08/12/2026
Gather 'round all. Here's an update regarding this weekend's Grattan event! BTW, this has been emailed to all those (with a functioning email) who are registered for this event. This announcement has been signed off by all the VSCDA powers-that-be.
Grattan 40th Anniversary Update
Dear Racers and others planning to attend our upcoming August 14-16 vintage racing weekend: We look forward to seeing you at our 40th anniversary Au Grattan celebration. Below is a summary of answers to the most frequently received questions over the last few days. Please share this information with your crew.
Track opening
When will the track open?
Grattan is leased until 6 PM Thursday, as is the usual case. Sometimes the renters leave earlier than expected but there are no assurances of our being able to enter the track itself until 6 PM. Once we have access to the track, Kathy’s volunteers will mark off paddock spots and then you will be admitted.
Registration
When will Registration open?
Stacey and colleagues will have registration open by 3 PM. There will be plenty of time for you to register long before the gates to the track open.
We have had an inordinate number of new registrants and changes to registration over the last two weeks. This required confirming a large amount of information at the last moment to assure a safe weekend and enable you and your crew to get through the registration process as quickly as possible.
Tech
I need to get my car teched. When will Tech open?
Representatives of tech will be at the staging area (which is before entering the road leading to crossing the track) starting at 1 PM Thursday. They will do what they can to have you teched prior to the track opening.
What if I do not get to the track prior to 6:30 PM and there is a long line?
Tech will do its best to take care of cars that are in the Tech queue by 7 PM.
Paddocking
I’ve never been to Grattan before but would like to paddock near my friends. What should I do?
Most of our racers have already been in contact with Kathy Newton (269-806-6764). If you have not raced with us recently and have not contacted Kathy please call her. All drivers will have assigned paddock spaces.
How do I know where I’m paddocked?
Kathy and a group of volunteers will give you your paddocking information, including a map, when you arrive at the staging/entry /registration area prior to admission to the track. Kathy and colleagues will be there by 4 PM.
Touring/Rides for Charity
Are you having touring?
Yes, both Saturday and Sunday during lunch. Be sure to register and sign waivers at registration. For non-race drivers, you need to attend the mandatory class at the Tech Barn at 10:30 AM Saturday and Sunday.
What is Rides for Charity?
Rides for Charity is a VSCDA tradition at Grattan. On Sunday, during touring, racecars and intriguing street cars will give spectators rides. (See the registration packet for rules related to children and safety requirements.) If you will have a car with a passenger seat and would like to participate in the Rides for Charity, let Alex Rorke (847-217-5565) know.
Funds raised from Rides for Charity and Touring goes to Disabled American Veterans, a long standing VSCDA tradition.
Road Construction
Is there road construction I should be aware of?
There is heavy construction as you approach Grattan from many areas. In addition to consulting your GPS, Robb Ritt (Epicenter Motorsports) posted detailed alternate route information on VSCDA’s Facebook site on the 10th at 10:59 AM.
Concession Stand
Will the concession stand be open?
The concession stand will open from 7 AM – 2PM, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Vintage Racing Fashionistas
Will we have Regalia at Grattan?
Yes, stop by the VSCDA garage. See existing immediately available Merch and samples of what can be ordered from our new online store.
Ice Cream Truck (Yes, we have had questions.)
Will there be an ice cream truck this year?
Yes, there will be an ice cream truck this year. As is the tradition, the truck will be with us Friday and Saturday.
Thank You
Are there any people I should particularly thank?
VSCDA is a volunteer organization, without our volunteers we could not keep the costs down and provide ample track time. Please thank the corner workers. They appreciate a wave/thumbs up after a session. Our Chief Steward, Gordy Ensing, and folks in the tower keep us safe just like the corner workers and Drivers Committee, all deserve our appreciation.
At registration thank Danny Neuhaus and Tech folks who have arrived early to help you. Thank Kathy and her volunteers who take responsibility for the thankless task of organizing paddocking. Especially thank the folks who make registration as quick and painless as possible.
Finally—Many thanks to all who are joining us at Grattan, VSCDA’s summer party.
See you very soon,
Alex Rorke Stacey Donato
Event Chair Chief Registrar and Office Manager
President, VSCDA
