Spirit of Vintage Competition Award
for 2009 Tim Slater
In 1993, the vintage drivers resurrected
a truly “vintage” trophy that had been languishing in someone’s attic,
refurbished it, and instituted an annual award called
“The Spirit of Vintage Racing“
which may be awarded to any driver or crew member or SCCA volunteer
based on his or her dedication to the vintage philosophy and program.
What makes this award so special is that it is determined at the end of
the season by the Vintage drivers themselves who best know one another
and the performance of their competitors both on and off the track. Its
presentation is testimony to the respect and affection they hold for the
people they select. Past winners have included many active VDCA
members: Randy Cook, Gordon Drysdale, Meredydd Francke, Beau Gabel,
Mike Jackson, Terry Jackson (no relation), Morriss Holliday, Bud Merrill
and John Rollins among others.
This year, the drivers overwhelmingly
acclaimed Tim Slater as the recipient of the Award. Some of their
comments
Tim himself said, “Oh, this is better than the Oscars!” He was, after
all, racing, not in Vintage this weekend, but in H Production where he
won first in class at this event. “All in all, it was not a bad
weekend,” he quipped.
In a more serious vein, he added, “2009 is my 40th anniversary as a
driver in the great sport of motor racing. Over my “checkered” career I
have received many trophies and accolades, but to date none compare to
the
Spirit of Vintage Competition Award from my fellow competitors
and friends. I am truly honored, and thank you all.”
For
over 30 years the Florida Region SCCA has supported a vibrant group of
vintage racers as a separate class in its line up of regional events.
The vintage group is well known for its camaraderie and
esprit de corps
as well as the unique variety of
cars it fields. 
included, that he is “always helpful to other competitors in Vintage”
and that he “always has spare parts for Triumphs.” Tim fields a variety
of Triumph Spitfires, and as one voter put it, he “presses on
regardless,” which is something the drivers of English cars can
appreciate.