Vintage Auto Racing Association (VARA) is a long-established organization devoted to racing vintage cars. The rules generally require that the cars racing with VARA be more than 20 years old. In theory, a 2001 car could now be considered vintage. However, most of the cars VARA members race are from th heyday of road racing in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. More modern cars can be seen in the sports racing and formula categories.

  Rules for participation in some race designations require the cars be built, rebuilt, or restored to the specifications that existed at the time the car was raced. Upgrades to engines, brakes, and other for modifications can be made, changing the car’s class designation. Based upon personal experience and looking at the smiling faces at the end of races, upgrades can enhance the “fun” factor, even if it is not truly authentic. For example, an Austin Healy Sprite (the Bug Eye or Frog Eye), came with a 998 cc engine. A Sprite with a 998 cc engine would race in the H Production (HP) class. If you upgraded the engine to a 1275 cc it would be raced in the E Production (EP) class.
  In VARA, there is a place for each and every vintage car. We see everything from an old Sprite, to a classic Fiat Arbath, a Jensen Healy, or even Rusty Wallace’s old #2 car from NASCAR. VARA has a place for each and the driver who wants to enjoy their vintage race car. Often you can see a car and driver with a vintage race car in a VARA event, and then the next weekend, the same driver participates in an SCCA event, if the car meets the rules for both organizations and classes. Driver safety in both VARA and SCCA are a top priority.
  VARA is unique in that it’s a true membership club, electing its own leaders and board of directors. VARA’s main focus is on providing friendly competition and a fun racing experience for its members and its guests.
  VARA races usually draw more than 100 entries. It is a joy to see truly significant and special vintage race cars being used as they were designed. Many run groups are populated with several classes, and in other groups, they are single class groups, such as Formula Ford, and B Sedan, sometimes referred to as the “Killer Bs.” Due to the high value of the cars, contact between racers is not allowed. Drivers etiquette includes giving other drivers a “VARA bubble,” with plenty of racing room. While not purely demonstration driving, VARA racing is done carefully with respect for cars and drivers.
VARA has three general paths to competition. One is obtaining a competition racing license, through their 3/6/9 ladder system (details can be found at VARAracing.com). A key part of obtaining a license is attending the VARA University. VARA University is a multi-function two-day track experience designed for all interested in racing vintage cars, including fledgling drivers, street driving enthusiasts, as well as current wheel-to-wheel competition drivers and their race cars. Taught by well-respected VARA instructors, this outstanding program and weekend will be held in July this year, due to COVID (normally it is held each February).
  Fast Lane instructors support the training, and Fast Lane rents cars for those who need but don’t have a race car. The second path to racing in a VARA event standing reciprocity for holders of a full competition license from SCCA, NASA, and many other organizations. That reciprocity requires attending a “ground school” the night before the event, to insure the VARA rules are fully transmitted, differences from other venues explained, and an evaluation of experience by the Chief Driving Instructor. The third path is to attend the Fast Lane Racing License program, pass and advance immediately to the eighth step of the VARA 3/6/9 program, and obtain your full competition license in a weekend of racing and four days of training. Vintage racing is fun, satisfying and connects the past to the present.

VARAracing.com

Steve Staveley, Chief Steward VARA Rod Susman, Chief Driving Instructor VARA
Fast Lane Lead Instructor.