SVRA and Indy

[Ralph Z.]

I just saw the 2021 schedule for SVRA and IMS is not included. Does anyone know the story? Has it been permanently cancelled?

[Rick Kirchner]

One of my friends at COTA was going to talk to Tony Parella about it - whether it was a penske thing or a SVRA thing or a not get in the way of the runoffs thing.

haven't heard back though

[Bardahl77]

From RACER mgazine:

Notably missing from the expanded schedule is the Brickyard Invitational held since 2014 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Parella explains that he built the event around the Vintage Race of Champions (VROC), which is now on hold due to fan-attendance uncertainty.


“We built the Brickyard Invitational around Pro-Am racing,” says Parella. “Our first-ever Pro-Am occurred at IMS in 2014, and we need that element for the weekend to make sense. I will be regrouping with the IMS team in January to explore options in 2022.”

[cgscgs]

I registered for the Brickyard event March 2020, paying $850. The event date came and went unnoticed (as Rooster Cogburn would say) without being cancelled. I patiently waited for my refund, and in mid-December sent SVRA an email requesting same. They replied that they "don't refund entries." I assume that clause appears in some small print I should have read, but I have never heard of a policy like that. Do other organizations just keep your money when they fail to hold an event?

They did offer to hold my entry "for a future event" noting that they "have an extended contract with IMS." Gee thanks, but that sounds a bit hollow when there is no Brickyard event on their 2021 schedule.

[Garey Guzman]

I registered for the Brickyard event March 2020, paying $850. The event date came and went unnoticed (as Rooster Cogburn would say) without being cancelled. I patiently waited for my refund, and in mid-December sent SVRA an email requesting same. They replied that they "don't refund entries." I assume that clause appears in some small print I should have read, but I have never heard of a policy like that. Do other organizations just keep your money when they fail to hold an event?

They did offer to hold my entry "for a future event" noting that they "have an extended contract with IMS." Gee thanks, but that sounds a bit hollow when there is no Brickyard event on their 2021 schedule.

Same for me, although I had entered the March SVRA event at Road Atlanta, maybe 2 weeks before the event. I think that event was cancelled by the State of Georgia (all gatherings, etc). I was told that my payment could be used toward a future event.

[Rick Kirchner]

Be careful. I reserved an RV space for the open wheel world challenge at Indy in 2017 only to find it had been given to Bob Wright's organization. Not cheap either - $350. It took me sending copies of e-mails and pics of my rig on the other side of the garage area to get them to give me a credit.

Because of work schedules and my move back from the east coast I didn't have a chance to use it promptly, and when I did try to use it in 2019 they had voided the credit for being too old.

The thing that ticks me off about SVRA is that they’ve make a LOT of money off of their sponsorships and other side deals and then nickel and dime the competitors

[hdsporty1988]

I've thought of running their event at Road America. This sure makes me reluctant to have anything to do with them.

[mike finch]

Covid has given an opportunity for people to show kindness and decency. Obviously SVRA has decided instead to use it as a way to steal from people.

I remember in 2014 asking if I could enter a race and some jerkoff telling me I needed a referral or some rubbish!

Now they are so desperate they'll accept any fake cheater car or driver no matter what.

[DanW]

Covid has given an opportunity for people to show kindness and decency. Obviously SVRA has decided instead to use it as a way to steal from people.

I remember in 2014 asking if I could enter a race and some jerkoff telling me I needed a referral or some rubbish!

Now they are so desperate they'll accept any fake cheater car or driver no matter what.

I think it has to do with the current ownership...

[Ralph Z.]

I have to say that my experience with SVRA has been very positive. Have not experienced any of the issues mentioned in this thread. I'm not saying they didn't happen, but, not in my experience in seven years of racing with them. They have always refunded money when they said they would and I believe their entry fees are reasonable for the experience provided.

[Daryl DeArman]

If the tracks gave the organization credit towards another event rather than a refund, why do we expect to get anything other than a credit from the organization?

If they don't have the same event on the calendar the next year than they should give a refund and I'm certain the track would have to provide the organization a refund.

[Rick Kirchner]

I've had a generally good experience with them except for that one instance. I've run with them at Fontana twice, Pahrump once, Chuckwalla, and three times at Indy.

The only improvement I'd like to see in their events is a little less focus on Gr 6 cars and they sure don't know their ass from third base when it comes to classing formula cars.

[tstrong]

I agree with Ralph above with very positive experience in a higher end environment with SVRA. Having done many Races with them on the west coast as well as Indy, ROad Am, Mid O, Watkins Glen, and COTA have had cancel some due to my issues others due to Covid. As mentioned their primary mode is to credit your account for use at any future event. However if they had to cancel an eVent and you really need a refund I have called them and received a refund. If you are not satisfied with the credit I would suggest calling Kathy And see if you can work out a solution. Todd

[Roland V. Johnson]

I agree with Todd. SVRA has been overall a great group to run with. Being a bit hard headed I have had my differences on occasion, but Rick Parent and Kathy are great to deal with. No other group I have ever run with has given most if not all the group a free entry.

[Tom Fraelich]

Let me chime in as well. I've raced with SVRA for over 20 years, through many different ownerships. I've been well served by this group and contrary to what another poster asserted, I've yet to encounter anyone who fit his description as a "jerk-off". Kathy, Rick,
Alex and Tony have been accomodating and responsive while trying to operate a genuine "business". They have my respect.

Tom Fraelich
SVRA 5030

[ric baribeault]

I’ve been running with them for 4 years. I’ve never had an issue and have found the office staff especially, cordial, professional, and helpful.