The Sportscar Classic Racing Affiliation (SVRA) neighborhood got here collectively on Saturday night time to have fun all of its 2023 champions, whereas additionally kicking off a brand new race season at Sebring Worldwide Raceway through the Sebring SpeedTour weekend. The occasion honored all of SVRA’s 2023 dash and endurance champions, whereas additionally recognizing a collection of drivers and mechanics by way of a bunch of particular awards. The occasion featured the Sebring SpeedTour Grand Marshal, founding father of the Amelia Island Concours d’Class, Invoice Warner, because the keynote speaker.
With Warner sharing images and tales of not solely the favourite automobiles he’s owned, but in addition his days as a racer, photographer and journalist, he had one final shock earlier than taking his seat. Tony Parella, the founding father of SVRA’s dad or mum firm, Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH), awarded Warner with the PMH Trailblazer Award for his contributions to motorsports and the classic neighborhood.
“What an amazing night time in Sebring,” stated Michael Printup, COO of PMH and President of SVRA. “Gathering all of our champions, our opponents, having fun with a meal and tales—having Invoice Warner because the Grand Marshall of the weekend and keynote speaker of tonight’s banquet—it was actually particular. I’m nonetheless attending to know everybody concerned in SVRA with our opponents unfold throughout the nation, but it surely’s such a heat, pleasant surroundings. The camaraderie and sportsmanship amongst this group is second to none, and that was palpable as we gathered tonight. I’m excited to proceed to develop and foster that surroundings within the premiere classic racing group within the nation.”
An SVRA Champion who’s making his first begin within the Trans Am Sequence introduced by Pirelli this weekend, Jonathan DeGaynor, was honored because the 2023 Most Improved Driver. From Bloomfield, Mich., DeGaynor races a Devin in Group 6—successful the Group 6GT championship and ending third general within the SVRA Dash Championship—and in addition added a Mustang to his program final season to compete in Group 10.
Harlan “Rob” Crow was honored as SVRA’s Rookie of The 12 months. Racing a Swift Formulation Ford in Group 2, Crow completed third in Group 2 PCF and eighth general within the Group 2 factors. The 25-year-old Texan earned his first-career win in at Circuit of The Americas in November.
Centerville, Texas-native Jerry Robinson was named the Novice Mechanic of the 12 months. Racing a Dodge Viper, Robinson gained the Group 12A MP4 class, completed second general in Group 12A, and ranked second within the Endurance Sequence. Getting ready and creating his personal automobile, Robinson ran 11 races in 2023 and noticed each checkered flag.
Troy Ermish was named the Skilled Mechanic of the 12 months. Racing in a Datsun 510, he gained class 8BS, and completed third general in Group 8. Together with his enterprise, Ermish prepares many Datsun 510s for fellow opponents at West Coast occasions; his automobiles are immaculately ready and dependable to make it to the end.
A brand new award this 12 months noticed Wayne Baker acknowledged for the Most Lively Gold Medallion Automotive. Attending 4 occasions together with his 1967 Porsche 911S, Baker’s automobile meets stringent requirements to make sure it’s precisely ready and introduced, competing as we speak with the identical specs for the way it was initially raced.
Prospects Financial institution, a accomplice of PMH, additionally used the night as a chance to honor a member of the SVRA neighborhood with their “Pushed to Make a Distinction Award.” Created to honor those that excel on and off the monitor, the award winners are those that present a dedication to philanthropy and impacting their neighborhood in a optimistic manner. Rick Fraser—a father, entrepreneur, pilot and racecar driver—helps the army, his neighbors and his staff. In his personal firm, he’s by no means had a layoff, regardless of how sluggish issues have gotten; he’s helped different enterprise homeowners preserve the lights on, and has helped numerous family and friends who’ve fallen on laborious occasions.
In SVRA’s general Dash Sequence standings, Nathan Byrd (2017 AF 01) was honored because the champion with 324 factors. Stephen Lisa (2009 Norma M20F) completed second with 192 factors, and Jonathan DeGaynor (1959 Devin Evolution) ranked third with 180 factors.
Scott Fraser (1958 Austin Healey Sprite) was the Group 1 champion, whereas Bob Hatle (1989 Swift DB-3) gained Group 2. Tom Brown (1963 Triumph Spitfire) was first in Group 3; Andrew Myers (1996 Carbir CS2) took Group 5A and Travis Engen (1962 Lotus 23B) gained Group 5B. Anthony Lisa (1973 DeTomaso Pantera GR3) gained Group 6A, Scott Shadel (1969 Chevrolet Camaro) gained Group 6B and Jonathan DeGaynor (1959 Devin Evolution) gained Group 6GT. David Jacobs (1971 Chevron B19) completed first in Group 7, with Jim Lenehan taking Group 8 (1976 Porsche 914/6). Along with successful the Dash Sequence general, Nathan Byrd was additionally champion of Group 9 (2017 AF 01) and Group 10GT (2015 Porsche 991.1 GT3 Cup 3.8L). Jeff Rocco (1993 Pontiac Grand Prix) took Group 10SC, and Stephen Lisa (2009 Norma M20F) gained Group 11. In Group 12A, Rick Ortman (1992 Chevrolet Corvette) was champion, whereas Brian Thomas Himes (1989 Ford Mustang) took Group 12B. Alan Schommer (1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata) was the Miata NB Group champion.
Within the SVRA Endurance Sequence, Nathan Byrd (2017 AF 01) was honored because the champion with 156 factors. Jerry Robinson and co-driver Bobby Archer (2010 Dodge Viper) completed second with 130 factors. Andrew Myers (1996 Carbir CS2) completed third with 110 factors.
Tom Brown (1963 Triumph Spitfire) gained the Group 3 Championship within the Endurance Sequence, whereas Andrew Myers (1996 Carbir CS2) took the Group 5A title. Nathan Byrd completed first in Group 9, and Jerry Robinson and Bobby Archer took trophies as co-champions in Group 12A.
Subsequent up on SVRA’s schedule is the Thunderhill SpeedTour at Thunderhill Raceway Park, March 1-3.
