Sam Fouse, Area 12 Board of Directors Candidate
September 2, 2025

Hello again to fellow Area 12 members. This is Sam Fouse with the second in a series of messages to introduce myself and tell you about how my background and experience has influenced my ideas and thoughts on how I might serve you on the SCCA Board of Directors.

When I began as an autocrosser a long time ago, at least in Area 12, there were two basic paths available to a young SCCA member. There was still the rare hill climb on occasion, and maybe a rally on public roads, but those were not the common path for an autocrosser and they were on their way out at the time. When and if you got the desire for something more, it was assumed the path would be to borrow, rent, or buy a race car and go to a Drivers’ school. Regional Drivers’ schools were plentiful and cheap. I couldn’t afford a race car, but I had close friends who could, so I volunteered to tag along as ‘crew’ and when they weren’t racing, I volunteered to flag at an event or do whatever else needed done. I just wanted to be a part of racing, eventually hoping to drive, but also happy to volunteer. After several more years, I was able to borrow a race car from a friend who agreed to be my instructor and off I went to school. Back then, you had to successfully complete two schools within two years to get a novice permit. From Novice, I graduated to a Regional license which was considered a lower level back then, until I worked my way up to a National License – the ‘big leagues’. The barriers were high back then and the options limited. My, how things have changed.

Today, in addition to Solo and two Racing programs (Regional and Majors/HST), we have Time Trial, Track Night, Rallycross, Hillclimb, Race Experience, Endurance Racing, Targa, etc. plus all the fun options to participate as a Volunteer, which I still do. Regional and National Racing is no longer the desired path for everyone. We have diversified, lowered the barriers to entry, and have expanded all the ways to have fun with cars, many of which do not include wheel-to-wheel racing nor even the need to be at a racetrack. All of that is good for SCCA overall in expanding the tent, but it has created challenges for us as well. Many Regions face challenges in putting on events that can pay for themselves. That’s not just an Area 12 problem. It’s a National problem. We have created dilution through diversification. Our challenge is to find creative ways to put on events that can combine options for the maximum number of participants and fill the venue.

As Region Treasurer, a past RE, and as one of NCR’s two Race Chairs, I’ve chaired events and crunched budget numbers. I know how hard it is. As I said in my previous message, I’ve been on ‘both sides of the Armco’ as a volunteer and as a driver. I may not have all of the answers, but I’m open to your input and your ideas, and I look forward to the possibility of working with you in Area 12.

Thanks!
Sam Fouse
e-mail: ncr55treasurer@gmail.com