SCCA’s Lone Star Region has found a meaningful way to honor the life and legacy of one of its most dedicated members. Earlier this year, the Region’s board voted to donate $5,000 through the SCCA Foundation to help fund a 2026 intern position within the SCCA® Road Racing department, dedicating the contribution to the memory of longtime member Dr. Gerald “Jerry” Wannarka, who passed away in March.
For those who knew Jerry, the tribute feels especially fitting.
“Jerry served the SCCA for many years and wore a lot of different hats,” said Lone Star Region Treasurer Connie Hudson. “He really believed in mentoring and bringing people up to work in the sport.”
That belief in helping others grow was something Jerry carried throughout more than 50 years with the Sports Car Club of America™.
After joining the Club in 1966 and earning his competition license in 1968, Jerry built a legacy that stretched far beyond the driver’s seat. His military career took him across the country, where he became an active and respected member of several Regions, including Washington D.C., Indianapolis, Alamo, and ultimately Lone Star.
Wherever he went, Jerry became known not only for his knowledge and leadership, but for his willingness to teach, mentor, and support others. Over the years, he served in nearly every major stewardship role in the organization – Executive Steward, Regional Race Steward, Operating Steward, Safety Steward, Chief Steward for the SCCA National Championship Runoffs®, and Chair of the SOM. He also served as Regional Executive for both Lone Star and DC Regions, Area 2 Director, and eventually Chairman of the SCCA Board of Directors.
His decades of service earned some of the Club’s highest honors, including the Woolf Barnato Award and the David Morrell Award. Earlier this year, Jerry was also inducted into the SCCA Hall of Fame, a recognition that reflected not only his accomplishments, but the lasting impact he had on the people around him.
That spirit of mentorship makes the Lone Star Region’s contribution especially meaningful.
The 2026 SCCA Road Racing internship will give a student the opportunity to work directly on the SCCA National Championship Runoffs, one of amateur racing’s premier events. The intern will gain hands-on experience in event logistics, operations, volunteer coordination, scheduling, race-week execution, and post-event analysis.
More importantly, the position will help introduce a young professional to the people, teamwork, and passion that define the sport – exactly the kind of opportunity Jerry would have encouraged and championed.
Through this internship, Jerry’s influence will continue helping guide and inspire the next generation of SCCA members and leaders.
“For someone who dedicated decades to strengthening the Club, Lone Star Region helping fund an internship focused on education and hands-on experience in memory of Jerry is especially meaningful,” said Clay Turner, Executive Director for the SCCA Foundation. “In many ways, the internship program reflects the same values Jerry carried throughout his time in the SCCA, so I couldn’t be more grateful for Lone Star Region’s decision to help fund this program.”
Learn more about SCCA’s Lone Star Region by clicking here.
And if you, your SCCA Region, or organization is interested in helping fund the numerous programs the charitable arm of the Club supports, consider making a donation to the SCCA Foundation.
Photo courtesy the Wannarka family
