The Heart of Amateur Racing

At this weekend’s Rose Cup Races, there’s one group of cars that represents the heart and soul of amateur racing, and the deep history of the Rose Cup.

The Small-Mid Bore race group comprises street cars of the 1970s, 80s, 90s and newer, lightly modified to improve performance and handling. These are the cars that have sustained local sports car racing for decades. Small-bore and mid-bore refers to the engine displacement of these cars, in contrast to the big-bore V8-powered cars in the Late Model Stock Cars and the Rose Cup group.

In contrast to a tightly specified class like Spec Miata, these racers have more latitude to be creative and develop the performance potential of their cars. Small  and mid bore racers use this freedom to try to innovate and come up with a better, faster car, within the bounds of the rules.

The cars you’ll find on track with the will include Datsun 240Z sports cars, BMW 3-series sedans, newer Nissan, Mazda, and Honda products and a variety of other import and domestic models. Each of these cars has been taken from street-legal trim and converted into a dedicated racing machine. The hard work and expense to do that conversion all comes from the owner/driver.

As you watch this race group, there are several classes racing in the same group, with class divisions based on the performance potential of the cars. The group is divided into SB1, SB2, SB3, and SB4 classes. So multiple winners will be crowned after the race.

These drivers come from all over the Pacific Northwest, and they are passionate about their cars. Take some time and stop in to ask them about their cars, and you’ll be amazed at the dedication and longevity of these hard-working sports cars.

The Small-Mid Bore group qualifies at 9:00 am and races at 1:00 PM on Saturday, and has a feature race at 11:20 AM on Sunday.