Experience

Vintage racing is racing the way it used to be – clean, fast, fun and furious. Watch the greatest race cars ever built – cars from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s – even pre-war – in fender-to-fender action at the best road-racing tracks in the Northwest. Spectators are welcome at all SOVREN vintage events. Low-cost admission fees too! All tickets are available at the gate for each event.

Image credit: DL Wechner

Image credit: Pat Slocom

Image credit: Q. Doroquez

SOVREN race weekends begin with practice and qualifying sessions, followed by wheel-to-wheel racing action from morning through the afternoon. As a spectator you may watch from the stands, from various infield locations, or from numerous vantage points around the circuit. There are spots such as turn 9 at Pacific Raceways where you can be within feet of the passing cars.

Image credit: Kirk Myhre

Image credit: Bert McBride

Image credit: Bert McBride

Race cars are categorized by characteristics such as vehicle age and whether they are based on road cars, formulas, or are purpose-built. For race day, they are assigned to run groups based on category as well as attributes such as engine displacement and level of preparation, with the goal being to create competitive grids. Groups will typically enjoy four or five races through the weekend. As a spectator you are free to watch any and every race, but the grouping also allows you to focus on the races that feature the cars that most pique your interest. If you really want to get into the details, you can see the rules in the membership handbook.

Image credit: Bert McBride

Image credit: Karl Noakes

Image credit: Bert McBride

The SOVREN paddock is wide open for spectators to roam. Throughout the day you’ll be able to watch your favorites on track and then follow them directly back to their paddock spaces for a close inspection.

Image credit: Q. Doroquez

Image credit: Nick Maggiore

Image credit: Pat Slocom

The paddock is family-friendly and dog-friendly. (Note that engine noise can be quite loud, so you may want to have hearing protection or be ready to retreat when an unmuffled Corvette fires up.)

Image credit: Blaine Becker Efaw

Image credit: Steve Poole

Image credit: Nick Maggiore

Kids (and adults!) are more than welcome to ask to sit in a car.

Image credit: Nick Maggiore

Image credit: Steve Poole

Image credit: Bert McBride

You will find that SOVREN drivers and crew are extremely willing to talk about their cars and experiences. Ask them about how they got into racing and what they find special about the SOVREN experience, but be prepared for an attempt to persuade you to take up vintage racing yourself.

Image credit: Dave Gaddis

Image credit: Q. Dorozquez

Image credit: Nick Maggiore

If the mechanical side of things interests you, the nature of vintage racing ensures ample opportunity to observe trackside maintenance. Don’t be surprised to see a complete transmission overhaul, major body work, or a fairly substantial engine rebuild!

Image credit: Steve Poole

Image credit: Dave Gaddis

Image credit: Pat Slocom

SOVREN’s five annual events are currently held at three road courses in Washington and Oregon. Every event is open to the public. See below for links to the details about each event, including the venue and ticket prices.

Spring Sprints in Kent, WA
Spokane Festival of Speed in Spokane, WA
Pacific Northwest Historics in Kent, WA
Columbia River Classic in Portland, OR
Fall Finale in Kent, WA