TOPEKA, Kan. (Feb. 13, 2018) -- The Feb. 28 deadline for Wendi Allen Scholarship Fund (WASF) nominations is just down the road. Submissions should be submitted via email to WendiAllenSF@SCCA.com before the deadline.
Named and established by the family of Wendi Allen, the scholarship honors the multi-time National Solo Champion who loved the SCCA® Solo community. The fund gives back to the sport by helping young women become more successful drivers and contributing members of the Club.
Three recipients this year will each receive $1,500 to support their travel to Tire Rack National Solo events and the Tire Rack Solo National Championship. Additionally, the SCCA will waive entry fees for scholarship recipients to all Tire Rack National Solo events attended during the year, as well as work with the Solo community and commercial partners to seek out other forms of support for the recipients, such as driver training, mentoring, products and logistical assistance.
In 2018, Mazda will supply the funding for one scholarship winner who competes in a Mazda vehicle. David Cook, business development manager for Mazda Motorsports, said, “The desire to assist deserving racing drivers in chasing their dreams is the guiding principle for our motorsports department. We are proud our partners at SCCA support the Wendi Allen Scholarship, and proud to be doing our part, too.”
The other two scholarship recipients, driving any car in any class, will be funded by the SCCA Foundation. Jeff Jacobs, Vice Chairman of the SCCA Foundation, said donations can be made any time through the Foundation webpage (www.sccafoundation.org/donate) with contributions designated to support the Wendi Allen scholarships. In addition, the Foundation will be holding future fundraising drives specifically in support of the scholarship fund.
“The SCCA Foundation will be carrying forward this terrific program initiated by the generosity of Wendi and Mark Allen,” Jacobs said. “After nearly a decade of co-driving at Solo events with Wendi and Mark, I am glad we have this opportunity to continue to honor Wendi's memory and expand the reach of this program.”
A Selection Committee, consisting of championship caliber women Solo drivers, is tasked with considering the merits of those nominated by SCCA members, and making final selections. While this scholarship fund is specifically directed to the three annual recipients, it is a key part of a broader SCCA initiative to involve more women in the sport of Solo and the Club.
Photo Credit: Perry Bennett
