The Grand Marshal of the 2025 SCCA® National Championship Runoffs® Presented by Sunoco is George Silbermann. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, perhaps that can be forgiven since he ‘technically’ only joined Sports Car Club of America™ in 2018. However, heavy hitters from every major motorsport sanctioning body in North America know this particular gentleman from SCCA’s Central Florida Region, and he’s been a mover and shaker in the industry for going on 50 years.
Silbermann’s incredible motorsport journey began unassumingly in the early 1970s while attending the University of Florida. A friend invited him out to help as a volunteer at an International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) event at Daytona International Speedway, where Silbermann worked ‘pit out’ after some brief training.
“At that time the lion’s share of volunteers were, in fact, SCCA workers,” Silbermann recalls. “Literally, some of the first people I came in contact with in motorsport were SCCA workers.”
From that point, Silbermann’s story developed momentum and rolled along in an incredible fashion as he followed his passion. He kept volunteering to work IMSA races throughout the ‘70s. In the early 1980s, he was hired by IMSA and filled various executive roles before serving as IMSA President/COO in the ‘90s. After that, he moved over to the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), where he ultimately ended up as Vice President.
“Over the course of my career I’ve done everything,” Silbermann said. “I’ve been a Grid Marshal over the years, a Registrar, a Scrutineer, and spent a lot of time with Timing & Scoring. As things progressed, I was a Race Director, a Series Director, a Starter, and on and on.
“Somehow, I’ve been able to make a career out of this sport we all love so much,” Silbermann admitted. “But at heart, I’ve never really stopped being a race fan. I’ve never forgotten my early years or where I come from.”
Perhaps a little emotional, Silbermann’s voice cracked a tad as he added, “I proudly tell people that volunteers and officials are the backbone of our sport. And I mean that from my heart.”
On to ACCUS
After former SCCA President Nick Craw resigned as head of the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States FIA (ACCUS-FIA), Silbermann graciously assumed the duty and challenge in 2018.
Founded in 1959, ACCUS is comprised of six major motorsports sanctioning organizations in North America, those being IMSA, INDYCAR, NASCAR, NHRA, SCCA, and USAC. It’s an organization of motorsport interests that connect with the Federation Internationale de l'Autombile (FIA) – which is sort of the United Nations of motorsports, according to Silbermann. ACCUS also advocates on behalf of the auto racing industry when it comes to interacting with elected officials on legislative issues.
Mike Cobb, SCCA President and CEO, said Silbermann was selected as this year’s Runoffs Grand Marshal because, “he has been both a steady hand at the helm of ACCUS, a trustworthy advocate on behalf of the SCCA and key architect in growing motorsports across North America.
“Be it an event on an oval track, road course, or dragstrip, George has been the ‘man behind the curtain’ promoting the opportunity for everyone to have #funwithcars,” Cobb said. “It’s an absolute honor for the SCCA to have him as Grand Marshal for the National Championship Runoffs, and an outstanding opportunity for him to enjoy some fantastic SCCA Road Racing. We are excited and honored to have George as part of one of our cornerstone events.”
Over the next couple days Silbermann will meet people and wave flags from time to time. He’ll hand out some trophies, too; an activity of which he knows well. Having worked with IMSA and NASCAR means he’s awarded trophies to some of the most notable drivers at events throughout North America. As the ACCUS President, he also handed trophies to Formula One podium finishers at U.S. events.
“There is a very simple rule of thumb that anyone handing out a trophy at any level should never forget; don’t drop the trophy,” Silberman added with a chuckle. “But I’m really honored to have been asked to serve as Grand Marshal for the 2025 SCCA Runoffs at Road America.”
Quality Time with SCCA
While this will be Silbermann’s first time serving as a Grand Marshal, it will by no means be his first visit to the Runoffs. SCCA Road Racing National Championship gatherings at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and VIRginia International Raceway have been attended by Silbermann in the past. But he’s looking forward to this year’s event as there’s never a poor excuse to spend a few days in Wisconsin at Road America.
“Road America truly is one of the crown jewels of U.S. racing circuits,” he said. “Over the course of years, the management has kept it current, brought modern technology in, and improved it year after year. But they have never taken away the character, and they have never really changed the fundamental layout of the circuit.”
In a way, the same can be said of SCCA itself. It’s an organization steeped in tradition but always moving forward and adapting to the future.
“I think the SCCA is vital to motorsport,” Silbermann said, noting the rest of the world pays attention to what goes on in this country when it comes to racing. “There are clubs around the globe that are similar to the SCCA, and clubs that share a lot of the good attributes, but I don’t think there’s another club quite like the SCCA anywhere on the planet.”
Don’t Skip Your Visit to Road America
Silbermann has visited tracks across the United States and around the world but still knows Road America is awesome. Heed his word and don’t miss this chance to visit America’s National Park of Speed for the 62nd SCCA® National Championship Runoffs® Presented by Sunoco.
A three-day spectator pass for the Runoffs, which is good Oct. 3-5, is only $80 at the entry gate and includes parking and paddock access. Single-day admission is a steal at $30 for Friday, or $45 for Saturday or Sunday. Anyone 16 years old and younger get in free with a paying adult. SCCA members receive a 20% discount on passes, which you can learn more about at the Runoffs ticket webpage.
Photo: Runoffs Grand Marshal George Silbermann seated in a Road America pace car.
Photo courtesy of George Silbermann
