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[Johnny D]

 

The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) and the organizers of the Savannah Speed Classic announced today that they have reached an agreement to produce one of the Southeast’s most distinguished historic racing events in 2019. The Savannah Speed Classic takes place one week before the nearby Hilton Head Island Concours d’ Elegance. SVRA provides access to the largest database of vintage and historic racers in the country.

 

The Savannah Speed Classic is presented on the Grand Prize of America Road Course, located at Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa in Savannah, Georgia. The course derives its name from Savannah’s significant auto racing history as the original home to the first Grand Prix held in the United States, the 1908 American Grand Prize won by French champion driver Louis Wagner in a factory Fiat. The Hilton Head Island Concours d’ Elegance is hosted at the Port Royal Golf Club. The events are presented on two successive weekends and next year the Savannah Speed Classic will take place from October 25-27. The Concours d’ Elegance will be staged the following weekend, November 1-3, 2019.

 

“We are tremendously honored to be a part of the historic and prestigious Savannah Speed Classic,” said SVRA President and CEO Tony Parella. “We know the important history of Savannah in American road racing dating back to 1908 and feel a special reverence in respecting it. With more than 11,000 vintage drivers in our database, many owning outstanding historic race cars, we are convinced this association is a perfect fit.”

 

SVRA “Gold Medallion” cars are expected to figure prominently in the Savannah Speed Classic. The Gold Medallion program certifies that owners have painstakingly preserved and restored significant race cars to original condition. Appreciation for history and authenticity is essential. Many of the machines, some of which were driven by legends such Parnelli Jones, Dan Gurney, and Tazio Nuvolari, are worth tens of millions of dollars. Car owners are issued log books where they record the history of ownership and details of construction.

 

“We are excited to join forces with SVRA for our Savannah Speed Classic,” said Carolyn Vanagel, President, Hilton Head Island Concours d’ Elegance. “By all measures, SVRA has been one of the fastest growing motorsports organizations over the past five years. We are proud to have our racing weekend on their season schedule alongside the most significant road courses in America.”