The schedule for the 2025 SCCA® National Championship Runoffs® Presented by Sunoco is now posted online at scca.com/runoffs. The annual event returns to Elkhart Lake’s Road America on Sept. 29-Oct. 5 to crown 23 Class Champions after three days of optional testing, two days of qualifying, and two Hagerty Race Days.
“A year ago, we announced changes to the Runoffs with the goal of reducing the time commitment required to participate in the event as a driver, team member, and volunteer,” said SCCA VP of Road Racing Eric Prill. “While some members enjoy spending seven to 10 days at the track, we know that this makes the event cost- and time-prohibitive for many.”
The 2025 Runoffs Supplementary Regulations have also been posted online and feature important information about the operations of the event and key deadlines for drivers and teams. Some of the changes from 2024 include a deferred payment schedule, adjustments to Flagtronics procedures to continue what’s been learned at the Hoosier Racing Tire SCCA Super Tour events this year, and a refined procedure for the start of qualifying sessions.
Runoffs Supps Runoffs Schedule
Qualifying Days, Timing Lines, and Track Improvements
While many of the updates to this year’s Runoffs are substantial, the one that will be first and foremost in the minds of drivers is that qualifying will shift from three days to two, with those taking place Thursday and Friday (Oct. 2-3).
Combined with the previously announced shift from three competition days to two (Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4-5), drivers and teams now only need to be at the event for a maximum of four days, compared to six just last year.
“A streamlined approach to the Runoffs is what many have requested through the years, and ultimately it helps drivers, teams, and volunteers save money,” Prill continued. “For those looking for additional seat time, three optional test days will continue to be offered, Monday to Wednesday.”
An alternate timing line will again be used for the Sunoco 260 Thursday and Hawk Brake Through Performance qualifying days, as well as the three test days, but it has been relocated to the same position other series use, between Turns 13 and 14.
“While using an alternate timing line for testing and qualifying has proven to work well at this event over the last three years, the specific location used in 2024 likely contributed to some of the incidents we had,” Prill noted. “Moving the line between Turns 13 and 14 gives drivers a couple more corners to prepare their tires for a flyer.”
Road America has also made changes to its facility, including several major enhancements on and off the track.
The exit of The Kink (Turn 11) has been revamped, with an additional section of track-out rumbles and eight feet of Grasscrete, offering a solid surface for drivers that find themselves over the track limit, rather than grass and dirt.
A dedicated road to grid from the freshly-paved North Paddock has been added along with a reconstructed bridge for participants and fans to walk or drive their golf carts over.
Safety enhancements such as barrier work in Turns 13 and 14, plus the surface changes, proved to be beneficial during the June 6-8, 2025, Chicago Region June Sprints Hoosier Super Tour.
Paddock Fun
While most come for the cars, many stay for the people, and SCCA Road Racing will continue to provide participants with opportunities to gather during the Runoffs.
Wednesday night will see the return of the very successful Turn 5 Pit Stop Welcome Party. As drivers prepare for the weekend ahead on the track walk, volunteers, officials, crew, and supporters will toast the start of another Runoffs with Wisconsin brats, beer, and other refreshments. When the drivers reach Turn 5, they can grab provisions to sustain them on the rest of the track walk – or choose to party.
The annual Block Party will move to Thursday night with some minor changes to consolidate the stops and bring the gatherings closer together. Heavy hitters like Hoosier Racing Tire and Goodyear Tires are already on board, and more are being finalized as the planning continues.
Friday, after the Tire Rack Pole Awards are handed out, an All Participant Party will be held in the Road America Center. Everyone is invited to join for hot food and cold drinks as we celebrate the Club’s Workers of the Year, Presented by Mazda.
Dates to Remember
Key dates to keep in mind as you prepare to join the #funwithcars at the Runoffs this fall:
- June 23: Prep Shop Paddock Requests Begin
- July 9: Online Event Registration Opens
- July 27: Prep Shop Paddock Requests Close
- Aug. 20: Single-Car Paddock Reservations Open
- Sept. 2: Early Entry Deadline
- Sept. 3: Entry Fees Increase
- Sept. 7: Last Day for Race Director Supps/Schedule Changes
- Sept. 18: Last Day for Full Refund Cancellation
As always, scca.com/runoffs is your go-to source for Runoffs information. While there, you’ll find registration and parking information consolidated into one handy document available under the “Event Information” header on the sidebar. Check it out now, so you’re ready to register on July 9.
Photo by Philip Royle
