Ray Evernham On SVRA And New SRX Racing

There aren’t many who know their way around a race car like Ray Evernham. Inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2018, Ray has had a career that few can match.

As the crew chief of Jeff Gordon’s #24 Dupont Chevrolet, the dynamic Gordon/Evernham duo won 47 Cup races, and three Cup championships in 1995, 1997, and 1998. They were always considered the team to beat come race time in the 90s.

We caught up with Ray on a postcard-perfect Fall day during an SVRA event at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. He was making the final adjustments on his #24 Corvette before heading out to compete in Group 10 racing.

He graciously shared his thoughts about the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) and his exciting new project, Superstar Racing Experience (SRX).

What follows is our transcribed interview adapted for this article. Enjoy!

And for those looking for racing action, we recommend our series: From the Paddock: The Roar of Corvette & Vintage Racing.

Track Ready

Rod Worley – Editor – Ray, you said your #24 Corvette race car is a 2011 Weaver chassis originally built for Trans Am racing?  

Ray Evernham – NASCAR Hall Of Fame – Yes, Rod, Rick Dittman drove it in Trans Am and GT1. I bought it off of Rick around, I guess, in December of last year. We’ve just brought it out this year, a few months ago playing with it.  

Why Do You Like SVRA?

Rod Worley – Editor – You’ve accomplished so much in your motorsports career. What energizes you now?  

What do you like about SVRA?

Ray Evernham – NASCAR Hall of Fame – Well, you know, it’s a good group of people to race with and fun. For me, racing keeps my brain going technically. 

And it’s also a social circle for me. You know, racing people sometimes need other racing people to talk to.

SVRA is just a way of enjoying the hobby without having all the pressure of running a full-time deal. So we’ve made a lot of friends here. 

I think theirs is one of the more professional organizations you can come to and enjoy it. And, you know, that’s the key thing. 

SVRA makes a good, enjoyable weekend put on in a very professional manner without the pressure of being professional.

Exciting SRX Series

Rod Worley – Editor –  We’ve been reading about the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) you’ve been putting together.

Can you share a little bit about it?

Ray Evernham – NASCAR Hall of Fame – Sure, SRX is a version of what they used to do with the old IROC series.  

We’ve got some new twists coming up with it. We’re going to run short tracks across America in the beginning.

It should be starting up in June of 2021. Lots of announcements should be coming out about it. 

We’re currently working on the prototype car to get it finished, hopefully, to be on the track testing in January. We’ve got a great driver line up already signed and ready to go. 

That’ll be on CBS network television Saturday night’s prime time next year. So I’m really looking forward to getting those cars going.

IROC was a big hit back in the 70s, 80s, 90s. Hopefully, we can get back there.

Tony Stewart Onboard

Rod Worley – Editor – Isn’t three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart involved in the program as well?

Ray Evernham – NASCAR Hall of Fame – Yes, Tony Stewart is one of the partners. George Pyne is one of the partners, Sandy Montag and myself. 

But, yeah, Tony and I are kind of trying to handle the racing part of it. And then George and Sandy, certainly the business and TV.

Rod Worley – Editor – Ray, I know you’ve got to get ready for the next race, but I appreciate you taking a few minutes with us today.

Ray Evernham – NASCAR Hall of Fame – Rod, you’re welcome, enjoy the racing!

Competitive Fun For All

So, as far as Ray Evernham’s race results go, I have to be honest with you. Deep inside, the fanboy in me took some pride watching Ray Evernham’s #24 blue Corvette crush the field composed of Ferraris, Mustangs, and Porches.

It was competitive racing for a medallion, a red SVRA winner’s hat, and some hard-fought bragging rights at the end of the day. Then again, that’s what SVRA racing is, competitive racing that’s as much fun for the fans as it is for the drivers.