The Sports Car Club of America™ Hall of Fame Class of 2027 has been unveiled, honoring five SCCA® legends whose on- and off-track achievements have earned them a place among the organization’s most distinguished members.
Ron Babb, Kas Kastner, Brian Redman, Tim Suddard, and Cliff Tufte form the illustrious class of honorees, which will be officially inducted into the SCCA Hall of Fame in January 2027 during the SCCA National Convention.
Since the Hall of Fame’s inception in 2005, the SCCA has recognized an extraordinary group of individuals whose contributions have helped shape the Club and the world of motorsports. Past inductees include racing greats Roger Penske, Carroll Shelby, Dan Gurney, Phil Hill, and Bobby Rahal, along with influential figures such as Paul Newman, Denise McCluggage, and Lyn St. James. From championship-winning drivers and innovative engineers to dedicated volunteers and leaders, each has left a lasting mark on SCCA’s history, carrying forward a legacy that continues with the Class of 2027.
What follows is a summary of the accomplishments of those who will be inducted into the SCCA Hall of Fame as the Class of 2027.
Ron Babb
An active autocrosser since joining the SCCA in 1980, Ron Babb was successful on the Solo course and in developing programs at both the Regional and National level. A cofounder of the Northwest Region Solo program in the 1980s, Babb brought administrative developments learned from his Naval career to the program. He mentored other NorPac Regions who were improving their own programs and encouraged members to make the long tow to what is now called the Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships in the heartland, often leading a caravan himself. Prior to smart phones, his 20-year tenure as Nationals Chief of Info provided information to competitors on site, including live results. On the course, Babb is a four-time National Champion, adding to his Hall of Fame legacy.
R.W. “Kas” Kastner
R.W. “Kas” Kastner changed the way SCCA competitors approached their cars. As a driver, Kastner was the 1959 E Production National Champion, but his real legacy came off the track. Already running the Triumph Competition Department, he was the winner of SCCA’s Best Technical Article award in 1963. Here, he developed manuals and, eventually, books explaining how to extract performance from Triumphs under the now-famous motto: “never be beaten by equipment.” His models allowed competitors to extract the maximum performance from a car using what amounts to factory support in their own garages. He finished his career in charge of Nissan’s successful IMSA GTP program. Along the way, he served as the Cal Club Region chief driving instructor, was the SCCA National Licensing Chair, and was on the Cal Club Board of Governors, which comes in addition to his being a team manager, team builder, and mentor.
Brian Redman
Even today, Brian Redman is known as the consummate race car driver. A current and active member of SCCA’s Central Florida Region, Redman was the only person to win three consecutive SCCA Formula 5000 championships in the mid-1970s. The Burnley, England, native was a Formula 1 racer and won at Le Mans, Daytona, and Sebring. Off the track, Redman has been an unofficial promoter of SCCA activities, including the Stewards program, and an official promoter of vintage racing across the United States, with his legendary cat elevating his notoriety even more in the sport.
Tim Suddard
From the time Tim Suddard joined the SCCA in 1983 after attending his first autocross, he has provided a voice for the Club on a National and global level. As the founder of Grassroots Motorsports Magazine, which began as Auto-X, he was a cheerleader for programs that may have been overlooked on the larger motorsports stage. He was an autocross promoter near his home in Daytona Beach, FL, and introduced the first event program to what is now the Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships. His magazine amplified programs like SCCA Hill Climbs and was an early proponent of SCCA’s Track Night in America® Driven by Tire Rack program. That theme continues today, where Grassroots Motorsports Magazine reaches an audience of more than six million enthusiasts through print and digital outlets.
Clif Tufte
In the 1950s, Clif Tufte envisioned the future of motorsports taking place on permanent racetracks. As the road racing tide turned away from temporary courses on Strategic Air Command airports and public roads in the 1950s, Tufte conceived of, raised the funds for, designed, and built Road America outside of Elkhart Lake, WI. As the track’s first president and promoter when Road America opened in 1955, he and his team provided the blueprint for every permanent road course to come. The first race held at Road America came in September 1955 and was an SCCA National, won by fellow SCCA Hall of Fame member Phil Hill. Tufte retired from the track in 1978, prior to his passing in 1981 at 84 years old.
Photo Caption: (Clockwise from far left) Ron Babb, Kas Kastner, Brian Redman, Tim Suddard, and Clif Tufte will be inducted into the SCCA Hall of Fame in January 2027.
October has long been the month that concludes National Championship season in the Sports Car Club of America™. It’s traditionally a time to sit back and contemplate the year that was, since members are undoubtedly too tired from participating in these huge events to do anything other than recover. It’s also a month for those who watched from the sidelines to wonder how they can get involved – but for most, they hold off joining the SCCA® for a few more months.
Below is a list of SCCA members celebrating a milestone member anniversary (with us starting our listing at 25 years and then working our way up in five-year increments). These folks certainly buck the system when it comes to when they joined the Club.
Most see the fun members had at these end-of-year keystone events, then around the New Year, they set their mind to having #funwithcars and join the Club a month or two later. The 71 members listed below, meanwhile, march to their own drum. These members jumped into action before the rest, joining the Club as the season was winding down, prepping for their first SCCA event as early as possible.
More power to them!
The anniversary listing below notes each member’s name, Region of record, Division, and join/rejoin date. It’s important to point out that join dates for 1981 and earlier may list the first of the month rather than the actual day of membership.
25-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Aaron J Anselm, Steel Cities Region, NE, 10/4/2001 Druann Bosien, Houston Region, SW, 10/29/2001 Debra Eymann, Phoenix AZ Solo® Region, SP, 10/11/2001 Brian FitzGerald, Glen Region, NE, 10/5/2001 Bridget FitzGerald, Glen Region, NE, 10/5/2001 Mallorey FitzGerald, Glen Region, NE, 10/5/2001 Adam Grzech, Northeastern Pennsylvania Region, NE, 10/3/2001 Cameron Healy, Oregon Region, NP, 10/3/2001 Jeffrey P Holbrook, Houston Region, SW, 10/30/2001 Kevin W Kirchoff, Indiana Northwest Region, GL, 10/23/2001 Stephen Kohn, Colorado Region, RM, 10/25/2001 Alan Leukhardt III, Cal Club Region, SP, 10/10/2001 Jay Masotta, New England Region, NE, 10/25/2001 Thomas Roberts, Chicago Region, CN, 10/31/2001 Diana Kimiko Sudo, San Francisco Region, NP, 10/17/2001 Jonathan Wolff, Western New York Region, NE, 10/3/2001 Scott Woosley, Ozark Mountain Region, MW, 10/17/2001
30-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Gary W Bartlett, Indianapolis Region, GL, 10/16/1996 Karter Bollmann, Houston Region, SW, 10/3/1996 James R Harrison, Wichita Region, MW, 10/31/1996 Frederick M Howden, San Diego Region, SP, 10/22/1996 Scott Johnson, Ohio Valley Region, GL, 10/29/1996 Nita D Keirn, Fort Wayne Region, GL, 10/29/1996 James E Knab, Finger Lakes Region, NE, 10/8/1996 Joe Leonard, Central Florida Region, SE, 10/24/1996 Diane Nekich, Milwaukee Region, CN, 10/17/1996 Stephen Wheeler, Finger Lakes Region, NE, 10/17/1996 Dana Wiehl, New England Region, NE, 10/21/1996 Margaret Zukawski, Northeastern Pennsylvania Region, NE, 10/8/1996
35-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Brian Beasley, Central Florida Region, SE, 10/17/1991 Mark E Farnham, Neohio Region, GL, 10/17/1991 Theodore Giovanis, Washington DC Region, NE, 10/24/1991 Bradford Green, Northwest Region, NP, 10/29/1991 Nick Leverone, New England Region, NE, 10/31/1991 Rory T Osborne, North Carolina Region, SE, 10/4/1991 William A Schmidt, Kansas City Region, MW, 10/17/1991 Monica Shaw, Des Moines Valley Region, MW, 10/9/1991 Evan H Webb, Washington DC Region, NE, 10/23/1991 Vicki Weinhold, Milwaukee Region, CN, 10/7/1991
40-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Jeffrey M Bishop MD, Florida Region, SE, 10/24/1986 Tom Clayton, San Francisco Region, NP, 10/21/1986 Rocky Hendrick, Central Carolinas Region, SE, 10/13/1986 William R Spellerberg, St Louis Region, MW, 10/28/1986 Deborah Wilson, Atlanta Region, SE, 10/13/1986
45-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Michael G Angus, Chicago Region, CN, 10/1/1981 Bob Brewer, Cal Club Region, SP, 10/1/1981 Karen Grant, Atlanta Region, SE, 10/1/1981 Mark Robert Holland, San Diego Region, SP, 10/1/1981 Larry Hubert, Washington DC Region, NE, 10/1/1981 Elizabeth M Pemberton, Nebraska Region, MW, 10/1/1981
55-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Mike Bachman, San Francisco Region, NP, 10/1/1971 Claire Ball, Chicago Region, CN, 10/1/1971 Duane S Eitel, Arizona Region, SP, 10/1/1971 David K Foote, New England Region, NE, 10/1/1971 Mark Gifford, Houston Region, SW, 10/1/1971 Charles W Hilliar, Chicago Region, CN, 10/1/1971 Joseph L Hobbs, Hawaii Region, SP, 10/1/1971 Dan Miklovic, Northwest Region, NP, 10/1/1971 Bill Opperman, Chicago Region, CN, 10/1/1971 Ron Pellman, Indianapolis Region, GL, 10/1/1971 Cynthia Pomeroy, Chicago Region, CN, 10/1/1971 Patrick Prevenas, Blackhawk Valley Region, CN, 10/1/1971 Frederick M Rosevear, Milwaukee Region, CN, 10/1/1971 Rick Ruth, Chicago Region, CN, 10/1/1971 Fred Sasser, Chicago Region, CN, 10/1/1971 Jerilyn J Wilson, St Louis Region, MW, 10/1/1971
60-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Robert E Allen, San Francisco Region, NP, 10/1/1966 Cecil N Harris, Houston Region, SW, 10/10/1966 Anton Mallner, New York Region, NE, 10/1/1966 Karen Mattacotti, Milwaukee Region, CN, 10/1/1966
65-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date H Leslie Blumberg, Wiregrass Region, SE, 10/1/1961
Following an extensive multi-month search, the Sports Car Club of America™ has hired Jonathan Winker as its Director of Information Technology.
“Jon brings more than 15 years of progressive IT leadership experience, with extensive expertise in cybersecurity, network infrastructure, business continuity, disaster recovery, and enterprise technology strategy to his role at the SCCA®,” said SCCA President and CEO Mike Cobb. “Throughout his career, he has successfully led complex technology operations, overseen multi-company IT environments, managed critical security initiatives, and partnered closely with executive leadership teams and boards of directors to align technology investments with organizational objectives.”
Joining the Armed Forces after high school, Winker became a U.S. Army infantryman. He deployed to Iraq in 2009 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. About 11 months into his deployment, he was involved in an accident that resulted in him losing his left leg below the knee; he then medically retired from the Army in 2011. Following his military service, he built a career in information technology, beginning as an IT intern and advancing to Director of Infrastructure and Security for OwnersEdge, a mid-market ESOP holding company.
His time recovering from the injury rekindled his passion for cars and motorsports, ultimately taking him to the Skip Barber Racing School where he obtained his SCCA Competition License.
A Milwaukee Region SCCA member since 2018, Winker has become an active leader in the motorsport community through his involvement with various racing organizations and driver development programs. He also co-founded the Resilience Racing Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing adaptive motorsports technologies and expanding opportunities in motorsports for disabled veterans.
All of this has given Winker a unique appreciation for the mission and culture of the SCCA.
“I’ve spent years building and leading technology teams professionally, while much of my personal time has been dedicated to motorsports and the communities that make it possible,” said Winker. “The chance to bring those experiences together at the SCCA and contribute to an organization I care deeply about is incredibly exciting.”
Winker’s first day as SCCA’s Director of Information Technology was Oct. 1, 2026, with him attending the Mission Foods SCCA National Championship Runoffs® at Road America. He will report directly to Cobb and work closely with SCCA leadership to support technology strategy and future growth.
If you reside in SCCA® Areas 3, 4, 9, or 11, there’s a National Board of Directors (BoD) election that affects you, with voting beginning on Oct. 15, 2026, and concluding on Nov. 16, 2026.
Per the SCCA Bylaws, members of the Board of Directors are elected to three-year terms, with Directors allowed to serve a maximum of two terms (whether concurrent or not). Director elections are then staggered to manage turnover, so this year, four of SCCA’s 13 Areas are up for election.
This year’s election process will once again include online voting via the Member Account Portal (MAP) at my.scca.com, and an email notification announcing such will be sent shortly to eligible voters. For those on a Family Membership, each family member will need to log in with their unique SCCA Member ID to cast their vote. A first-time login requires a valid email address on the member account, and family members may use the same email address. Those experiencing any difficulty should contact the Member Services Department for assistance at [email protected].
The SCCA National Office assumes members are “opted in” to electronic delivery of ballots unless they have specifically “opted out.” If their Area Director is up for election this year, those who opted out should receive physical ballots in the mail shortly so they may vote on Area Director candidates. Ballots are mailed to addresses on record with the Sports Car Club of America™. Completed ballots should NOT be returned to the SCCA office. Instead, votes will be tallied by Aprio. A postage paid return envelope is included with the mailed ballot for your convenience.
Ballots must be received at Aprio between Oct. 15 and Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. Central Time. The same deadlines apply to online voting.
Voting is only open in contested areas, so only members in Areas 3 and 4 will be able to vote online or should expect to receive a ballot if they’ve opted out of electronic delivery.
If you feel you did not receive a ballot and should have, please contact SCCA Member Services at [email protected].
SCCA Area Director Seats Up for Election
Area 3 Candidates
Encompasses part of the Southeast Division, including the Florida, Gulf Coast, Wiregrass, Central Florida, Red Hills, and Puerto Rico Regions.
Mitch Grant
I have thrown my hat in the ring to run for the Area 3 Director position. I appreciate being given the opportunity to introduce myself and to share some comments regarding this decision.
You may ask, why have I decided to run? In that regard, a number of folks that I respect suggested that I should consider doing this. After looking into it, I concluded that I likely was qualified for this position and could make a contribution to the Club. I would like to share with you why I think that might be.
I spent most of my first 40 years of life as a hard-core sports car racing fan; after that I spent 30 years as an active racer; then, once I retired from driving, I created a goal to spend as much of the next 20 years paying back the sport that has meant so much to me — I’m now in my ninth year serving as a Flag Marshal, and in my third and final term as a Central Florida Region District Governor. I also think that my 37-year professional career in Commercial Banking helped to prepare me for this role. Bottom line — I do believe that I am both qualified and prepared.
So, if elected, what would I hope to accomplish?
First, I promise to act as a conscientious steward of the assets of the Club.
I promise to represent all the Regions in Area 3 in an informed, honest, and equitable manner, and to serve as a reliable conduit of information.
I intend to focus on the following strategic issues:
I believe it is critical that all Board deliberations must always consider the interests of both the Club and the Regions. I pledge to always ask, and understand, how any actions being considered will impact both entities.
I also believe it is important to consider the financial challenges that our Club, Regions, and members are facing, and to ensure that any costs our members and Regions are asked to bear are reasonable and appropriate.
I intend to stress that Area 3 operates in an extremely competitive market environment — with other organizations constantly vying for our participants and volunteers. Clearly, to survive and thrive in this environment we need to meet these challenges. To do that we need to focus on creating a welcoming and pleasant environment, on delivering a continuum of high value products, and on providing engaging membership experiences.
I do believe that one of the Club’s greatest challenges is the need to improve communications — both with members, and with the outside world.
Finally, I pledge to approach everything I do in this role as a strong adherent to the SCCA’s One Team doctrine — understanding that we will all win and succeed only if we work together as One Team.
I appreciate being able to share these thoughts with you. I will value any thoughts or suggestions that you may wish to share with me.
“Generations of SCCA Experience. A Business Perspective for the Future.”
Like many members, my connection to SCCA isn’t measured in years alone. It spans generations.
For most of my life, SCCA has been more than a club. It has been a community, a family tradition, and a significant part of my personal and professional journey. Through
decades of involvement as a member, competitor, volunteer, team owner, and business operator, I have witnessed firsthand the passion that drives this organization and the people who make it successful.
Today, I own and operate one of the largest SCCA Enterprises-focused prep shops in the country. Every season, I work alongside drivers of all experience levels, support crews, Region leaders /volunteers, track operators, suppliers, and fellow competitors. These interactions provide a unique perspective on both the opportunities and challenges facing SCCA and amateur motorsports.
Running a successful business has taught me the importance of financial discipline, customer service, strategic planning, and long-term sustainability. Every decision must balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s opportunities. I believe those same principles are essential as SCCA continues to evolve in an increasingly competitive motorsport landscape.
SCCA’s future will depend on our ability to attract new participants, retain existing members, support volunteers, and deliver value across all of our programs. While road racing remains a significant part of my background, I recognize that SCCA’s strength comes from the diversity of experiences our members enjoy through Road Racing, Solo®, Time Trials, RallyCross®, RoadRally, Track Night in America®, and Race Experience. Every member and every program matters.
If elected, I will focus on 5 key priorities:
Ensuring responsible stewardship of the Club’s financial resources.
Strengthening the member experience across all programs.
Encouraging participation growth and member retention.
Supporting volunteers who remain the foundation of our organization.
Preserving what makes SCCA special while embracing opportunities for innovation and improvement.
I believe directors are most effective when they listen first, collaborate openly, and act in the best interests of the entire Club. The Board’s responsibility is not to represent a single program, region, or constituency. It is to provide governance, strategic guidance, and oversight while helping ensure SCCA remains strong and relevant for future generations.
My lifelong connection to SCCA, combined with decades of hands-on experience in racing and motorsports business operations, allows me to contribute a practical perspective grounded in both passion and real-world experience. I understand what members expect, what competitors need, and what it takes to build sustainable organizations that can adapt and thrive.
SCCA has provided incredible opportunities for me and my family. Serving on the Board would be an opportunity to give back to the Club that has meant so much to us, while helping ensure that future generations of enthusiasts can enjoy the same experiences and opportunities that have made SCCA such an important part of my life.
I would be honored to earn your support and your vote. Voting opens October 15th.
Encompasses the Great Lakes Division and all Regions contained within it.
David Brown | Incumbent
I am David Brown from Ohio Valley Region, and I’ve had the honor of serving as the Area 4 Director for this year. I am a candidate to continue in this role for the next three years, beginning October 15th through November 16th. Voting for the national Board of Director (BOD) positions is done via the my.scca.com member account portal. I’ve spent this year in learning mode, and I would like to continue in this role.
Having spent more than 30 years in the SCCA as both a racer and worker I have developed the necessary skills to adapt to an ever-changing future of the club. I’ve been a leader in my region and division for decades. I’ve taken on challenges and look forward to dealing with the future of the SCCA.
Previously I’ve had five terms as Regional Executive of the Ohio Valley Region and several terms on my regional BOD. I’m an active member of our race committee and race worker. I support all aspects of our club and all programs.
I’ve been to Solo Nationals and Divisional events from Grisson Aeroplex to Fortress Obetz for my local region as well as so many long-gone solo sites.
I have been a strong supporter of Rallycross and continue to look for ways to achieve growth not only the division, but the entire country.
I will be at Time Attack Nationals to provide whatever support I can to keep members engaged in this exiting and rapidly growing expression of speed.
I have been to many Runoffs® over the years and always appreciate the intense competition. I look forward to the return to Road Atlanta in 2027.
I am a strong voice for the SCCA and the right choice to represent you within not only the division, but also the entire club. I hope you will give me the opportunity to continue to be your Area 4 Director and would very much appreciate your vote.
Rick Haynes
My name is Rick Haynes and I am running for SCCA director in Area 4.
I have been an SCCA member since 1971, and have raced in Production, GT, and Formula classes during that time. I have won races in all of those classes.
I have been self employed since 1980 and know how to run a successful enterprise and keep a close watch on the money, the number one mission for an SCCA director.
What I see as the number one issue is the lack of transparency from the BOD about the club’s finances. The club is supported by members’ dues and is a 501(C)(4) not-for-profit corporation. As such, the club has a legal obligation to make the club’s financial records available to any member, on demand.
I think the national Office and the BOD need someone like me to demand transparency and financial accountability to the membersof SCCA. The SCCA’s current disclosure policies make it impossible to get any meaningful information about the club’s finances. This will not change with the current
directors.
Financial transparency in a not for profit organization is essential. Without it, the elected leaders sometimes lose sight of the interests of the members and the club.
Typical conversations with my fellow SCCA members inevitably come back to complaintsabout some action of the BOD, a department of SCCA, or an SCCA official. They want to know where all the money is going. Memberswant to know why some decisions were made, who made them, and who benefits from them. All too often, decisions do not look to benefit road racing, , solo, or ourdedicated workers.
People I talk to are tired and frustrated by what they see as abig communication and objectivesgap between Topeka, the Board of Directors, and the SCCA membership.
I believe I have the skills, commitment, and experience to change the cultureof theSCCA and to improvethe relationship that should exist between the membership, the National Office, and the Board of Directors.
We all vote for the Board of Directors to run SCCA for us. If you are satisfied with the way the Club is being run with a lack of transparency, racing costs going up, and track time going down, vote to maintain the status quo.
But, if you want to see some real change and regain control of our club, please vote for me.
Thank you for your time considering me for the Area 4 director position. Please feel free to discuss your concerns with me as I travel to the Runoffs and to different regions in Area 4 . Together, we can continue to make SCCA a great club to be a part of, and to ensure it continues into the future.
The vote is online at the end of October.
Rick Haynes
614-231-7194
Graham Loughead
You may know the Loughead name from Formula Vee®. I’m Graham Loughead, and I’m asking for your vote so the next chapter is about the members, not just tradition.
I am a 26-year SCCA member running for the Board of Directors. I have raced Formula Vee in SCCA since 2018. I grew up at the track with my father, Jeff Loughead, the 2004 SCCA Runoffs National Champion in Formula Vee. I have also competed in SCCA eMotorsports and sim racing. In 2019, I founded the Formula Vee Hall of Fame, where we have inducted those who have made a lasting impact on and contributions to the Formula Vee class.
My professional background is in motorsports at Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, where the team competed in IndyCar, Nitro RX, Nitrocross, and Americas Rallycross. I handled marketing, communications, public relations, sponsorship sales, hospitality, and social media. Working closely with those series gave me a clear view of how a series and an organization actually run, and of the team and driver side at the same time. I also interned with the SCCA in media relations.
If elected, I will work to bring more transparency to the Board and foster a closer connection among the BoD, National Staff, and members. I will not stand for business as usual. Instead, I will bring fresh ideas directly from Area 4 members. I will hold monthly Zoom meetings where any member can join, ask questions directly, and hear from their Area Director about what is happening with the Board. I believe the Board could also benefit from including an active younger racer so that members and the Board alike have firsthand insight into current issues and concerns. We have many crown-jewel events like the Runoffs and Solo Nationals; however, I do see room for improvement on these events.
Should I be elected, I would be more than happy to give all Area 4 members my phone number and email so they can bring their concerns directly to me and I can make sure they are dealt with quickly and appropriately.
If you have any questions about my candidacy or where I stand on certain issues, please feel free to reach out.
Vote Graham Loughead for a stronger future for the club we all love.
Frank Schwartz
Hello Fellow Area 4 Members New and Old,
I am here to express my desire to be your Area 4 Representative to the National BOD. Putting my name forward is all about my desire to help the club be more successful. And by success, I mean growth, because I believe more members and participation help not just the volunteer shortages, but also fight inflationary pressures. Without specific efforts, I fear increased competition and people’s limited time and funds will result in a lack of growth and erosion of membership and attendance in some areas.
If you are a road racer, you are likely familiar with the success of the B-Spec Class, where I led the efforts to take the class from the 26th to 4th largest class in three short years. Since that time I have served as an advisor to several other classes that have faced and continue to face similar attendance issues. These growth strategies come from my experience as a business leader, where I substantially grew my company’s business and created world class enthusiast events at places like the New York and LA Auto Show, Pebble Beach, SEMA and more.
If you participate in any of the other SCCA disciplines, you can be comfortable that I have never been “just” a road racer. I started in autox, and have participated in the Solo Nats as recently as 2024. Even though we are elevation challenged where I live, I am also an avid hillclimber, participating in both the Empire MI and Pine Mountain KY Hillclimbs over the past few years. And while I have not done a TSD or Gimmick Road Rally in several years, it was always a favorite activity of my family. I even used to participate in Rally Cross before it had an official name.
But SCCA is about more than the participants, it is also about the volunteers.
My first official volunteer experience was as a Solo Event Chair.
In addition to the typical shagging cones, I started flagging corners and eventualy moved into T&S
Detroit Region Newletter Editor
SCCA Foundation Fundraising Manager and later serving on the Board.
Great Lakes Division Points Keeper (current) – one of the things I am most proud of is driving the change to award Championship Jackets to the class winners
On the unofficial side, I was part of the group that created the NCAC, which still runs today some 40+ years later (North Carolina Autocross Championship, a statewide points championship between SCCA and other independent auto clubs to help growth)
I have worked with groups like WomenOnTrack to scholarship numerous race drivers through SCCA Competition Schools for the past several years.
Because of my role in the automotive OEM and performance industry, I spend some 30 weeks/weekends a year at various events and races around the country. As some of these are run by competing sanctioning bodies, it makes me uniquely qualified to compare what we at the SCCA do well, in addition to exposing me to alternative ways to engage members and make people happy. Which circles back to my goals – if we do a better job engaging members and make volunteers and participants happier, our club will grow.
Area 9 Candidates
Encompasses part of the Northern Pacific Division, including San Francisco and Reno Regions.
Marcy Crawford
My name is Marcy Crawford and I am running for Area 9 Director. A Lifetime member of SCCA, I’ve been a car nut and motorsports enthusiast as long as I can remember. As a young adult volunteering was an option and I jumped into it feet first. When it became possible, I went to driver school. I retired after 37 years of racing in multiple classes from showroom stock (Triumph GT6) to prototype (Amac DSR).
Throughout the years I have been involved primarily in road racing activities: driving, driver school instructing and administration, flagging and communications, timing and scoring, trophies (purchasing and distributing), sound control, tech, driver observer, car shows, pace car driver and Safety Steward. I was the Chief of Specialty in Timing and Scoring as well as Trophies and Assistant Chief Driver Observer. Currently I’m Divisional Administrator for Timing and Scoring and the Safety Steward in San Francisco Region. Additionally I’ve participated in autocross and rallies.
In my non-racing time I am an accountant. In my various professional positions I learned the value of listening to people at all levels around me. This is why I think I can make a difference to SCCA as a whole. Our club is made up of so many people with different interests, all centered on cars. As National Directors, the goals should be to acknowledge and support events on both national and regional levels. In order for the club to maintain it’s relevancy and grow, it is important that members understand the financial position of the club. It is also important that members understand how decisions are made and carried out, which requires transparency. Major efforts should be made to cut costs, since the cost to the regions is ballooning across the country.
SCCA has been family to me for my entire adult life. I would be honored to help the club move forward.
Area 11 Candidates
Encompasses the Southern Pacific Division and all Regions contained within it.
Peter Bollenbecker | Incumbent
Current Area 11 director, Peter Bollenbecker will retain his seat on the SCCA Board of Directors as the uncontested incumbent in the 2027 Board of Director Elections.
Members of the Board of Directors in the midst of their terms are:
There’s a lot of “stopping” going on in the latest Grassroots Motorsports (GRM) installment of its “Path to the Podium” YouTube video series, where GRM builds a Club Spec Mustang with eyes on attending (and hopefully finishing on the podium at) the 2026 Tire Rack SCCA Time Attack National Championship. There’s also collaboration in this video, since GRM is working with SCCA on the project; and listening, as you listen to GRM analyze before-and-after data they captured at the track.
With Time Attack Nationals coming up quickly (Oct. 22-25 at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, TX), GRM is hard at work prepping its car for the event, with past video installments including the installation of a seat, half cage, and differential. The most recent upgrade the GRM team has completed is a Brembo big brake kit off a Ford Mustang GT500.
“You know, to go fast, sometimes you have to slow down – that is why, today, we are in the shop installing a big brake kit on our 2006 Club Spec Mustang,” GRM’s Tech Editor JG Pasterjak says in the video’s introduction. Pasterjak then compares the stock setup to the Brembos, explains why the Mustang benefits from this brake upgrade, and shows how to bolt up the new parts. The GRM crew then heads to the track to gather “after” data to show what better brakes translate to in the real world.
The initial comparison saw the stock brake calipers and rotors with performance pads vs. the big Brembo setup with OE-equivalent pads.
“What we found out is the base Mustang Club Spec brakes … stop pretty good with some good pads, they just don’t do it for a very long time,” Pasterjak said after they returned from the track. “It was very easy to cook [the stock brakes] from a thermal perspective, and what we see is at the next-to-last corner section [at the track] we start losing braking effectiveness.”
GRM then installed aggressive brake pads on the Brembo setup and the results were stark.
“We picked up almost two seconds by the time we got our braking squared away,” he said. “We’re seeing the ability to go way deeper into the corners before we’re hitting the brakes, and hit the same entry speeds at the end of those corners. We’re seeing the ability to come off and back on to the brakes in corners that require a little more nuance. We’re also seeing a lot more thermal capacity because we’re not seeing any evidence of fade on our best lap.”
GRM then gets into how it staggered brake compounds to dial in braking performance. If you want to know how, watch the video:
On Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2026, the iconic 4.048-mile circuit once again played host to the Mission Foods SCCA® National Championship Runoffs®, and the track delivered the kind of racing, competition, camaraderie, and memories that make this historic winner-take-all event so special.
You came to Road America, you raced, you worked, you cheered, you celebrated, and you made memories. Now it’s time to make sure you have the photos to remember it all.
SCCA’s team of professional photographers was out in force throughout the event, capturing thousands upon thousands (upon thousands) of images from the Runoffs. From qualifying and race action to victory circle celebrations, paddock life, and all the moments in between, we’ve got a photographic record of your Road America adventure.
And this year, there’s an extra reason to grab those photos.
The Runoffs moves to Road Atlanta in 2027, meaning Road America won’t be the backdrop for next year’s National Championship. We don’t know when the Runoffs will return to the Elkhart Lake area, so if Road America holds a special place in your racing memories, this is your chance to make sure you have the photos to prove it.
Thousands of Road America Memories
Pro shooters from Exclusive Sports Car Photography – Jay Bonvouloir, Jeff Loewe, and Mandy Mobry – captured the on-track action throughout the weekend, with Jon Krolewicz and Andy Howe keeping their cameras focused on the pits, paddock, celebrations, and everything happening everywhere else. The result is a huge (ahem…HUGE!) collection of images you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you were chasing a National Championship, fighting for a podium, turning your first laps at Road America, working the event, or soaking in the atmosphere, chances are there’s a photo here that means something to you.
Order Today
On-track and victory circle photos are available for just $10 each.
You can also save money by selecting “View Package Deals” in the gallery. Choose the photos you want from any of the available galleries, add them to your cart, and build your own collection of Road America memories.
Prints and keepsake options are also available in virtually any size and shape, with unlimited personal, non-commercial usage rights.
Looking for something a little different? We’ve also got photos from around the paddock, the SCCA Worker of the Year Presented by Mazda celebrations, the Block Party, and more. And the best part? Those photos are FREE!
So take a look through the galleries, find your favorite moments, and bring a little bit of Road America home with you.
SCCA® is smack dab in the middle of Championship Season, so it makes you wonder if many of the members listed below who are celebrating a milestone membership anniversary with the Club this month (that being 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, and 70 years) got so caught up in the excitement that they knew they HAD to become a member.
If this is the case, we’re going to see an even larger grouping of members on these anniversary listings 25 years from now, because this year’s Championship Season is bigger than ever.
Early September saw the Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo® Championship Finale and the Tire Rack SCCA Solo® National Championships (find out what happened by clicking here for ProSolo Finale info, and here for Solo Nats news), and those were followed in late September and early October with this year’s Mission Foods SCCA National Championship Runoffs® (which is taking place right now).
October brings the United States RoadRally Challenge®, which is wrapping the 100th anniversary of Route 66 into its three RoadRallies, and from there comes the RallyCross® National Championship Presented by Bingham Equipment Company right smack dab in the middle of the month. Then brand new for 2026 is the inaugural Tire Rack SCCA Time Trials National Championship, taking place the weekend after the RallyCross National Championship.
All of this means that this year’s Championship Season is briming with awesomeness (because of members like YOU!), and so far, it’s a thriller.
Don’t know what all of those Championship Season events are? Head to SCCA.com to find out, and follow along on SCCA’s Facebook page as we bring you the action as it happens.
The anniversary listing below notes each member’s name, Region of record, Division, and join/rejoin date. It’s important to point out that join dates for 1981 and earlier may list the first of the month rather than the actual day of membership.
25-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Jay Cartini, Central New York Region, NE, 9/5/2001 Anna Neave Crissman, North Carolina Region, SE, 9/5/2001 Thomas L Doerr, Milwaukee Region, CN, 9/20/2001 Mike Donofrio, Central New York Region, NE, 9/6/2001 Charles S Fullgraf, Chattanooga Region, SE, 9/26/2001 Larry Haynes, Rio Grande Region, RM, 9/7/2001 Daniel A Hoffman, New England Region, NE, 9/27/2001 Marsena Pardee, North Carolina Region, SE, 9/19/2001 Jeff Pollard, Lone Star Region, SW, 9/5/2001 Nadja Pollard, Lone Star Region, SW, 9/5/2001 James B Ray III, New England Region, NE, 9/5/2001 J Karl Sachs, Washington DC Region, NE, 9/5/2001 Randall Grant Smart, Houston Region, SW, 9/17/2001 Dennis E Smith, Salina Region, MW, 9/20/2001 Nancy R. Smith, Salina Region, MW, 9/20/2001 Christopher Stokes, Houston Region, SW, 9/17/2001 Miner Wilcox, Washington DC Region, NE, 9/7/2001 Jake Wright, Rio Grande Region, RM, 9/12/2001
30-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Paul Capel, New England Region, NE, 9/17/1996 John Cameron Croasdaile Jr., Central New York Region, NE, 9/25/1996 William J Farr, Texas Region, SW, 9/10/1996 Denise Renee Gass, Central New York Region, NE, 9/25/1996 Eric J Graunke, Chicago Region, CN, 9/11/1996 Andrew S Juner, San Francisco Region, NP, 9/26/1996 Susan E. Juner, San Francisco Region, NP, 9/26/1996 Jack Knapp, New England Region, NE, 9/12/1996 Michael A Lawler, Cal Club Region, SP, 9/11/1996 Lance Loughman, Western Michigan Region, GL, 9/19/1996 Ellen Lowery, Cal Club Region, SP, 9/10/1996 Suzanne Valerie Segal, Las Vegas Region, SP, 9/10/1996 Evelyn Vlasak, Buccaneer Region, SE, 9/17/1996
35-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Theresa Berry, Cal Club Region, SP, 9/10/1991 Nancy L Davis, Central Florida Region, SE, 9/26/1991 Elisabete M. Erlandson, Cal Club Region, SP, 9/10/1991 Ronald W King, Buccaneer Region, SE, 9/26/1991 Gary E Kramar, Texas Region, SW, 9/18/1991 Rod Markowicz, South Bend Region, GL, 9/10/1991 Craig Markusic, Ohio Valley Region, GL, 9/12/1991 William A Moore, Central New York Region, NE, 9/25/1991 Roderick O’Brien, San Francisco Region, NP, 9/6/1991 David W Packard, Ohio Valley Region, GL, 9/16/1991 Jeffrey Mark Pilson, Eastern Tennessee Region, SE, 9/20/1991 Lou Savino, Indianapolis Region, GL, 9/25/1991 Samuel Vassallo Jr, Washington DC Region, NE, 9/17/1991 Robert A Wagner, Milwaukee Region, CN, 9/5/1991
40-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Jeff Beck, Chicago Region, CN, 9/19/1986 Andrew Cotyk, Ohio Valley Region, GL, 9/29/1986 Michael B Dekutoski, Iowa Region, CN, 9/3/1986 Bill Dennis, Buccaneer Region, SE, 9/3/1986 Ron Dick, Ohio Valley Region, GL, 9/4/1986 Samuel A Eyer, Washington DC Region, NE, 9/29/1986 Larry Gallagher, Ohio Valley Region, GL, 9/29/1986 Paul Gipson, Arizona Region, SP, 9/10/1986 Cheryl T Kaiser, Northern New Jersey Region, NE, 9/23/1986 Robert Lambert, Salina Region, MW, 9/26/1986 Cindy Lee Mack, Western New York Region, NE, 9/9/1986 Kathleen McVicker, Ohio Valley Region, GL, 9/23/1986 Kenneth W McVicker, Ohio Valley Region, GL, 9/23/1986 Linda Miklovic, Northwest Region, NP, 9/18/1986 Joan Morrissett, Buccaneer Region, SE, 9/4/1986 Thomas W Morrissett, Buccaneer Region, SE, 9/4/1986 Kenford R Nelson, Detroit Region, GL, 9/16/1986 Linda E Rawson, Houston Region, SW, 9/30/1986 Jack P Richardson, San Francisco Region, NP, 9/18/1986 Robert E Rocho, Colorado Region, RM, 9/29/1986 Gregory Harold Smith, Arizona Region, SP, 9/26/1986 Anne E Vincent, Steel Cities Region, NE, 9/22/1986 Gregory F Vincent, Steel Cities Region, NE, 9/22/1986
45-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Chuck Cecil, South Carolina Region, SE, 9/1/1981 Douglas A Gall, Ohio Valley Region, GL, 9/1/1981 Mark McLaughlin, San Francisco Region, NP, 9/1/1981 Richard Leon Ratajczak, Central Carolinas Region, SE, 9/1/1981 Kenneth A Rodrigues, San Francisco Region, NP, 9/1/1981 John Rogers Smith, Southwest Louisiana Region, SW, 9/1/1981
50-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date John F Hartnett, Blue Mountain Region, NE, 9/1/1976 Bruce R Kalin, Western Michigan Region, GL, 9/1/1976 Suzanne D Kolker, Northern New Jersey Region, NE, 9/1/1976 Steve Wolf, Kansas City Region, MW, 9/1/1976
55-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Susan E Anderson, Southern Illinois Region, MW, 9/1/1971 J. Alex Bell Jr., Middle Georgia Region, SE, 9/1/1971 Jane Goodale, New England Region, NE, 9/1/1971 William Goodale, New England Region, NE, 9/1/1971 Peter B Harkins, North Carolina Region, SE, 9/1/1971 Jack Kolpack, Blackhawk Valley Region, CN, 9/1/1971 Steven C Lashley, Atlanta Region, SE, 9/1/1971 Edward C. Lublow, Western Michigan Region, GL, 9/1/1971 Edward V Mangone, Western New York Region, NE, 9/1/1971
60-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Richard M Boonisar, New England Region, NE, 9/1/1966 Austin R Britton, Central Florida Region, SE, 9/1/1966 John J Cahill, Chicago Region, CN, 9/1/1966 Norm Conley, Wichita Region, MW, 9/1/1966 Dave Henry, San Francisco Region, NP, 9/1/1966 Michael P McDonald, New England Region, NE, 9/1/1966 Jon R Norman, San Francisco Region, NP, 9/1/1966 Dewitt A Payne, Susquehanna Region, NE, 9/1/1966 Gary Van Horn, Oregon Region, NP, 9/1/1966
70-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date L A Delano, New York Region, NE, 9/1/1956 Frank S (Reb) Folbre, Texas Region, SW, 9/1/1956
What were you doing on Sept. 7-11? If you were at the 2026 Tire Rack SCCA® Solo® National Championships in Lincoln, NE, then keep on reading, because we have an irresistible deal that will give you access to photos from that entire week, all for pennies compared to what you’d expect to pay for them. Read even further and you’ll discover that there are many images we’re offering for less than pennies. In fact, some of the images are utterly free.
SCCA’s cadre of pro shooters were scurrying all over the paddock, grid, and courses during the event, capturing everything from cone-whacking action to last moment thrashes and nightlife shenanigans. They took thousands upon thousands of photos, but now that we’ve sorted through them all, they’re ready for you to check out and download.
How much is this going to cost you? Full-size, high-resolution digital downloads start at $10 each, although during the ordering process, you’ll have the option to place those images on paper, posters, mugs, and other items.
Then there are those free images we mentioned. We’ll get to that in a moment.
That’s Right: $10!
$10 per digital image download is a great deal, right? Other than, we can do better.
Order five or more digital images at once and you’ll earn a package discount.For that, select the “View Package Deals” button on any gallery and select all the images you’d like to purchase.
All of these digital images are high resolution and come with unlimited personal, non-commercial usage rights, allowing you to do with them as you’d like. Put them on your device, or take the file somewhere that prints images and have them go wild.
The SmugMug link below is where these images can be purchased. SmugMug also offers cups, textiles, cards, and more, all emblazoned with the image of your choice. For that, select the printing option you want before clicking the order button.
There are two ways you can get to the free images from the Solo Nats. Method one is to click the link above, scroll to the bottom, then click the link to check out the free images from Solo Nats. The other is jumping there immediately via this link.
Regardless of how you get there, the result is the same: You’ll discover free images taken in the grid and paddock throughout the entirety of the Sept. 7-11 Solo Nationals.
Download one, download all – it’s up to you. The free images are free, so enjoy!
Photo by Emerson Welch
Time can be sneaky. While Nov. 16, 2026, might sound like a long way off, with all of the SCCA® championship events taking place this time of year, that deadline will be here before you know it. That is to say, if you know of an SCCA volunteer whose dedication to the sport deserves recognition, don’t wait to nominate them for the prestigious SCCA Member of Excellence award.
The Member of Excellence award celebrates the spirit of volunteering that serves as the foundation of the Sports Car Club of America™. Be it working behind the scenes to organize events or filling specialized roles that are critical to event weekends, these volunteers give their time, energy, and passion to make SCCA activities more than possible; their actions keep people coming back.
Nominees must have provided service to Club events or activities for at least five years. They cannot be paid SCCA Staff members, current SCCA Board of Directors members, or paid consultants to the organization.
Submissions should include the programs(s) that the nominee supports, the approximate number of years they have contributed to the Club, any National, Divisional, or Regional awards the person has received, and a description explaining why the nominee should be selected.
Questions regarding the nomination process can be directed to [email protected].
The award recipient will receive a trip to any motorsports event of their choosing, anywhere in the world and with any sanctioning body. Up to $5,000 in expenses will be covered, courtesy of an anonymous donor.
First presented in 2008, the Member of Excellence award most recently went to Leon Drake (2025) for his work with the RallyCross® community; Matt Wojtkowiak (2024) for his dedication to SCCA Road Racing’s tech specialty; and Earl Hurlbut (2023), whose SCCA journey began in the late 1960s and included Regional involvement, racing, flagging, registration, and more. All Member of Excellence award recipients are listed here.
Nominations for the 2026 Member of Excellence award must be submitted by Monday, Nov. 16, 2026. The recipient will be announced during the SCCA National Convention in January 2027.
Don’t let this deadline slip by without making a nomination!
It’s the third of four Tire Rack SCCA® Solo® National Championships competition days and a second group of competitors is out on one of two courses at Lincoln Airpark attempting to carve out a victory. Nearly 40 different classes are running in this second half of the Sept. 7-11, 2026, meetup in Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln.
Developments from the final two days of Solo Nats action can be tracked in real time with an East Course live audio broadcast found here, and the West Course live audio broadcast here. Live results can also be monitored at the Solo Nats Timing webpage.
Special Awards Announced Wednesday Night
Wednesday evening’s party in the giant Tire Rack Event Center (TREC) tent is a big draw every year. That’s because the annual Tire Rack Solo Awards Celebration occurs at that time, which is a gathering that includes great food, beverages, comradery, laughter, and a whole bunch of fun.
The celebration is where the year’s first set of Solo Nats winners are announced and lauded. The occasion is also when recipients are announced for several major Solo Program awards.
The Heart of Solo Award was given out last night for only the third time. It recognizes those from the Solo community who have had a profound impact on their class, Region, and Solo community. Recipients will have created a welcoming environment for all and lived SCCA’s core values of excellence, service, passion, team, experience, and stewardship. The recipient for 2026 was Tom Holtof SCCA’s Lone Star Region.
Holt is an unofficial pied piper of the Road Trip Racing Team, which is better known at RTRT (pronounced “rut, rut”). He is the heart and soul of the group that arrives at Solo Nats each year from Texas and constructs the compound those competitors call HQ for the week. Equally impressive is the fact that he works on many of the RTRT cars, several of which perform quite well every year.
“I can’t thank you all enough. This is certainly unexpected,” Holt said while carefully carrying his trophy. “We’ve always had the motto that if we’re good enough for you, you’re good enough us. That applies to everyone that is here. We’d love to see you in the ‘rut, rut’ beer garden any ol’ time.”
The 2026 Driver of Eminence is Ron Williams of SCCA’s Kansas City Region. This award goes to Solo competitors who consistently demonstrated excellence behind the wheel, and an exemplary degree of sportsmanship, dedication, and unselfishness. The winner is selected by the Solo Events Board (SEB) from nominations submitted by the membership at large.
A Club member since 1994, Williams is in the Solo Nats Silver Circle with more than 25 appearances at the event. He has claimed 10 wins all told, and those victories are spread across eight different classes. On top of being a fierce competitor, he is also very involved within his Region.
“The people who have won this award just amaze me,” Williams said. “To be part of this is crazy. I appreciate it.”
The Solo Cup Award has been presented annually since 1978 and honors SCCA members who have made an outstanding contribution to the Solo events program. Winners are selected by the SEB from nominations submitted by the membership at large. The 2026 recipient is James “Jamey” McDaniel of SCCA’s Kentucky Region.
McDaniel, a Club member since 2001, has been in attendance at Solo Nats for a number of years serving as Chief of Safety. He does not compete; he just wants to be on site to help the Solo community. He’s an integral part of the huge event and his dedication is very much appreciated.
After receiving his award, McDaniel was offered the microphone to say a few words to the large crowd in attendance. Struggling to control his emotions, McDaniel simply shook his head and mumbled, “I can’t. I can’t.”
One very special moment occurred during Wednesday night’s ceremony when the Club awarded a red SCCA Solo National Championship jacket posthumously to Derek Feyerherm, the former Vice President of Operations and Development at the Chamber of Commerce and Visit Lincoln. You can read more about Feyerherm’s contributions to Solo Nats here, but he recently passed away and those within the Solo community wanted everyone to know how much he meant to them.
Accepting the honor were Visit Lincoln Executive Director Jeff Maul and Visit Lincoln Director of Sports Derek Bombeck. The framed jacket will hang in the offices of Visit Lincoln for a bit before being delivered to Feyerherm’s family.
“On behalf of Derek, Derek’s family, and all his friends and co-workers, thank you very much,” Bombeck told the crowd. “Derek put his blood, sweat and tears into everything that he did for Lincoln and Visit Lincoln. This event was no exception.”
Earlier in the week, Johnson Spirit of the Sport Award and Dick Berger Perseverance Award winners for 2026 were lauded.
The Johnson Spirit of the Sport Award is presented annually by the Royal Order of the Sheep to a member of the flock who upholds the spirited virtues of fun, camaraderie, and tomfoolery. Recipients of this award are selected annually by the three previous winners; and the co-winners in 2026 are Jeff Jacobs and Tony Savini.
Finally, the Dick Berger Perseverance Award recognizes someone each year who is undaunted by limited success over many National Championship events but keeps coming back to enjoy the camaraderie and community. The recipient of that honor for 2026 was Frank Wietharn.
Even more coverage will be posted to YouTube’s SCCAOfficial page. And don’t forget to check out SCCA.com for daily articles, with multiple articles posting per day during the Solo Nationals. Also sign up for the weekly SportsCar® News newsletter if you’d like those articles to end up in your email inbox.
Photo: Left to right are Solo award winners Ron Williams, James “Jamey” McDaniel, and Tom Holt
Photos by Philip Royle
Since the concept’s introduction in 2023, Club Spec has taken off. Shortly after registration opened for the 2026 Tire Rack SCCA® Solo® National Championships, Club Spec Mustang and Club Spec MX-5 entries quickly filled the entry list, with more than 70 drivers signing up. Likewise, the mid-October Tire Rack SCCA Time Attack National Championship will also see an admirable Club Spec population.
Club Spec is growing both in participation as well as in the brands of cars receiving the Club Spec treatment. It wasn’t long ago that SCCA announced Porsche would be entering the fray with Club Spec Cayman. That class will include 718 Caymans and Boxsters with the 2.0L turbo flat-four equipped with either the six-speed manual or PDK (but not the Sport Chrono Package) and will hit SCCA entry lists beginning in the 2027 season.
Between Club Spec Cayman’s (CSC) announcement less than a year ago and the present day, progress has been made on the ruleset and, as you might expect when developing a new class, it was discovered that not all components were going to be ideal.
Put another way: Club Spec Cayman’s suspension needed a rethink.
Suspension Shift
The original plan involved Club Spec Caymans to utilize the X73 suspension kit and Vorshlag camber plates. While the Vorshlag camber plates will remain, availability limitations of the X73 kit led SCCA’s Club Spec Committee to search for a new long-term solution that would also feature factory support. With that in mind, the X73 suspension kit will be joined by Öhlins Road & Track coilovers as an approved suspension option on CSC cars.
“The X73 kit will remain a legal option for the class, as we do want people who have, or prefer, the X73 to be able to participate,” said SCCA Vice President of Rally/Solo and Experiential Programs Heyward Wagner. “The [Club Spec] Committee is also recommending that underprepared or partially prepared cars be allowed to run with the class. This includes cars that have camber plates only or are in stock form.”
Öhlins is the Official Suspension System of the SCCA, and Wagner notes this partnership enables the Club to have direct access to the manufacturer, ensuring longtime support and parts accessibility. Furthermore, Tire Rack, the Official Tire Retailer of SCCA, is an Öhlins dealer and can assist in ensuring stock availability.
Road & Track coilovers are a one-way adjustable monotube shock with independent damper length adjustment.
“The Öhlins Road & Track coilovers are a ‘do everything’ solution that embody the true spirit of Club Spec,” said Mitch Bloom, USA Sales Manager for Öhlins. “These coilovers offer drivability and comfort on the street, thanks to their Dual Flow Valvetechnology that bleeds the high shaft speed pressures you’ll see with bumps and surface irregularities, while having the performance and durability that’s needed for autocross and track use. And should someone need to service their coilovers, Öhlins has a network of dealers and service centers across America.”
The Dual Flow Valve (DFV) architecture used in Öhlins Road & Track coilovers is derived from technology proven in major automotive OEM applications, where it has been validated for 100,000 miles of real-world road use, including testing for damper performance and resistance to salt corrosion.
For those who have already purchased the X73 suspension and wish to move to Öhlins Road & Track coilovers, Wagner says that SCCA is working with Öhlins, Tire Rack, and Vorshlag to ease the transition. Furthermore, to offset the time and cost for those who already installed the X73 setup and are choosing to move to Öhlins coilovers, SCCA will offer a free entry to a 2027 Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Tour and a free entry to a 2027 Tire Rack SCCA Time Attack Challenge. If this affects you, contact Wagner directly at [email protected].
Wagner added that the committee will evaluate vehicle performance throughout the 2027 season to determine whether the X73 kit will be permitted into 2028 and beyond.
Your Turn
From the 2023 concept announcement to today, it’s impressive how quickly people built to the Club Spec Mustang and Club Spec MX-5 rulesets. With a higher initial vehicle cost, Club Spec Cayman might see a slower adoption, but drivers will discover the minimal modification list that offers maximum impact, doubled with low maintenance costs, making CSC an affordable option.
The next step is … well, it’s up to you! Whether you own a Club Spec Mustang, a Club Spec MX-5, or are just curious about the new class, check out the Club Spec Cayman page on scca.com to discover whether your next car should be a CSC Porsche.
Photo by Gregory Pfaff
We’re four installments in, and the Grassroots Motorsports Club Spec Mustang has finally hit the track at a Tire Rack SCCA Time Attack Challenge weekend.
Let’s back up.
In a multi-part video series, Grassroots Motorsports is following along as GRM’s Video Editor Chris Tropea, under the watchful eye of GRM’s Tech Editor JG Pasterjak, preps an S197 Ford Mustang for SCCA’s Club Spec class, with the ultimate goal of making it to the Oct. 23-25, 2026, Tire Rack SCCA Time Attack National Championship at Eagles Canyon in Decatur, TX, and (hopefully) claiming a spot on the podium.
Club Spec is SCCA’s build once, compete everywhere series of classes, where one set of rules span SCCA Autocross and Time Attack, allowing someone to own a car that’s not only drivable on the street, but also competitive in class. Club Spec currently has classes for the NC MX-5s and early S197 Mustang GTs, with 718 Porsche Caymans and Boxters on the way in 2027.
GRM’s video series began with an introduction, then jumped into interior mods followed by a differential install. With much of the build complete, part four in the series takes the car to Carolina Motorsports Park (CMP) for the June edition of the Tire Rack SCCA Time Attack Challenge, where Tropea co-drove with Pasterjak. This was Tropea’s first time at CMP and his first time lapping a racetrack for a time; Pasterjak, meanwhile, hadn’t been to this particular track for 20 years. Needless to say, there was a learning curve.
There were also lessons when it came to the car. They resolved a fueling issue early on, and also discovered the car’s cooling system could use some beefing up.
How did the car and drivers do? Check out the video to find out.
There’s money on the table. A lot of money. But you need to act fast if you want to be the one of the ones to claim it.
SCCA® Women on Track scholarships are still available for competitors looking to take part in two of SCCA’s major fall events. If you’re a woman interested in competing at this year’s United States RoadRally Challenge® or RallyCross® National Championship Presented by Bingham Equipment Company, now’s the time to apply for one of four $500 scholarships.
The SCCA Women on Track program has already awarded scholarships to competitors across SCCA’s Road Racing and Time Trials programs, helping women offset the costs of getting to the events.
Among this year’s recent recipients, Kayla Ployhar received a $500 SCCA Women on Track Time Trials Scholarship for the Thunderhill Raceway Park Tire Rack SCCA Time Attack Challenge event – she then scored a bonus when the Time Attack program handed her another entry coupon she could use at the upcoming Time Attack Challenge at Buttonwillow Raceway Park. Trish Berlant received a pair of $500 Time Trials Scholarships for events at Reno and Thunderhill.
In SCCA Road Racing, Kaila Kiesel and Alice Stern each received $1,000 toward Road Racing Drivers’ School expenses, helping them take a step toward competing wheel to wheel. The program will also support Carolyn Bayer-Broring and Shelby Robbins, who will each receive $500 as part of the SCCA Women on Track Runoffs® Volunteer Scholarships.
But that’s not all – and this is where you come in. SCCA Women on Track has two more scholarship opportunities for 2026.
The first set of scholarships is for the United States RoadRally Challenge (USRRC), taking place Oct. 9-11, 2026, in the St. Louis, MO, area. RoadRally teams will put their driving, navigation, observation, and timing skills to the test, all at an event that is celebrating 100 years of Route 66.
The second set of scholarships is the RallyCross National Championship Presented by Bingham Equipment Company, taking place Oct. 16-18, 2026, at the Camp Verde Equestrian Center in Camp Verde, AZ. RallyCross competitors will battle on multiple challenging dirt courses, where car control, precision, and speed mix with loose surfaces as drivers grapple for success.
For the RallyCross National Championship and USRRC, SCCA Women on Track has two $500 scholarships available for each, for a total of four scholarships and $2,000 in assistance. The funds are intended to help cover expenses associated with participating in the events, offering recipients extra support as they pursue their motorsports goals.
Photos by Joe Akerman (top) and Dante Donati (bottom)
Normally, if we had SCCA® members like Scott Pruett, Terry Ozment, Joe Aquilante, and Ron Bartell celebrating milestone anniversaries all in one month, that’s what this column would be about. But not this month. You see, in the list below that contains milestone anniversaries that begin at the 25-year mark and work their way up in increments of five, we have one 60-year member, one 70-year member, and incredibly one 75-year member (!) to celebrate in August.
Back to the others, though. If you recognize the name Scott Pruett, then you’re definitely a motorsports fan. Pruett has run in the SCCA Pro Racing®-sanction Trans Am® Series, as well as IMSA GTO, CART Championship, and even NASCAR. His SCCA membership is also still going strong after 25 years.
At the 45-year mark is SCCA Hall of Famer and past SCCA staffer Terry Ozment. At 50 years is Joe Aquilante, who brings a fleet of potent Phoenix Performance cars to the SCCA National Championship Runoffs® each year, playing a part in a nearly uncountable number of National Championship titles. Then at 50 years of membership is Ron Bartell. While the record book only shows him as earning two National Championship titles, he is a Runoffs stalwart, competing in 28 National Championship events between 1979 and 2019.
Yet who we want to talk about this month are Walter Koopman, Leonard Janke, and Charles Patterson.
Koopman joined the Club in 1966, an incredible 60 years ago. Yet by the time he joined, Leonard Janke had already been a member for 10 years. Backing it up even further, Patterson’s membership became active in 1951, five years before Janke’s!
That means the Sports Car Club of America™ was barely seven years old when Patterson joined. Patterson was also part of a giant influx of membership in the early 1950s. Case in point, the membership count in January 1950 was 588. One year later, the membership had ballooned to 1,243. He also snuck in right before the annual membership dues increased from $10 a year to $12.50, which in today’s money would be like if an annual membership cost $126 and then increased to $158.
Letters were undoubtedly written about that one.
The anniversary listing below notes each member’s name, Region of record, Division, and join/rejoin date. It’s important to point out that join dates for 1981 and earlier may list the first of the month rather than the actual day of membership.
25-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Margaret Baccarelli, New York Region, NE, 8/15/2001 Sammye Banker, Atlanta Region, SE, 8/28/2001 Jason E. Berkeley, Northern New Jersey Region, NE, 8/22/2001 Mark E Bingheim, Chicago Region, CN, 8/28/2001 Jim Clark, Central Florida Region, SE, 8/23/2001 Terry Clark, Central Florida Region, SE, 8/23/2001 Richard Eastep, Washington DC Region, NE, 8/8/2001 Dave Fichter, Chicago Region, CN, 8/28/2001 Gregg S Ginsberg, Washington DC Region, NE, 8/23/2001 Amy Gould, Washington DC Region, NE, 8/8/2001 Chris Halstead, Northwest Region, NP, 8/29/2001 Joey Jarosz, Las Vegas Region, SP, 8/29/2001 Michael Jaynes, Cal Club Region, SP, 8/23/2001 Douglas Allan Johnston, Central Florida Region, SE, 8/9/2001 David E Kirk, Southwest Montana Region, NP, 8/9/2001 Philip L Knowles, Washington DC Region, NE, 8/22/2001 Paul Kullman, Central Florida Region, SE, 8/2/2001 David Lenzi, San Francisco Region, NP, 8/2/2001 Marshall B Lytle III, Washington DC Region, NE, 8/2/2001 Timm Murphy, Steel Cities Region, NE, 8/1/2001 Bradley B Oldenbrook, San Francisco Region, NP, 8/7/2001 Scott Pruett, San Francisco Region, NP, 8/29/2001 Kinch R. Reindl, Colorado Region, RM, 8/7/2001 David Satterley, Detroit Region, GL, 8/7/2001 Stephen A Schiffman, Central Florida Region, SE, 8/15/2001 Neil Simon, Washington DC Region, NE, 8/14/2001 Susan I Smith, Arizona Region, SP, 8/21/2001 Drew Spoto, Florida Region, SE, 8/22/2001 Amy Toliver, Central Carolinas Region, SE, 8/9/2001
30-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Andrea Albin, Southern Illinois Region, MW, 8/23/1996 Doris L Bax, Cincinnati Region, GL, 8/27/1996 Mary Beth Broring, Washington DC Region, NE, 8/21/1996 Russell Burckhard, Mohawk-Hudson Region, NE, 8/6/1996 Marsha Burkett, South Texas Border Region, SW, 8/14/1996 Debbie Crepin, St Louis Region, MW, 8/5/1996 Domenic Crugnale, New England Region, NE, 8/28/1996 Hal Denham, New England Region, NE, 8/6/1996 Marilyn Freeman, New England Region, NE, 8/6/1996 Patrick Gallagher, Ohio Valley Region, GL, 8/28/1996 Tracey L Gauper, Milwaukee Region, CN, 8/29/1996 Del Lewis, St Louis Region, MW, 8/14/1996 Christian L Magerhans, New York Region, NE, 8/6/1996 Wayne J Menaker, Florida Region, SE, 8/20/1996 Brian Morrison, New England Region, NE, 8/13/1996 Jan Riley, New England Region, NE, 8/27/1996 Joshua Preston Saurino, Northeast Oklahoma Region, MW, 8/5/1996 John C Stermer, Chicago Region, CN, 8/15/1996 Kevin R Vincent, Steel Cities Region, NE, 8/19/1996 Jason Wilhoite, Las Vegas Region, SP, 8/20/1996 Jennifer Wise, Ohio Valley Region, GL, 8/5/1996 Lonnie Worthington, Kansas City Region, MW, 8/6/1996 Marla Worthington, Kansas City Region, MW, 8/6/1996 Thomas B Wright, Eastern Idaho Region, RM, 8/14/1996 Christopher Yearwood, Red Hills Region, SE, 8/12/1996
35-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Jason Benagh, New England Region, NE, 8/22/1991 Jeffrey S Benagh, New England Region, NE, 8/7/1991 Ross A Bollinger, South Bend Region, GL, 8/1/1991 Marcello Canitano, Central Florida Region, SE, 8/22/1991 Carol Cimino, Northern New Jersey Region, NE, 8/15/1991 Jay Culbertson, Oregon Region, NP, 8/7/1991 Leslie S Culbertson, Oregon Region, NP, 8/7/1991 Blair Deffenbaugh, North Carolina Region, SE, 8/14/1991 Tricia Deffenbaugh, North Carolina Region, SE, 8/14/1991 Paul D Durr, Las Vegas Region, SP, 8/28/1991 Boris Elpiner, San Francisco Region, NP, 8/15/1991 Donald A Erickson, San Francisco Region, NP, 8/13/1991 Shelia J Gallagher, Ohio Valley Region, GL, 8/15/1991 Keith Goldin, Central Florida Region, SE, 8/28/1991 Pamela M Lentz, Washington DC Region, NE, 8/15/1991 Thomas N McLeod, Washington DC Region, NE, 8/22/1991 Brad Morris, Mahoning Valley Region, NE, 8/8/1991 Larry O Oliver, Washington DC Region, NE, 8/29/1991 Nancy J Rouse, South Jersey Region, NE, 8/28/1991 Marty N Schiratti, Lake Superior Region, CN, 8/28/1991 R J Shaw, Des Moines Valley Region, MW, 8/28/1991 Robert S Swinehart, Finger Lakes Region, NE, 8/8/1991 James H Thornton Jr., Texas Region, SW, 8/20/1991 Louis J Vannicolo III, Philadelphia Region, NE, 8/13/1991
40-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Brewster Ames, New England Region, NE, 8/22/1986 Craig Bucher, Susquehanna Region, NE, 8/18/1986 Bob Crepin, St Louis Region, MW, 8/22/1986 Larry Diemer, Detroit Region, GL, 8/28/1986 Pam Henderson, Florida Region, SE, 8/26/1986 Rick Henderson, Florida Region, SE, 8/26/1986 F Cameron Lalli, Central Florida Region, SE, 8/13/1986 James D MacMahon, New England Region, NE, 8/13/1986 George A Marino, Atlanta Region, SE, 8/12/1986 Kris Miserendino, Cal Club Region, SP, 8/29/1986 Mike Miserendino, Cal Club Region, SP, 8/29/1986 Tom Miserendino, Cal Club Region, SP, 8/29/1986 Jim Oster, Misery Bay Region, NE, 8/19/1986 Douglas M Rauco, Philadelphia Region, NE, 8/15/1986 Lynne M Rothney-Kozlak, New England Region, NE, 8/14/1986 Rick Ruckman, Steel Cities Region, NE, 8/19/1986 Michael Keith Scharf, St Louis Region, MW, 8/7/1986 Steve Snyder, Texas Region, SW, 8/8/1986
45-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Richard E Fedler, Milwaukee Region, CN, 8/1/1981 JJ Gaines, Oregon Region, NP, 8/1/1981 James Jandrisevits, Atlanta Region, SE, 8/9/1981 J James Jerele, Ohio Valley Region, GL, 8/1/1981 Wendell Karr-Ake, Northeast Oklahoma Region, MW, 8/11/1981 Pamela Kewley, Blackhawk Valley Region, CN, 8/1/1981 Terry J Ozment, Chicago Region, CN, 8/1/1981 Henry Rudolf Payne, Central Carolinas Region, SE, 8/1/1981 Jack J Randall, Land O’Lakes Region, CN, 8/1/1981 Jerry Randall, Land O’Lakes Region, CN, 8/1/1981 Karen Randall, Land O’Lakes Region, CN, 8/1/1981 Stephen Scannell, Detroit Region, GL, 8/1/1981 Bud Scott, St Louis Region, MW, 8/1/1981
50-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Joseph F Aquilante, Philadelphia Region, NE, 8/1/1976 James J Conlin, Ohio Valley Region, GL, 8/1/1976 Samuel Fouse, North Carolina Region, SE, 8/1/1976 Hughie Maloney, Northeastern Pennsylvania Region, NE, 8/1/1976 Sharon K. McBride, Oklahoma Region, MW, 8/1/1976 Wilson A Wright Jr., New England Region, NE, 8/1/1976
55-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Ron Bartell, New England Region, NE, 8/1/1971 Raul Bob DeCardenas, Florida Region, SE, 8/15/1971 Larry R Metz, Columbus Sports Car Club, GL, 8/1/1971 Harold Weiner, New York Region, NE, 8/1/1971
60-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Walter Koopman, South Jersey Region, NE, 8/1/1966
70-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Leonard Janke, Nebraska Region, MW, 8/1/1956
75-YEAR MEMBERS Name, Region of Record, Division, Join/Rejoin Date Charles A Patterson, Steel Cities Region, NE, 8/1/1951
SCCA® Foundation, the charitable arm of the Sports Car Club of America™, has hosted numerous sweepstakes throughout the years, but never one like this. Past sweepstakes have included, among other things, trips and experiences. This time around, the stakes are a car. And not just any car – this is a rare 1967 Porsche 911S that would look perfect in your garage.
Valued at an incredible $185,000, this classic Porsche houses a verified, numbers-matching engine and transaxle combo, with a major engine-out service completed just three years ago – the same year it took part in the Tejas Turismo, a three-day, 800-mile rally through Texas hill country.
Equipped with a roll cage but fully street legal, the Porsche being given away in this sweepstakes is not only the first car sweepstakes for SCCA Foundation, but it’s also for a Porsche that is beyond rare.
While the 911 had been introduced a handful of years earlier in 1964, the higher output 2.0L air-cooled flat-six 911S was new for 1967 and set the standard for the 911s that followed, making this an incredibly desirable year. Combine that with the quality of this specific car, and this quickly turns into what could be a once in a lifetime sweepstakes.
With all SCCA Foundation sweepstakes, it doesn’t take a massive donation to get in the game. For this sweepstakes, donations range from $25 for 18 tickets to $2,000 for 4,000 tickets, with many options in between. But for SCCA members, SCCA Foundation is running a 30% bonus when using this link:
