About3

Recently, the two brothers - Mike lives near Evansville, Ind. - became interested in vintage stock car racing. Mike formed Tri-State Vintage Racing Association, and in February 2007, Mark organized Kentucky Vintage Racing Association. The two groups often work in tandem with each other, helping increase the number of cars participating in events at tracks in the region. The cars fielded by both brothers bear the words "In Memory of Cecil Moore" as a tribute to their father.

These are not "legends" or "dwarf" cars. They are full-sized, fully capable racing stock cars. Most KVRA cars utilize relatively modern chassis from East Coast or IMCA-type modifieds, with old-style pre-World War II coupe or coach bodied mounted on them.

Many established vintage groups have strict requirements for cars to be genuine period-piece vehicles, with modifications allowed only for safety reasons. Some have special classes for "pedigree" vintage cars, with separate divisions for cars such as the KVRA machines.

In all instances, the emphasis is on the appearance of the stock cars of yesterday and the unique appearance of each machine. That offers a stark contrast to the mass-produced, virtually identical racecars that fill the fields in modified or late model events on dirt and paved ovals these days - right up to the NASCAR Nextel Cup machines, especially with regard to the new "Car of Tomorrow" - where the only way to identify the car is by its color scheme and number.

Most vintage racing, in recognition of the magnified value of a carefully restored, rare automobile, is expected to be more gentlemanly than professional or semi-professional motor sports events. The idea is to have fun and entertain fans with "a touch of class from racing's past," as the KVRA slogan states. But KVRA machines are potent and sometimes, competitive juices flow and incidents occur. Racers, after all, will be racers.

But even when everybody is on good behavior, the show fans will see at a KVRA event is unique. There's no requirement for photo finishes or ten-tenths racing that may result in a hard crash. The distinct period flavor of the machines is what makes them stand out from contemporary racecars.

"Our objectives at the race track are to promote competition, drive within one's skills, and to have fun," Moore says. "We want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting our new racing series. We will do our best to bring back memories from racing's past."