Hello all,
Vintage Racer Group (VRG) has updated our tire rules for 2026, effective immediately.
The new rules appear on the website, here: Click me for new Tire Rules!
These rules will apply to all cars (in VRG Groups) at the 5 VRG-managed events in 2026:
- Jefferson 500
- Thompson
- Glasstown/NJMP Lightning
- Watkins Glen
- Turkey Bowl
The fundamental basis and premise of our rules remains the same. Vintage cars raced on treaded tires “in their day”, and those Vintage cars should continue to race on treaded tires. VRG acknowledges that some of our partner organizations (VDCA, VSCDA and HRG, in particular) may have different tire rules, allowing tires that VRG does not allow (for some cars).
Based upon our review of eligible cars and modifications within the VRG rules, we believe that there are VRG-compliant tires available for all cars prepared to our rules, with few notable exceptions as identified in the Tire Rule document. If any racer feels they cannot find and source eligible tires for their car, please reach out to vehicle_eligibility@vrgonline.org or the Event Chair of the event that you wish to attend, well prior to the event – so you can receive written (email) approval prior to the event.
Please do not simply load your car in/on the trailer with ineligible tires. There are actions listed at the bottom of the tire rules. At VRG, our goal is Safe Racing with Friends and we don’t want you to go home unhappy because of a tire issue.
Stay warm and I’ll see you out there in 2026!
Mike Lawton
Vehicle Eligibility Chair, VRG