Dr. Gerald “Jerry” Wannarka, a devoted member of the Sports Car Club of America™ for more than five decades, passed away on March 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary service, leadership, and passion for motorsports.
After joining the SCCA® in November 1966, Wannarka earned his competition license in 1968 and maintained it for 40 years. Yet while driving brought him to the Club, it was his time as an official where members truly got to know him.
Wannarka’s lifelong commitment to the Club was shaped in part by his distinguished career in the Armed Forces, which took him across the country and to multiple SCCA Regions, including Washington, D.C., Indianapolis, Alamo, and Lone Star. In each, he contributed in meaningful ways, holding numerous roles and notably serving as Regional Executive for Lone Star Region and DC Region.
Wannarka served in many of the Club’s critical stewardship positions, including as Executive Steward in both the Northeast and Southwest Divisions, Regional Race Steward, Operating Steward, Chair of the SOM, Safety Steward, and Chief Steward for the SCCA National Championship Runoffs®. Beyond that, he was elected as Area 2 Director and later became Chairman of the SCCA Board of Directors.
He also played a vital role within SCCA Enterprises, serving as both Director and Chairman of its Board.
In recognition of his dedication, Wannarka received two of the organization’s highest honors: the Woolf Barnato Award in 2015 and the David Morrell Award in 2018. Then in 2026, he was inducted into the SCCA Hall of Fame.
“Jerry was a valued member of the Club who put his all into everything he did,” said SCCA President and CEO Mike Cobb. “Jerry will be remembered for his unwavering dedication, steady leadership, and lasting impact on the motorsports community. He will truly be missed.”
Remember when we told you about SCCA® Track Night in America® Driven by Tire Rack’s incredible 2026 schedule? Boasting 30 racetracks and more than 130 events, the calendar was amazing. Breathtaking. Astounding. Pick your adjective. Well, you’re about to have to pick yet another adjective because Track Night’s 2026 season just got even (more) better – because Track Night’s going to Road America this September!
Nestled in Wisconsin’s lush and picturesque Kettle Moraine, Road America is one of North America’s top racing circuits. It’s 4.048 miles and 14 turns of epic driving fury were carved into the rolling landscape in the 1950s, and American motorsport has never been the same. From Can-Am to Trans Am®, IndyCar, NASCAR, and more (like the SCCA National Championship Runoffs®) Road America has hosted the best series the world has to offer. The most talented drivers have also woven their way around Road Americas famous corners, namely the likes of Roger Penske, Mario Andretti, Bobby Rahal…and soon, YOU!
On Sept. 27, 2026, Track Night in America will host sessions for you and your friends (as well as soon-to-be friends) to experience Road America in all of its unabashed glory.
Track groups are increasingly rare at Road America when compared to other racing circuits, but the Track Night crew did manage to finagle some track time there late last year, too. Check out this driver taking full advantage of the situation in 2025:
Come one, come all (and also invite all your friends), because you definitely don’t want to miss the Sept. 27, 2026, Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack event at Road America.
Registration for the Road America event will open on July 1, 2026. Keep an eye on tracknightinamerica.com for more information.
Report an issue
Found something broken, wrong or missing on the new site? Tell us and our team will review it.
