11/11/2026
Congratulations to Michael (Mike) Vinten on being chosen as the inaugural recipient of the VRRA Distinguished Service Award. Mike received the award and a standing ovation from the VRRA members that were in attendance at last weekends awards banquet.
The VRRA depends heavily on the willingness of its members to volunteer their time and accept responsibility for the operation and continued development of the organization. From time to time, an individual's contribution goes well beyond the normal expectations of volunteer service and merits special recognition by the Association.
Michael Vinten's service to the VRRA is an outstanding example.
Michael began volunteering with the VRRA as Registrar in 2001. In 2003, he joined the Executive Committee as Competition Coordinator, a position he held through the 2008 season, with a brief interruption of just over a year when Pat Nicholson assumed the role. When Pat subsequently needed to step away, Michael returned to the position and continued to serve through 2008.
In 2009, Michael was first elected President of the VRRA, serving in that capacity through the 2016 season. When Miles Holden was required to step back from the presidency in 2017, Michael once again stepped forward to provide leadership for the Association.
In 2018, Michael assumed the role of Technical Coordinator, stepping in once again and taking over from Greg McEwen. He has continued in that position through the 2026 season.
Over more than two decades, Michael has served the VRRA in several of its most important volunteer positions:
2001 – 2002: Registrar
2003 – 2006: Competition Coordinator and Registrar
2008: Competition Coordinator
2009 – 2017: President
2018 – 2026: Technical Coordinator
This record represents approximately 25 years of sustained volunteer service, including more than two decades in positions requiring significant responsibility for the operation, administration, competition, and technical affairs of the Association.
Equally significant is Michael's willingness to step forward when the organization has needed experienced leadership. On more than one occasion, he returned to a position after having previously stepped away, ensuring continuity during periods of transition.
His contribution has also extended beyond simply occupying these positions. During the past two+ years, Michael has worked to train Bill Quail as his successor as Technical Coordinator. Bill will assume the position for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. This transition reflects another important aspect of Michael's service: a commitment not only to the work itself, but to ensuring that the VRRA has capable volunteers prepared to carry that work forward.
VRRA Distinguished Service Award�Award:
The VRRA Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual whose exceptional volunteer service, leadership, and commitment have made a significant and lasting contribution to the Vintage Road Racing Association.
The award recognizes service beyond the normal expectations of membership or participation. It is not intended to recognize longevity or years of membership alone.
Criteria
A recipient should demonstrate a combination of:
Exceptional volunteer service and commitment to the VRRA.
Leadership and initiative in supporting the Association and its members.
Significant contributions to the operation, development, or success of the VRRA.
A lasting positive impact, including sharing knowledge and helping ensure the Association's future.
