TOPEKA, Kan. (February 23, 2017) – Haley Oosterhof, 26, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Elayne Man, 31, of Honolulu, Hawaii, have been named the 2017 recipients of the Wendi Allen Scholarship Fund.

The two women will receive $1500 to support their travel to National Solo® events and the Tire Rack Solo Nationals. Additionally, the SCCA® will waive entry fees for scholarship recipients at all National Solo events this season, and work with the Solo community and commercial partners to seek other forms of support, such as driver training, mentoring, products and logistical assistance. Evolution Performance Driving School has also donated a school of the recipients’ choosing to both Haley and Elayne.

Haley Oosterhof, of the Milwaukee Region, got started in 2015 with Regional Solo events. Immediately, she became involved in the organizational aspects of the Region and volunteered to take on the role of Grid Chief. Haley soon got her boyfriend involved, too, and both have become integral parts of the Region in a short amount of time.

When notified of her selection, Haley said, “I am so honored to be selected this year for the Wendi Allen Scholarship. I am going to use the scholarship to focus on improving my driving skills. I am excited to be able to participate in a full 2017 race season, while making my Subaru BRZ competitive in DS. I have been wanting to go to Solo Nationals for a while, but it has not been possible for me.  This year, winning the scholarship makes it possible.”

Haley always has a smile on her face and her commitment and passion is evident through her actions. She reflected by saying, “I would also like to take the time to thank the Milwaukee Region and those who nominated me, as they have become family.”

Elayne Man, of the Hawaii Region, was able to attend the 2016 Tire Rack Solo Nationals, competing in Street Touring R Ladies. Along with her strong driving potential, she personally developed an advanced online, live timing and scoring system for the region.

Many Club members from Hawaii aspire to participate in SCCA National Programs, but face some geographic hurdles. With the Wendi Allen Scholarship, Elayne has the opportunity to participate in more mainland events and network with the greater Solo community.

Upon hearing she is a 2017 award recipient, Elayne commented, “I am beyond honored to learn I was nominated and selected for the Wendi Allen Scholarship Fund. Having just attended my first Nationals in 2016 in large part to the Hawaii Region and the Curtis Lee Memorial Grant, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to attend Nationals a second time this year. It is immensely humbling to be selected among and alongside all of the impressive women in our great motorsport.”

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 aid young women who 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.

Image: Elayne Man (top) and Haley Oosterhof (bottom) have been named the recipients of the 2017 Wendi Allen Scholarship Fund
Images courtesy of the recipients; Oosterhof head shot by Frank Photography