A true life-long SCCA member, John Doonan began his SCCA involvement as a June Sprints® spectator at six months old. And though he obtained his competition license, Doonan has been a significant figure in the business side of motorsports.

Doonan joined Mazda as Midwest Advertising Manager in 2003, earning the Director of Mazda Motorsports title in 2011. Under Doonan, the grassroots program thrived, providing contingency, parts and technical support for racers at all levels of SCCA. A ladder program launched the careers of multiple SCCA racers who would not have otherwise had the funding to participate at the highest level.

Named IMSA President in late 2019, Doonan solidified and formalized a partnership between IMSA and SCCA to promote all aspects of road racing. Doonan remains an active SCCA member, frequently attending events including the SCCA Runoffs, and occasionally working on the Flagging & Communications team while there.

John Doonan was inducted into the SCCA Hall of Fame on Jan. 16, 2026.