceway Park
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (December 23, 2022) – Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) is bringing its annual drivers’ school to California’s Thunderhill Raceway Park, March 3-5, 2023. Designed to help racers refine their race craft and secure an SVRA competition license, the SVRA Driving School is a three-day program that utilizes both classroom learning and on-track experience in a comprehensive curriculum. Focused on driver development, car handling and safe racing, the weekend culminates with a feature race. Students who successfully complete the program earn an SVRA racing license and one-year SVRA membership at the conclusion of the weekend.
“We are thrilled to bring the SVRA Drivers’ School to the West Coast, giving car enthusiasts and collectors a chance to earn a racing license and get on track with SVRA,” said Matt Rose, Chief Steward of SVRA West. “Three days is a perfect amount of time for a new racer to get comfortable in their car and learn how to be smooth—after all, smooth is fast! It’ll be safe, friendly and fun, with professional instructors helping students refine their skills.”
Students wanting to participate in the school need only two things—a vintage racecar and a desire to hone his or her race craft. The vehicle must meet the safety requirements outlined on SVRA’s website, SVRA.com. A fully accredited program, the SVRA Drivers’ School focuses on safety, driving skill and the etiquette of vintage racing. The $595 entry fee includes a certification ceremony at the conclusion of the weekend for all successful graduates.
“Our goal for the school is to remove barriers to entry into our sport and, frankly, by shortening the licensing process, make it a lot more affordable,” said Tony Parella, CEO of SVRA. “In the past, prospective drivers were required to attend outside driving schools and expected to compete with other vintage groups and then undergo observation with selected SVRA veteran drivers before being fully certified. This way, rookies can get it all done in one weekend if they succeed with both written and on-track examinations.”
The 2023 SVRA Drivers’ School will take place during the Thunderhill SpeedTour. Driving on the 3.0-mile East Course, drivers will experience 15 turns and 200-feet of elevation change on the smoothly-paved circuit with plenty of run-off room. Participants will also have the chance to observe the SVRA event experience and culture of vintage racing during this SpeedTour event.
Alternating sessions of classroom learning and on-track instruction on both Friday and Saturday, will reinforce concepts on track that were taught in the classroom. On Sunday, students will be integrated into SVRA’s competition groups to participate in a full feature race.
Registration for the 2023 SVRA Drivers’ School is open now at SVRA.com. With no shipping required, it’s the perfect, easy holiday gift for any car enthusiast.
Learn more about the SVRA Drivers’ School here, or learn about all of SVRA’s 2023 events at SVRA.com/events.
For any questions regarding the school, reach out to Jessie Panel at Jessie@SVRA.com.