The Tire Rack Street Survival school is a nonprofit, one-day driver training program for licensed or permitted drivers ages 15-21 that goes beyond standard driver’s education by teaching real-world car-control and hazard-avoidance skills in a safe, controlled environment. Students use their own vehicles and work one-on-one with trained volunteer coaches to practice emergency braking, skid recovery, accident-avoidance maneuvers, situational awareness, and other defensive-driving techniques through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on exercises. The program’s goal is not to teach high-speed driving, but to help young drivers understand their vehicle’s limits, make better decisions, and react safely to unexpected situations on the road, reducing the risk of crashes and injuries.
What’s even better is that your SCCA® Region can get involved in the Tire Rack Street Survival (TRSS) program by hosting an event, with the program offering a financial incentive to Regions looking to host their first school – or wanting to expand by hosting even more.
First, though, let’s look at the need for the program – and we needn’t look far: On average, 56 teens died this week in car crashes. Considering that statistic, it’s impossible to believe that the 25 TRSS schools hosted (or soon to be hosted) by SCCA Regions (with 10 more currently in the works) is enough. And it’s not enough, which is why TRSS is offering financial incentives for SCCA Regions to host events in 2026.
If a Region of the Sports Car Club of America™ hosted a TRSS in 2025 and then holds a school in 2026, that Region will receive $1,050 from the sponsor. If an SCCA Region wants to host a school in 2026 but hasn't hosted a school before (or did not hold a school in 2025), they will receive $2,100. If a Region hosted a school in 2025 and wants to hold a second school in 2026, they will receive $2,100 in sponsorship money for going above and beyond.
In order to assist Regions with their TRSS schools, SCCA utilizes coordinators who know exactly what it takes to successfully hold a school. “These TRSS coordinators are long-time organizers and willing to take questions should an organizer want someone to speak with,” says Linda Duncan, SCCA’s National Coordinator for Tire Rack Street Survival.
The coordinators are divided geographically across America, meaning they are familiar with the needs – and challenges – of that particular area. Rich Dunbar is the Eastern Coordinator, Mick Posner is the Western Coordinator, and Susan and Randy Puls are the Central Coordinators, with Jeanette Wicks training as an additional Central Coordinator.
Beyond the financial incentives TRSS is offering, SCCA Foundation provides support for SCCA Regions engaging in hosting TRSS programs by providing easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions on organizing, marketing, and hosting these events, with mentors available to share their expertise in those areas, too.
Here’s how you can make a donation to the SCCA Foundation.
“We also have a list of folks willing to travel to a Region as the classroom presenter,” Duncan adds. “We ask that the Region have a couple Region folks who are willing to be presenters the following year shadow the volunteer presenter.”
Duncan notes that should an SCCA Region choose to host a TRSS event this year, they should let her know by Oct. 1. “It’s not hard to put a new school together before the end of the year,” she says.
Regions of the Sports Car Club of America that are interested in hosting a Tire Rack Street Survival school – or in need of more information – can reach Duncan at StreetSurvival@scca.com.
Photo by Matt Sheets
