By Chuck Corder

Last summer, they delighted the Five Flags faithful who have fond memories of racing in its purest form.

In less than a month, they’ll be back. This time their mission will be, once again, to entertain, but also stir up an interest in the average fan who is mesmerized by the group of 1932 and ’34 Ford and Chevy open-wheeled coupes and trucks.

The Southern Vintage Racing Association — “the little series that could� — will return to the famed half-mile asphalt oval on June 6 to be part of a show that will also include Modifieds, Pro Trucks, Beef “O� Brady’s Sportsmen and Butler U-Pull-It Bombers.

And this season, the Southern Vintage Racing Association is bring more fiberglass-bodied cars than the field that made its inaugural appearance at Pensacola’s high banks last September.

“We’ve grown from a six-car, one-track start in 2013 to 20-plus cars and six tracks in four different states,� said Christine Rovito, Association vice president and media/marketing manager. “We are excited about our year and can’t wait to race Five Flags again this year — twice.�

That’s right, the Association will make two appearances at America’s Favorite Home Track this season. In addition to next month’s show, the cars are also currently slated for an Aug. 22 race.

It’s easy to understand Rovito’s excitement for the anticipated season.

Not only has the Southern Vintage Racing Association expanded to tracks in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, but it has also added Sunoco Race Fuels and Green Oil Racing as its official fuel and primary points partners.

Holly Oak Enterprises and its founder Rick Davis were essential in brokering the deal and helping the association further its goal of promoting vintage racing.

“Sunoco is one of America’s most recognizable fuel companies with a long heritage in motorsports,� Rovito said. “This partnership brings Sunoco and Green Oil Racing quality fuels to the grassroots level of racing and we are excited to have them both on board with us this year.�

The feeling is mutual.

“Green Oil and Sunoco are proud to be associated with an organization like the Southern Vintage Racing Association,� said John Cook, director of wholesale operations and racing fuel coordinator for Green Oil Racing. “Sunoco Race Fuels and Green Oil are old, established businesses and both are excited about the newly-formed association and the new energy the Association brings to racing in the southeast.

“The Southern Vintage Racing Association has done an excellent job of structuring the racing format to be highly competitive, yet affordable.�

The Southern Vintage Racing Association had humble beginnings last year, ushering in a yesteryear appeal at its home track of Flomaton Speedway.

Five Flags and Northwest Florida Speedway quickly followed suit and provided the perfect platform for the Association to spread its message across the Panhandle. Now, its breadth will stretch up and down the Gulf Coast.

“Our goal of promoting the vintage class and affordable local racing has been successful, but we still have more to do,� Rovito said. “The cars are still out there in backyards and garages, waiting for the right moment to shine. Well, this is the time.

“The support of Sunoco and Green Oil Racing is huge for us and that support is just a reminder that all racing starts with local racing at local tracks. We are thrilled at the addition of these two nationally recognized partners in the world of racing.�