TOPEKA, Kan. (March, 15 2016) – Jennifer Vance, 32, of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Cindy Duncan, 42, of Lanesville, Indiana, have been named the two recipients of the 2016 SCCA Wendi Allen Scholarship Fund.
The two women will receive $1500 to support their travel to National Solo events and the Tire Rack Solo Nationals Presented by Garmin VIRB. Additionally, the SCCA will waive entry fees for scholarship recipients at all National Solo events this season, and works with the Solo community and commercial partners to seek other forms of support, such as driver training, mentoring, products and logistical assistance. Both Duncan and Vance intend to be at the Tire Rack Dixie Championship Tour that begins the 2016 National Solo season.
Tara Johns, Chair of the Wendi Allen Scholarship Fund Committee, said Vance gives back to other women racers in an amazing way, which is a big part of what the committee looks for in scholarship recipients. And Duncan reaches out to local ladies and encourages them to try autocrossing, and then works with them to improve their skills. She never stops trying to give encouragement or tips.
“Both of these ladies show a competitive spirit along with a heart to give back to our sport, and that is what drew the committee to Cindy and Jennifer,” Johns said. “The committee was thrilled with the number of nominations we received this year. There were so many good letters. Some even brought us to tears. But the committee was looking for women with a true commitment to the sport, both in the way of competing and in giving back. Jennifer and Cindy are both great examples of just that. Congrats to them both!”
Duncan, of the Central Kentucky Region, started autocrossing in 2002, but was involved in a highway accident that same year and the resulting trip to the emergency room revealed she had cancer. After going through two surgeries and radiation treatment, she started working heavily at autocross. With three second-place finishes at Solo Nationals, Duncan certainly knows how to drive. She also instructs at the Central Kentucky Region’s drivers school and loves being able to share her passion and knowledge with others. Duncan said she is grateful to receive the scholarship award in 2016 and will honor the legacy of Wendi Allen by continuing to give back to others.
“As a mother, survivor and competitor, I understand the importance of keeping Wendi’s legacy alive and growing,” Duncan said. “I truly love this sport and the friends I make going to events. I am most happy seeing others around me having as much fun as I do. Thanks to all the women that have given me this chance.”
Vance, of the North Carolina Region, started autocrossing more than a decade ago. Last year, she placed second in FSPL at her first Solo Nationals appearance. As someone who competes with every club in North Carolina, she is known for showing the guys how it’s done. Vance is a dedicated volunteer with the Tarheel Sports Car Club, and as the Novice Chief last year, she attended almost every autocross to encourage the new generation, instruct them and make sure they were helped by other drivers. Additionally, she is one of the instructors at the Tarheel Chicks driving school created to get more women involved in racing. It comes as no surprise that Vance was extremely excited to hear she would be receiving the scholarship.
“I was not planning on doing any National Solo events this year other than Nationals, but this scholarship has changed that for me,” Vance said. “I’m floored to be one of the recipients and so thankful for the opportunity. I look forward to giving back to the Solo community and helping other women in racing.”
The Wendi Allen Scholarship Fund was named and established by the family of Allen in honor of this multi-time National Solo Champion, who loved the SCCA Solo Community and wished to give back to the sport by helping young women become more successful drivers and contributing SCCA members. The goal of the scholarship is to provide assistance to young women that show promise of developing into outstanding Solo drivers and contributing supporters of the SCCA Solo program.
The Wendi Allen Scholarship Fund selection committee is maintained by the SCCA, comprised of championship caliber women Solo drivers. This committee is tasked with seeking out nominations, considering the merits of those nominated, and making a final selection. Nominations are solicited from SCCA members, Solo schools, and Club officials.
While this scholarship fund is specifically directed to the two annual recipients, it is a key part of a broader SCCA initiative to involve more women in the sport of autocross and the Club. SCCA Regions and individual members of the Solo Community are encouraged to become a part of this drive through their efforts to invite, train, recognize and support women to become active, participating SCCA members.
For more information on the SCCA Solo program, visit SCCA.com.
Photo: Jennifer Vance (BMW) and Cindy Duncan (Ford) are the 2016 Wendi Allen Scholarship Fund recipients.
Photo Credits: Jeff Eng, Kestrel Racing Photography (BMW); Marc Figgins (Ford)
