The SCCA® Central Division RoadRally Championship is four months and six rallies into its second year after resurrection. With 187 people coming to these RoadRallies from literally coast-to-coast in 2025, the Division is hoping to understand whether its program is growing or contracting, which events tend to get more traction (pardon the pun), how many competitors tend to return, and how far they travel.
The Division’s local RoadRally organizers have quickly risen to the top. To reduce the risk of sacrificing championship points to organize the very events that sustain the program, the Chair, Rallymaster, and Safety Steward earn class-winning points for up to two RoadRallies per year.
Prior to the April 12, 2026, Spring Camper, Clarence and Kate Westberg and Tyler Linner (that’s me!) had already maxed out their worker points with Yucatan, Grumpy Old Men, and Flamethrower/Alligator Slide, respectively. 2025 champion Brycen Setzepfandt is halfway there after the Minnesota Valley Winter Rally, while Ted and Liisa Rurup and Rylan Clark have chalked up one RoadRally each with worker points as well. With Milwaukee Region Rallymasters Jim Crittenden, Mike Thompson, Fred Rosevear, and more expected to join the ranks as their calendar heats up for the summer, the field continues to evolve.
While this points system gives those seven an early edge, continued effort is required to stay at the top. For example, Stephen Frame is maintaining third place in the championship with zero worker points, even though he performed his first Rallymaster duties at the 45-minute Land O’Lakes (LOL) Awards Banquet rally, which wasn't scored in the championship. These competitive dynamics keep the standings lively as the season advances.
To keep everyone informed, championship standings update emails are sent out every two or three rallies, serving as a sort of newsletter for rallyists in the area. Currently, the CENDiv RoadRally Championship features rallies in LOL and Milwaukee Region, drawing competitors from as far as West Virginia and Georgia. While LOL sees almost twice as many competitors as Milwaukee Region, Wisconsin rallies tend to attract more long-distance entrants, including the “regulars” who fly in for National Championship events. The frequent participation of Chicago and Iowa Region members suggests strong bases for potential future RoadRallies, and the neighboring Blackhawk Valley could become another great location. These trends inform our planning as we consider how to best grow participation.
One goal for this Championship was to increase that participation in the sport, but with only one data point, it's too early to say whether it'll succeed. A secondary goal is to encourage existing competitors to attend RoadRallies in other Regions. On a personal note, I know I am trying to attend more RoadRallies this year to compete with Brycen, and I've noticed some newer competitors asking about upcoming events, with several signing up for the Milwaukee Region events. The championship’s inclusion of Regional rallies supports this effort.
Now, some notes on expanding the breadth and depth of the Central Division RoadRally program. LOL's recent "Coupe des Elko" was a very simple 18-mile rally scored at a single staffed checkpoint, and the course ended at the LOL Awards Banquet. While it was not integrated with the Awards Banquet this year, organizers of both events are committed to bringing them together in 2027 to give more local SCCA members a low-stakes taste of the sport.
Organizers and the SCCA Regional RoadRally Development Committee are also looking to integrate a similar RoadRally into the 2027 Central Division Convention, including multiple RoadRally sessions. This topic will remain under discussion among LOL, MKE, and CENDiv leaders as we work to increase RoadRally exposure at the convention for our Division’s Regions. To further support this initiative, is there interest in rally competitor and/or organizer training at the convention? Let's make some!
If you want to join the CENDiv RoadRally email list or participate in the Division’s RoadRallies, please contact me, Tyler Linner, at sealedbeamrallyteam@gmail.com. Region leaders in our Division – I especially want to connect with you to grow our CENDiv RoadRally Championship!
And don’t forget these upcoming CENDiv RoadRallies:
Photo by Brycen Setzepfandt
