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SCCA: Valvoline Runoffs This Weekend

5 October 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Even the most promising novice actor needs a stage where he can be "discovered." For racing champions-to-be Bobby Rahal, Jimmy Vasser -- yes, even Paul Newman -- that stage was the Valvoline Runoffs.

More than 600 drivers will compete for 24 SCCA national championships in the 36th edition of the Valvoline Runoffs this weekend (Oct. 8-10) at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The 2.4-mile layout is considered an excellent "playing field" to determine each class title because it is known as a "driver's track" rather than a facility where horsepower is paramount. categories include showroom stock, production class, GT, Formula cars and sports racers.

Car and Driver magazine has referred to the Valvoline Runoffs as one 0f motorsports' top 10 events. SpeedVision will provide live TV coverage starting Friday at 1:30 p.m. (Eastern). Each race is scheduled for 19 laps - 45.6 miles -- with a 40-minute time limit.

For the 15th consecutive year, Valvoline is sponsoring what is commonly referred to as the "Super Bowl" or "Olympics" of amateur road racing and is posting more than $120,000 in contingency awards. Racers can also receive Valvoline motor oil, gear oil, SynPower products, Pyroil automotive Chemicals and Eagle One car care products.

"The variety of cars competing in the Valvoline Runoffs can't be found it any other racing event in the world," said Valvoline Sports Marketing director Barry Bronson. "Not only does that make it uniquely interesting, but also allows Valvoline engineers to learn from and support these dedicated racers, who compete for love of the sport. America's grass-roots racers are some of the best mechanics in the world."

Editors Note: For hundreds of hot racing photos and racing art, be sure to visit The Racing ImageGalleries and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.