None of this happens if nobody makes it happen.
Each year, the Sports Car Club of America™ hosts hundreds of road races. Drivers and teams are invited to come play at venues across the United States, but none of it – not one single road race – happens without the dedication and determination of SCCA’s talented volunteer cadre.
Without passionate volunteers who love having #funwithcars, there would be no SCCA® National Championship Runoffs® Presented by Sunoco. There would be no Hoosier Racing Tire SCCA Super Tour, U.S. Majors Tour®, or Divisional and Regional Road Racing. Simply put, SCCA’s volunteer members make the entire Summit Racing Equipment SCCA Road Racing program possible.
That’s why every year Mazda Motorsports supports the annual honors recognizing standout volunteers with the SCCA Worker of the Year Awards, presented by Mazda.
The 2025 SCCA Worker of the Year presentation was made on Friday evening, Oct. 3, at the Road America Center. This year’s awards covered Flagging & Communications, Pit & Grid, Race Administration, Scrutineer, Start, Steward, and Timing & Scoring
SCCA members submitted Worker of the Year nominations, with winners selected by the SCCA National Staff after input from Division leadership. It’s important to note that if the membership didn’t submit a nomination for a specific specialty, a Worker of the Year Award may not have been presented.
All award recipients have shown dedication throughout the season to their specialties, events, SCCA Regions, competitors, fellow workers, and the Club as a whole. They’ve exhibited strong skills, good leadership, and a willingness to go above and beyond what is expected to offer excellent customer service.
Flagging & Communications
Tarin Finn, Florida Region
Serving as her local Chief of Flagging & Communications while also contributing their time and talents as a Region board member, Tarin Finn has a gift for bringing people together. She has been instrumental in recruiting new volunteers – not just for local SCCA events, but for some of the biggest stages in racing, including Formula 1 and Formula E. Her enthusiasm reaches far beyond as she often travels to other Regions to support their events, always ready to lend a hand or wave a flag.
What makes our winner truly special isn’t just how hard she works – though anyone who’s seen her in action knows she never stops moving – it’s how she works. She finds the joy and fun in every corner of the racetrack, a quality that reminds many of her dad.
“Our winner knows that the heart of this sport is its people,” Sydney Davis Yagel, SCCA’s Manager of Road Racing Special Projects, explained during the Worker of the Year presentation. “Celebrating others and cheering them on in person and across social media reminds us all why we love being part of this community. understands that sometimes the smallest gestures – an invitation to join, a thank you after a long weekend, or even a handwritten note with a photo – can have the biggest impact.”
Pit & Grid
Tony Jorgensen, Milwaukee Region
A member of Milwaukee Region and Central Division since 2009, Tony Jorgensen primarily serves in pit lane and tech. He’s often one of the first to arrive at the track – helping with Friday night inspections, issuing tech stickers, or assisting with annuals – and he’s usually one of the last to leave, making sure every competitor is checked in and ready to go.
“On pit lane, a specialty that is often understaffed, our winner has become a trusted leader,” Yagel noted. “His clear communication, vigilance, and calm professionalism ensure the safety of drivers, crews, and fellow workers alike. Many know him as the steady presence who keeps order, whether he’s directing teams under pressure, managing safety in emergencies, or stepping up at a moment’s notice when extra hands are needed.”
Tony always puts others first. “At a recent event, when he learned pit lane would be staffed by just one person, he immediately gave up his Tech assignment to help cover the lane – exemplifying the teamwork and dedication that define the best of our volunteers,” Yagel added.
Beyond his technical skill, Tony is also known for his warmth, greeting drivers and crews with a smile, handling difficult situations with ease, and earning the respect and appreciation of all who work alongside him.
“With his military background, years of experience, and genuine care for people, has become one of the true backbones of our racing program,” Yagel concluded. “His dedication, reliability, and generosity of spirit make him not just a worker of the year, but a worker of every year.”
Race Administration
Jessica Althoff, Lone Star Region
“Jessica began her SCCA journey at Circuit of the Americas with Lone Star Region in 2018, and in just a few short years, she has become an indispensable part of the Region,” Yagel explained. “Today, she serves not only on their Board of Directors but also as their Volunteer Coordinator – a role she has expanded to support much of the Southwest Division. Her background coordinating volunteers at major music festivals gave her the perfect foundation, and she has used that experience to recruit, train, and most importantly, care for our volunteer marshals.”
For the past three years, Jessica has managed the volunteer roster for the Lone Star Region’s Hoosier Super Tour, and for the past two, she has extended her efforts to include volunteer registration for Texas and Houston Region events as well.
“She makes sure volunteers have the right licenses, helps chiefs match workers with opportunities that build their skills, and guides marshals through the upgrade process,” said Yagel. “Her attention to detail and commitment to growth have strengthened every specialty in [the] Division.”
Jessica has also aided her Region in membership growth, bringing 21 members of the University of Texas Formula SAE program into the SCCA pipeline as marshals and future scrutineers.
Registration
Tracey Gauper, Milwaukee Region
A longtime member of the SCCA who has worn many hats throughout years of service, Tracy Gauper is often found in Registration, although her impact extends far beyond that desk.
“She has served as Chief Registrar, Assistant Chief, Registrar, Competition Committee member, Region Treasurer, CENDiv Board Secretary and Treasurer, and even as a mentor to new and seasoned members alike,” Yagel said. “She helps with supps, scheduling, and MSR setup, always making sure the details are right so events run smoothly.”
Ensuring everyone’s first encounter at the track is a warm welcome, Tracy is organized, knowledgeable, and quick to solve problems, but she also has the gift of making everyone feel supported and appreciated.
“Whether stepping in mid-event to cover for another registrar, coordinating crossover registration for Drivers School students, or mentoring others on process changes, approaches every role with confidence and care,” added Yagel.
Scrutineering
Paul Morrison, Mahoning Valley Region
Paul Morrison’s journey through the world of tech and scrutineering has been marked by passion, professionalism, and a genuine love of the sport. A former Data Worker of the Year, this person brought that same analytical precision and curiosity into their leadership in Tech.
“Anyone who’s worked alongside him knows his signature style: calm, steady, and always approachable,” said Yagel. “He leads his team with an even keel that keeps everyone grounded, no matter how busy or intense the day becomes. His presence puts people at ease – and in an environment where details matter and pressure runs high, that’s an invaluable gift.”
Throughout the 2025 season, Paul went above and beyond. Countless weekends at Majors and Hoosier Super Tour events – not just in his home Conference, but all across the country – as he prepared for one of the most demanding and respected roles in our sport: Chief of Tech for the Runoffs.
“His dedication this season – and every season – reminds us what makes SCCA volunteers so special: a deep commitment to the craft, a willingness to serve, and a spirit that uplifts everyone around them.”
Stewarding
Joel Harleman, Indianapolis Region
When Joel Harleman began as a Steward, he traveled far and wide to get the seat time needed, and in doing so, gained something even more valuable – a network of peers and mentors across the country who quickly came to know, like, and trust him.
“His calm demeanor, sound judgment, and approachable nature set him apart,” said Yagel. “While others may spend years trying to master composure under pressure, our winner seems to have been born with it.”
Joel went from SOC Chief to test day Operating Steward, to race day Operating Steward. His leadership and capability are also showcased during Hoosier Super Tours, where he serves as the East Coast Clerk of the Course, a position he’s filled for several seasons with steady excellence.
“As the person who nominated him put it: ‘At this stage, Joel is as well-rounded as they come – yet those of us who’ve worked alongside him know something special: the best is still yet to come,” Yagel added.
Timing & Scoring
John Bodnar, North Carolina Region
A dedicated volunteer who has kept SCCA events running on time for more than 15 years, John Bodnar began his time with the Club with autocross, although it wasn’t long before he became a fixture in Road Racing and Time Trials.
“From his first Time Trials at CMP to Regionals, Majors, and neighboring Region events, John has shown a passion for learning, growing, and stepping up wherever he’s needed,” Yagel said. “He has even diverted from well-staffed events to help at ones in need – such as filling in for a missing Chief at the last minute in Florida – always putting the success of the event and the needs of others first.”
John is known for his accuracy, technical skill, and his commitment to making sure competitors, officials, and fellow workers have exactly what they need.
“Even when unable to travel, he finds ways to contribute remotely – supporting final results, troubleshooting equipment, and offering help to other volunteers,” Yagel added. “His willingness to share knowledge and provide technical support has made him a trusted mentor and resource across the Division.”
Data Acquisition
Donna Thielke, Milwaukee Region
Since 2017, Donna Thielke has been a cornerstone of the Data program, supporting countless CENDiv Majors and Hoosier Super Tour events. Her commitment is unwavering, and her presence is felt everywhere she goes – whether wrangling data cars to the scales, ensuring every box is accounted for, or even climbing into a race trailer to track one down.
“But this person’s contributions go far beyond the technical side,” said Yagel. “ has become affectionately known as the ‘Track Mom’ to the data interns, making sure they have everything they need – from earplugs and pens to a steady supply of cookies. Her care and encouragement help new workers feel supported and welcomed, and her enthusiasm makes the job enjoyable for everyone around her.”
When not serving on the Data team, Donna can often be found lending a hand in Express Tech before race days or working the corners with F&C. Her versatility, dedication, and positive spirit make her an invaluable part of every event.
Emergency Services
Vicki Weinhold, Milwaukee Region
A Milwaukee Region member for over 40 years and primarily serving in Emergency Services and Course Marshaling, Vicki Weinhold has worked countless events at Road America, from Majors to Regionals to Super Tours, and through it all, she has been a steady presence known for her knowledge, leadership, and unwavering commitment to safety.
“Many of the current Central Division Course Marshals first learned the ropes under guidance,” Yagel added. “This person’s mentorship has helped them grow in confidence and excel at pro-level events.”
On course, Vicki is also known for her calm and professional presence, whether assisting a frustrated driver or ensuring fans safely navigate the busiest areas of the track.
“Our winner’s background as a first responder shines through in the vigilance and care,” Yagel said. “Drivers know that when they are behind the wheel of a safety truck or tow vehicle, they and their cars are in good hands. For decades, countless competitors have found themselves towed safely back.”
More Prizes…
In addition to the prizes awarded to all 2025 SCCA Workers of the Year presented by Mazda, one randomly selected winner received an all-expense paid trip to a race weekend supported by Mazda. This year’s recipient was Tony Jorgensen.
Furthermore, KONI supplied a set of shocks to Kyle Grimm via a random draw, while a set of BFGoodrich Tires went to Casey Jo Preston.
Phot Caption: (Clockwise from far left) Paul Morrison, Vicki Weinhold, Tony Jorgensen, Tarin Finn, Joel Harleman, and Donna Thielke. Not pictured: John Bodnar, Jessica Althoff, and Tracy Gauper.
Photos by Jon Krolewicz
