Contingency programs are offered by manufacturers and industry partners as a way to reward racers for their participation and performance. In most cases, competitors simply need to register for the program and display the sponsor’s decals on their race car. Eligible finishers can then earn awards that may include cash payouts, certificates, discounts, or products. Depending on the program, competitors can earn valuable prizes without even standing on the podium.
What Is It
It’s the pinnacle of amateur motorsports. Since 1964, the SCCA® National Championship Runoffs® is a winner-take-all event where close, competitive wheel-to-wheel racing determines the best of the best, and gives a glimpse at future road racing stars. Drivers come from across the country to battle for that elusive Runoffs gold medal and the right to spray Mazza sparkling wine from the top step of the podium.
Past winners include Bobby Rahal, Graham Rahal, Jimmy Vasser, Scott Sharp, Elliott Forbes-Robinson, Skip Barber, Boris Said, Michael Galati, Randy Pobst, Paul Newman, and more. In 2021, Connor Zilisch was on track and took a podium at the Runoffs, and now he’s one of NASCAR’s most highly regarded up-and-comers.
Named by Car and Driver magazine as one of the Top 10 racing events in motorsports, the Runoffs was called “an institution” by Edmunds, and the event regularly makes it into USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Award for Best Motorsports Race.
Details
To qualify for the SCCA National Championship Runoffs, a driver must hold an SCCA competition license and meet the Runoffs participation requirements in the class they intend to race. There are currently two qualification paths.
Standard Qualification Path (2026)
- Participate in three separate U.S. Majors Tour® weekends (either Hoosier Super Tour events, Conference Majors events, or a combination of both), and;
- Finish at least three individual races in that class. A finish is defined as completing at least half the laps completed by the overall race winner.
Alternative “2+2” Path
Instead of three Majors weekends, you may substitute one Majors weekend with two Regional weekends:
- 2 Majors weekends plus
- 2 Regional race weekends
However, you still must satisfy the requirement of three race finishes at Majors events.
Defending Champions: A defending Runoffs National Champion can enter the following year’s Runoffs in the class being defended without re-qualifying, subject to certain restrictions.
the news
The history of the SCCA National Championship Runoffs can almost be told through its venues. The event began in 1964 and has moved among some of America’s most famous road courses while remaining the premier amateur road-racing championship in the country.
There are three historical “eras” to the Runoffs location.
- Road Atlanta Era (1970-1993): Hosting 24 consecutive Runoffs (a record), this is where Paul Newman and Skip Barber built their racing legacies and what many consider the “home” of the Runoffs. The Runoffs will return to Road Atlanta in 2027.
- Mid-Ohio Era (1994-2005): For 12 years the event made its home at this classic road-racing circuit known for being a track where driver precision matters more than horsepower.
- Road America and Rotating Era (2006-Present): Centrally located Road America took a long-term stint hosting from 2009-2013, but the club decided to rotate the championship among other premier circuits around the country as well. This brought the Runoffs to Laguna Seca, Indianapolis, Sonoma, Daytona, VIR, and other iconic venues.
The Runoffs are held in the fall, over the course of a week during late September through mid-October.
Videos
Date: October 17 to 23, 2027
Venue: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
SCCA has amazing sponsors who offer contingency to competitors — including auto manufacturers, aftermarket equipment manufacturers, retail sales businesses and tire companies. Got questions? Check out the FAQs below.
FAQs
What are contingencies?
How do contingencies work?
- Review the sponsor’s program and their requirements.
- Competitors must be registered in the program prior to competing. No awards will be paid if you do not follow all contingency procedures. It is the competitor’s responsibility to register properly and neatly apply decals.
- Register according to the sponsor’s requirements.
- Contingency registration for Championship events is separate from National and Majors Tour registration.
- Get to the track and have fun!
- Once you have qualified for an award, you will submit a claim either to SCCA or to the sponsor directly depending on the program requirements within 30 days of the event.
- Photos of your car displaying the decals will be required so don’t forget to take pictures of your car at the event you are submitting a claim for.
- SCCA or the sponsor will review your claim and submit your payout within 30 days of receipt.
Are contingencies required?
No, participating in contingency programs is an optional perk of being an SCCA member.
Does it cost anything to participate?
Nope, contingency programs are FREE to register for; in fact, if you perform well, they’ll pay you!
