May 26, 2020  |  5:00pm

SCCA Racing to Barrel Racing!

Even though the Indy 500 did not run this Memorial Day weekend, there was SCCA racing from coast to coast — including three Road Racing Majors events, a Time Trials National Tour event, and a host of Regional events. In short, we had members, drivers, volunteers, and Club leaders heading out to SCCA-sanctioned events across this great country. We even had some members participate in a more literal kind of horsepower-fueled racing at the Barrel Bash, hosted in Carthage, Missouri.

Of course, all SCCA events were executed in a manner consistent with local COVID-19 safety precautions, (as was the Barrel Bash). As much as these events were different in terms of location, guidelines, event type and number of people supporting or participating, they all had one goal: keep participants, members, volunteers, drivers, event leaders and staff safe and healthy while having #funwithcars (or #funwithhorses, as the case may be).

As we debrief from these events with eyes on future events in the time of COVID-19, one point has emerged as the same across all: No matter what part of the country or at what venue events take place, people have different degrees of comfort fully engaging in the pursuits they love—and the proximity to others they may have as they do so. Some are comfortable in small group settings only when everyone is always masked and others are comfortable in an outside setting without wearing a mask at all times.

Regardless of the different approaches, everyone wants the same thing: their own space and respect for how they choose to protect themselves (and others) against COVID-19.

As we look to the future — whether you’re road racing, time trialing, road rallying or even barrel racing — the obvious ask is that you make sure you know what the event’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols are, come to the event prepared and support those protocols. But in addition — and perhaps even more importantly — respect the needs and desires of others, and show compassion for your fellow enthusiasts. That’s how we can collectively get back to having #funwithcars safely: as One Team.

At a much higher level, it’s also how we can deliver a better (and safer) motorsports experience for all members, volunteers, drivers, event leaders and staff. Our collective actions, safe practices, and respect for others now will positively influence our ability to participate in the SCCA experiences we all love… well into the future.

Be safe and have fun! 
MEC 

May 19, 2020  |  4:15pm

Going Green — Safely!

As we head into the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, we have hundreds of members, drivers, volunteers, and Club leaders heading to SCCA-sanctioned events—of all program types—taking place across the country. As we do, I’m sure all of us will be focused on our number one priority which has been, and continues to be, keeping us all safe. Both on the course and off.

With this in mind—and as previously published—you can access some timely information on event safety in light of COVID-19 right here: https://www.scca.com/pages/covid-19-event-guidelines. As you reference these, keep in mind that all SCCA events will be executed consistent with all local COVID-19 safety precautions, so please make sure you familiarize yourself with those beforehand, that you arrive at events prepared and that you support these protocols while participating in the event. Doing this not only ensures your safety, but the safety of those around you and at a higher level, the health and wellbeing of the Club.

As we re-engage, let us continue to work as One Team to deliver a safe, fun, and exciting motorsports experience for all of our members, volunteers, drivers, event leaders and staff. This is our Mission. And, ultimately, it is  our collective actions and safe practices now that will positively influence our ability to participate in the SCCA experiences we all love well into the future.

Be safe and have fun!

MEC

May 12, 2020  |  5:00pm

Returning to Green – Part Deux

Last week we posted an update signaling that we might start seeing markets re-open, with SCCA events to follow. This week, we’re sharing a look back at a few successful events and some key takeaways, followed by a look forward at some additional events taking place across the remainder of May.

A Look Back

This past weekend saw a few regions host successful events across different programs, with COVID-19 Event Guidelines practices in place. Below are a few short recaps and key takeaways provided by those regions.

Salina Region

This region successfully hosted an autocross event at East Crawford Recreation Area. The event saw a total of 49 drivers—more than their normal regional events. Participants traveled in from all parts of Kansas, as well as Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska and South Dakota. The image above shows their driver’s meeting—everyone donned with face masks and practicing social distancing.

Colorado Region

This region successfully ran a Time Trials event at La Junta Raceway. The event saw a total of 26 drivers, which is a great turnout for this track. “I have never seen so many smiles at the track before,” said Nick Boley, Regional Executive. “I think this is Step One in building a very robust Time Trials program in the Region.”

Key Takeaways

Note: these have been added to our event guidelines, where appropriate.

1. Everyone was more than willing to be diligent in their responsibilities.
2. Everyone was happy to be back at events.
3. It is important to work with local officials ahead of time to ensure your guidelines are acceptable and there is agreement that the event falls within current local orders.
4. Published guidelines for participants should be non-negotiable and should be communicated frequently, prior to and during the event.
5. Make sure to have all published guidelines on hand for easy reference—you may be approached by local authorities or other individuals regarding your event guidelines.

A Look Ahead

Confirmed Events

In the spirit of sharing some more good news, a handful of confirmed SCCA events will be taking place across the country during the remainder of May including, but not limited to:

• The Conference Majors event hosted by the Continental Divide Region SCCA has been moved to La Junta Raceway in La Junta, CO., May 23-24 and has been renamed The Bob Lazier Memorial Grand Prix
• The Tire Rack SCCA Time Trials National Tour at Carolina Motorsports Park Powered by Hagerty will take place May 22-24
• The Fun in the Sun Majors & Regional Road Race event hosted by the Houston Region SCCA will take place May 23–24 at Motorsports Ranch Houston
• The SCCA Pacific Grand Prix/Majors, Regional event hosted by the Northwest Region SCCA will take place May 23–24 at Pacific Raceways
• The Hoosier Super Tour event hosted by the Louis Region SCCA will take place May 29–31 at World Wide Technology Raceway

Consistent with last week’s update, all SCCA events will be executed in a manner consistent with our COVID-19 Event Guidelines and many will integrate personal protective equipment (PPE) into overall event support to better protect participants, volunteers, workers, staff and drivers.

Region Support

Additionally, we have developed a short roster of PPE suppliers that Regions can consider as potential PPE sources for local events. Those include:

• Masks: Discount Mugs
• Face / Neck Gaiter: SCCA GEAR
• Hand Sanitizer: SCCA GEAR and 5and20 Distillery
• Gloves: Consider Nitrile gloves, best sourced locally

We started this year—before COVID-19— focused as One Team, working together to deliver One great SCCA experience. Our main focus has always been on the safety of all involved at SCCA events and, as we re-open with events across the country, this focus will be more important than ever before. We maintain our extreme focus and commitment to making all events as safe and fun as possible as we return to green as One Team.

Let’s roll!
MEC

May 5, 2020  |  4:00pm

Returning to Green!?....

It is May 4^th as I write, and we have been battling CV-19 for at least 60 days. Through a racing lens, I think that this is how a field must feel when—after several clean and exciting laps of racing—the red flag is thrown and everyone is waved in. Metaphorically, our race (January & February of 2020) started out phenomenally well this year. Then something unexpected and tragic happened in March—we were all called in, and our racing was suspended.

I certainly don’t use the above metaphor to make light of what has been—and continues to be—a very challenging situation, but I believe that things are better today than they were 60 days ago. And, it looks like the “track is starting to clear” as counties/cities/states start to “re-open.” While this isn’t happening everywhere across the country at the same rate, we are starting to see pockets of the U.S. where SCCA sanctioned events are either taking place, or are being re-planned so that they can take place in the safest CV-19 prevention manner.

In fact, the Arctic Alaska Region might get the nod for being the first region to host a socially distanced, limited gathering, CV-19-responsible solo event this past weekend. It looks like they did a great job with their return to action, and the local news crew even came out to cover the event while highlighting steps they took to make the event as safe as possible. Watch the full news clip here.

I know we’re all excited to see our friends and get back to some friendly competition across all SCCA programs, but I would ask that we all do so as responsibly and safely as possible—working as One Team to ensure everyone’s health and safety. I know you will because you have always put safety first when hosting or participating in any SCCA event, but it is now more important than ever before that we be intentional about safety. As you re-energize your programs—or as you consider re-joining your favorite one—please consider the following:

1. Make sure your membership and your licenses are up to date, and renew if you need to. The best way to do this is in the Membership Account Portal.
2. Review our latest COVID-19 Guidelines for Events. No matter what type of motorsport event you’re organizing or attending, these are great thought starters—gathered by region leaders and staff—that may help you get safely up to speed for your next event.
3. As you’ll read in those guidelines, personal protective equipment (PPE) is strongly encouraged for everyone on site at events. Regions should be prepared to provide some degree of PPE for drivers, workers, volunteers and staff. To assist in that effort, National Staff is currently working on a short list of potential PPE providers (masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer), and we hope to publish it in the next week or two.

These three points aim to provide a solid foundation for event teams returning to green in the weeks and months ahead. But there’s one additional piece I’d ask you to consider to help the entire SCCA family as we return to doing what we love—that is volunteering. The SCCA tribe is built on the strength of its volunteer base and many of you already volunteer countless hours—thank you for all that you do!

But as we head back into safe #funwithcars, some of our veterans might not be able to re-join us as quickly as they would like. So, as we return to green, I’d ask that you consider volunteering in an area that may not be your primary motorsport. If you Solo, contact your local Road Race event chair and ask them how you can help at their next event. If you’re a road racer, reach out to your local Time Trials event chair and inquire along the same lines. For me personally, I can’t wait to work registration at the June Sprints and throw some blue flags with some of the best F&C workers in the business. But that’s just one approach; there are countless others.

We started this year focused as One Team working together to deliver One Experience. I believe this is more important now than ever before. The experience as we re-engage will be different, and it may even vary by program. That’s ok! Above all else, it will be safe, it will be fun, and we will return to green as One Team.

Let’s roll!
MEC

April 28, 2020  |  6:00pm

Like many organizations across the United States and worldwide, we are still in a holding pattern until local, state and federal mandates are lifted and we can once again gather with motorsports enthusiasts and friends. Our hard work continues behind the scenes with tracks and other venues to reschedule events where possible, and today we're releasing an extensive set of Event Guidelines which detail the commitments we're making to keep members, participants and staff safe at events when we can, once again, hit the pavement (or dirt, as the case may be). Updates will be made to those documents as we fine-tune the path forward for hosting events at regional, divisional and national levels. 

In the meantime, I’d like to share an update tied to how we can all support the SCCA during the challenging period we find ourselves in. But first, a little context. Over the past 30+ days, many members have emailed or shared sentiments of support via social media regarding national staff and the SCCA organization as a whole. To this, we would simply like to say – THANK YOU!

Concurrently, many have asked how they might be able to help support the Club during this time. In support of this, I’d like to share a few simple things we can do as we come together as one team in service of leading this great organization into its 76th year and hopefully a CV-19 free future. For simplicity, focus and clarity, let’s just call this united and focused effort: #SCCAUNITE

Under the #SCCAUNITE banner, there's a roster of actions we can all consider (personal finances permitting, of course), in an effort to support the Club while we are not allowed to race. Taking one or all of the supportive actions detailed on the page linked below certainly does not replace the racing, the relationships or the community that we are all missing so desperately at this point in time – but it certainly would help us navigate this unprecedented season as a family.

LEARN ABOUT #SCCAUNITE ››

This too will pass. Until then, stay safe, stay healthy and stay united as One Team.

#SCCAUNITE
MEC

Like many other organizations around the country, we continue to be in a holding pattern this week, without much news to report in regards to the coronavirus impacts here at SCCA. We have announced a few additional event postponements, which you can find in the program announcements area to the right (or below if you’re on a mobile device).

We’re continuing to monitor the conditions across the country and are anxiously awaiting the return to normalcy, much like you. In the meantime, we’re hard at work developing our eSports program—where you can have virtual #funwithcars—and are developing specific ways you can support SCCA through the #SupportMotorsport initiative. Stay tuned for more information on that in the near future.

Our thoughts continue to be with those members and their families affected by the coronavirus, and we’re wishing you all the best.  

Stay safe. Stay healthy.
Mike Cobb

We’re all hunkered down doing our part to slow the spread of the coronavirus and we hope you are, too.

While there’s no new SCCA news specific to the coronavirus, we have updated our recommendations for regions, we’ve got a great article on how you can #supportmotorsport during this crazy time, and we’ve introduced an eSports league on iRacing for our members to have #virtualfunwithcars. Check those out, get involved where you (safely) can and we’ll post another update regarding the coronavirus impacts here at SCCA next Tuesday, April 7.

Of course, you can find all of our previous announcements specific to the coronavirus below.

Stay safe. Stay healthy.

All the best,

Mike Cobb

March 26, 2020, 5:30pm

Team SCCA –

We find ourselves in unprecedented times. With the ongoing spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the inconceivable speed at which things are changing around us, we are continuously evaluating and adapting our operations and business, much like countless others. I know many of you have questions about the future, and while we don’t have all of the answers, I want to share with you the overall landscape here at National SCCA headquarters, along with our current plan—shared with the SCCA Board this past Monday (3/23)—that we are putting into effect immediately to ensure that the SCCA emerges from this crisis as strong as possible.

Our rapidly changing environment requires that we take immediate action to better protect our future as an organization. In short, we must make some sacrifices today, so that we can endure in the future. This unfortunately includes some impacts to staffing and will affect the levels of service we are able to provide out of the National Office. No doubt many of you are experiencing these same kinds of impacts already, both personally and professionally, and we here at the SCCA share in that hardship.

As you already know, our sacrifices began—like many others across the broader U.S. motorsports landscape—with the postponement or cancellation of early-season events. Looking at the event calendar just through the end of April, we’re expecting impacts to ~200 events—about 10% of our annual schedule. Moreover, events will continue to be affected until regulatory mandates and restrictions are lifted, and we can once again ensure a safe environment at events—which could stretch further into the season. This, of course, has a significant negative impact on our short-term ability to operate as a business at the National level, leading us to take further action to protect our future.

Facing the realities that we will have far fewer SCCA events occurring across the country short term, and that many of us are under self-quarantine and stay-at-home mandates (including the one that goes into effect in Topeka today), we are temporarily reducing staff and staff hours to provide only essential services and support, effective April 1 through April 30, 2020. This move impacts every employee of SCCA, Inc.—starting with me, the full executive team, all full-time employees and all independent contractors—as we are all in this together as One Team.

With reduced staff and limited services, and to better serve you across this interim period, we ask that—should you need support or help—you reach out to the following “service centers” using the email addresses listed at the end of this message.

Our number one priority has been, and continues to be, keeping all of our members, volunteers, drivers, event leaders and staff safe. But our main goal is now to maintain the overall health of the organization. Right now, we are focused on the near future—today through the end of April. We will continue to monitor and evaluate daily, and as the situation with the coronavirus continues to evolve, more changes and impacts across our organization are likely. Flexibility is, and will remain, our key approach moving forward, as there isn’t any room for speculation past the immediate short-term.

In addition, we are keeping a watchful and hopeful eye on developments which may come about at the Federal level (i.e., COVID-19 stimulus) that might offer us additional support during this season.

In closing—as your CEO, and as someone who, like you, cares deeply about this organization, I want to share that we are all working tirelessly on the Club’s behalf, with full transparency and in concert with the Board of Directors. No one—including me—is in charge of the environmental elements that can and will impact our trajectory going forward. But, I am fully committed to doing everything I can to turn these short-term sacrifices into opportunities for development and growth.

The challenges in front of us all are real and they are significant, but we are—and will continue—to work through this as One Team so that we can do our part to “flatten the curve” and then crush some apexes with you as soon as we can!

Thank you for your continued membership and support. Stay safe and stay healthy.

All the best,
MEC

Interim Contacts

• President: president@scca.com
• Member Services: membership@scca.com
• Region Services: regionservices@scca.com
• Sanctions: sanction@scca.com
• Road Racing: roadracing@scca.com
• Marketing: marketing@scca.com
• Experiential: experiential@scca.com
• Time Trials: timetrials@scca.com
• Solo/RallyCross/Road Rally: rallysolo@scca.com
• IT Support: It-support@scca.com
• Accounting: accounting@scca.com

March 24, 2020, 4:30pm

It has been an extraordinary few weeks as our world faces historic challenges with the growing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Taking into account the latest updates from CDC and other health officials, the declaration of a national emergency, major disaster declarations, and each local/city and state's individual responses to the spread of the coronavirus, the following national SCCA events in April have been postponed, unless noted as canceled below.

Note that these event updates are in addition to the March events that were postponed, as listed in the March 13 update below, and there may be additional events impacted as we move into April.

Rescheduling Events

We know many of our members have questions about events being rescheduled. While we don’t have all the answers today, we are working diligently with venues, tracks, and regions where appropriate, to do what we can to reschedule. Program leaders will follow up at the appropriate time with further details, but we are holding any reschedule announcements until we’re confident that those dates will not be further impacted.

National Office Impact

Like you, we’re working rapidly and remaining flexible to adjust to current realities, while making the best decisions with ever-changing information. Here at the National Office in Topeka, Kansas, schools are closed for the remainder of spring semester, and stay-at-home orders have already gone into effect in Lawrence, where some of our staff reside. Our hope is that these moves will help slow the spread of the coronavirus so that we may maintain our standard operating hours for the National Office without more aggressive actions.

Region Impact

Impacts are also being felt across our 115 SCCA Regions, where many events are being postponed or canceled due to local mandates, and in support of slowing the spread of the virus. Please look to your local regions’ websites for up-to-date information on events and meetings. Region leaders can also find updated information in our article, Supporting Regions through COVID-19.

Local Impact

Of course, the coronavirus continues to impact all of us in areas of our lives well beyond SCCA. Many cities/states now have stay-at-home, self-quarantine or shelter-in-place orders. In many parts of the country, city and state leaders have asked that all nonessential or non-life-sustaining businesses close. Regardless of where you call home, we know these are challenging times, so please do your best to stay safe and stay healthy.

Looking Ahead

The web page you’re on now is our dedicated space for all of our coronavirus updates. This puts everything in one place, making it easier to find. In addition to our weekly Tuesday updates, you’ll find program-specific announcements posted by program leaders as appropriate, under “Coronavirus + Program Updates” in the right-hand column (or under the article on mobile). We will continue to provide weekly updates every Tuesday via email and here on scca.com until normality returns.

We appreciate your continued support as we tackle this challenge as One Team, and we look forward to seeing you on course or on track again soon.

March 17, 2020, 4:00pm

As the novel coronavirus continues to impact motorsports enthusiasts across all sanctioning bodies, the SCCA continues to work to support members, region leaders and event participants. Below, you’ll find an update on where we are today, as well as our intended path forward in a few areas.

Communications

The impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on everyday life continues to change rapidly. To streamline communications going forward, we’ll be providing updates on a weekly basis every Tuesday via email and scca.com until normality returns. In addition, program-specific communications will be provided by Program leaders as appropriate and any urgent information will be posted on scca.com.

In addition, we've added an area to the right of this article (or at the bottom on mobile) that will contain all program-specific announcements necessary due to coronavirus. Check there for event postponement and cancellation news, as well as region support and other important updates from program leaders. 

Events

For events suspended per the previous 03/13 update, we are working diligently with venues, tracks, and regions where appropriate, to try to reschedule impacted events. Respective SCCA program leaders will be providing updates as appropriate, but we will hold on these announcements until we’re confident that rescheduled dates will not be further impacted.

Concurrently, we are proactively reaching out to venues, tracks, and regions where appropriate to understand if there are guidelines, policies, bans now in place that may affect upcoming events across April. As you know by watching your local news, this situation is evolving and changing daily. Like many other organizations, we’re doing our best to keep up—and plan ahead for when we can resume normal activity.

Runoffs + ProSolo Qualification

We have received inquiries about how the suspension, cancelation of some events, or the inability for some to attend events due of the COVID-19 outbreak will affect Runoffs and ProSolo finale qualification for 2020. While we are aware of the hardship that coronavirus is causing here, it is premature to speculate about the path forward at this time, as we do not know the full extent of the schedule impact for either program. Once we have a better idea of how many events have been affected, SCCA will address any potential qualification revisions and communicate it to those impacted.

Region Support

As we all work through this together, we are hearing quite a few ideas coming from Region Leaders and National Event staff with regard to optimizing the safety of events in light of COVID-19. Based on this, the Region Development team has put together a summary of event “best practices” that were deployed across the past couple of weeks at National and Region events to help protect members, volunteers and participants and reduce the coronavirus exposure risk. If you have any successful practices that you have deployed at any Regional events—regardless of program type—we would welcome your input. Please feel free to share these directly with Rick Myers.

Because the situation and policies vary by location, we continue to encourage everyone to stay informed and follow the recommendations of your local health authorities.

Moving Forward

Like you, we’re working rapidly and remaining agile to adjust to current realities, while making the best decisions we can with the information we have at hand. It is our sincerest hope that this pandemic will slow in growth so that we can return to having #funwithcars with the collective SCCA family. This said, we are here—first and foremost—to provide a safe environment for enthusiasts to enjoy their motorsports passion, and we’re taking short-term action consistent with this mission.

We will continue closely monitoring the situation and guidance from the CDC, WHO, and other government authorities, and we may need to adjust plans further in the future. We appreciate your continued support as we work together through this challenge as One Team, and we look forward to seeing you on course or on track again soon.

Be safe,

MEC

Michael E. Cobb
President/CEO
Sports Car Club of America

March 13, 6:20pm update:

Based on the latest updates regarding COVID-19, the current environment regarding public events and President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency today, the SCCA is suspending the following events across the remainder of March:

SCCA Track Night in America

• March 19, Carolina Motorsports Park
• March 19, Thunderhill Raceway
• March 24, Memphis International Raceway

 SCCA Solo National Events:

• March 20, ProSolo at zMAX Dragway
• March 27, ProSolo at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

SCCA Starting Line Schools:

• March 21, Portland International Raceway
• March 28, Heartland Motorsports Park

SCCA Time Trials National Tour

• March 28, Auto Club Speedway

Respective program leaders will be following up with all participants registered for these events to work through the appropriate process in support of providing any credits and/or refunds.

As you know, things are moving quickly with this coronavirus outbreak. In the coming days, SCCA Leadership will continue closely monitoring the CDC and official national recommendations to help determine any ongoing impacts to our event schedule based on further updates and/or restrictions imposed.

Concurrently, Region Leaders are working diligently to follow local governance with regard to any updates/restrictions on gatherings and take appropriate action as needed for Regional events.

We appreciate your continued support as we work together through this challenge as One Team, and we look forward to seeing you on course or on track again soon.

Be safe,
Michael E. Cobb
President/CEO
Sports Car Club of America

March 12, 5:00pm update: 

Sports Car Club of America® leadership continues to monitor developments around COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. While many spectator-based events around the U.S. have been postponed, SCCA’s participant-based activities are different. As such, SCCA’s leadership will not reschedule or cancel any events at this time.

SCCA leadership also recognizes that COVID-19 concerns are not the same across all of the Club’s 115 regions. Therefore, SCCA leadership advises that those conducting SCCA events in the coming days and weeks closely follow policies set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the direction or mandates of state, county and municipality officials. The most common local mandate that could affect SCCA events is a limitation on gathering size, although many of these may be specific to indoor activities.

While all members are welcome at Club events, SCCA leadership asks that anyone who does not feel well or shows signs of fever please abstain from attending events. Additionally, SCCA leadership advises Club members to analyze each individual situation and make their own decisions on whether or not to participate in any given SCCA activity.

For those who are operating events, SCCA leadership advises that a proactive approach be taken, and additional measures be deployed to minimize the spread of any viruses. Those measures include but are not limited to:

• High-traffic worker positions (registration, waivers, etc.) should be issued nitrile gloves (preferred over latex due to allergies)
• Equipment with high-contact rates (radios, headsets, clipboards, etc.) should be sanitized before and between uses when they are shared.
• Events where loaner helmets are provided, balaclavas (head socks) and disinfectant spray should be offered.
• Any driver’s meetings normally held indoors should be conducted outside wherever possible.
• Minimize direct, physical contact between event attendees as much as possible. This includes, but is not limited to, event social functions.
• Experts have repeatedly stated that the best defense is to practice good personal hygiene, with regular hand washing being highly effective at preventing the spread of viruses.

The safety of participants, staff and spectators at SCCA events is always a high priority. SCCA leadership will continue to monitor the CDC and other official national recommendations and may adjust plans accordingly based on further updates and/or restrictions imposed. Check back to SCCA.com for future updates.