​SCCA recently revealed a restructuring plan with the senior management of its Rally and Solo programs beginning in 2019.


Longtime program leader Howard Duncan will shift his focus to event operations for the Tire Rack SCCA National Solo program, with the search beginning for a new hire to take on the role of oversight and development for the Rally and Solo departments.


Duncan, who joined the staff in 1990 and has been instrumental in the creation and continued development of the National Solo program, will remain in his current Sr. Director of Rally/Solo position through the 2019 Championship season before moving to the newly-created Sr. Manager of National Solo Field Operations position this upcoming offseason.


“The demands of running the Tire Rack SCCA National Solo series make it extremely difficult to also develop and manage the business side of the programs—these really need to be two different positions,” said SCCA Vice President and COO Eric Prill. “There wouldn’t be a National Solo program without Howard’s vision and dedication over the last three decades. He’s been flat-out through that time period, developing the series while managing all aspects of the autocross and rally programs and being a key member of the national staff.”


“I am looking forward to being able to concentrate my efforts on the Tire Rack SCCA National Solo program and to having the new Director bring a fresh perspective to business operations and the development of the Solo and Rally programs throughout the country at all levels,” said Duncan. “As the complexity and reach of all of these programs has grown over the years, it became increasingly clear to me that we needed to take this approach to see the Club grow to its full potential.”


The incoming Director of Rally/Solo will begin a new chapter for the programs, building on its solid foundation with a focus on member experience, operational excellence, technology and program development.


Interested parties are encouraged to visit www.scca.com/careers.

​A detailed look at contingency programs for 2019 Tire Rack Solo Nationals can be found here.


With tiered registration beginning June 18 for the 2019 Tire Rack SCCA® Solo® Nationals, it’s time to take a look at all the companies lined up to support competitors at the 47th running of the event taking place Sept. 2-6 at Lincoln Airpark in Lincoln, Nebraska. Sign-up for contingency programs is conducted within online Solo Nationals event registration. Competitors may add or subtract contingency programs up to Sept. 2 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Late changes can be made upon arrival at the Solo Nationals venue at the registration tent.


A full list of programs, including details and instructions, can be found by clicking individual contingency links in the Solo Nationals dropdown menu at https://www.scca.com/pages/solo-contingency. Many opportunities require pre-registration with SCCA and/or with the sponsoring company. It is the responsibility of each competitor to make sure they are in compliance with each program for which they would like to enroll, including registration, product use and decal placement. Once competitors have reviewed requirements for specific contingencies, registration for the various programs is conducted through a special MotorSportReg.com webpage.


Below is a quick glimpse at 2019 Solo Nationals contingency sponsors:


Hawk Performance, Official Brake Products of SCCA (All Classes)
1st - $100 certificate,   2nd - $90 certificate,   3rd - $80 certificate,   4th - $70 certificate,   5th - $60 certificate


Honda Performance Development (Select Classes)
Eligible classes: 1st - $300 HPD Bucks,   2nd - $200 HPD Bucks,   3rd - $100 HPD Bucks


Bridgestone Tires (Select Classes)
Eligible classes: 1st - $500,   2nd - $300,   3rd - $100


Falken Tire (Select Classes)
Eligible classes: 1st - $500,   2nd - $300,   3rd - $200,   4th–15th - $100


BFGoodrich Tires (Select Classes)
Eligible classes: 1st – 4 free tires,   2nd – 2 free tires,   3rd – 1 free tire
Supplemental classes: 1st – 2 free tires, 2nd – 1 free tire


Design Engineering, Inc (DEI) (Select Classes)
Eligible classes: 1st - $300 certificate,   2nd - $200 certificate,   3rd - $100 certificate


Eibach Springs (Select Classes)
Eligible classes: 1st – 4 free springs,   2nd – 3 free springs,   3rd – 2 free springs


Nissan Motorsports (Select Cars & Classes)
Eligible classes (Current Select Models): 1st - $750,   2nd - $500, 3rd - $250
Eligible classes (Non-Current Models): 1st - $500,   2nd - $250,   3rd - $125


#DrivingForwardTogether (Select Classes)
Eligible classes: 1st - $100 and #DrivingForwardTogether T-Shirt


Hoosier Racing Tire (Select Classes)
Eligible classes: 1st – 4 free tires,   2nd – 2 free tires


Mazda North American Operations (All Classes)
1st - $800,   2nd - $500,   3rd - $250,   4th - $175,   5th - $150,   6th - $125
Solo Triad Award - $600
Competitors Bonus: Competitors who have competed in at least three National events without earning contingency from Mazda in 2019 are eligible to compete for $500 at the Tire Rack Solo Nationals. Mazda will award the top 10 of those competitors based on PAX finishing position.
Women’s Initiative (WI): Mazda will award any female Mazda competitor who finishes in Open Class 2nd-10th place a $150 WI bonus.


Nexen Tire (Select Classes)
Eligible classes: 1st - $800,   2nd - $500,   3rd - $300,   4th - $200,   5th - $100


Toyota/TRD (All Classes)
1st - $1,000


Again, it is the responsibility of each driver to make sure they are eligible to receive any contingency awards in which they are interested. Check requirements for each program by clicking here, and check back often for added programs.


Additional background about Tire Rack Solo Nationals is available at https://www.scca.com/pages/national-championship.


Photo Credit: Rupert Berrington

The end is in sight!!

With the 2019 Autocross season already 9 events in, the racing has been fast and furious! June 15th and 16th brought events 8 and 9 around, leaving only 4 events left on the schedule for 2019. July will bring the 2 Packwood National weekends.

The National Tour taking place July 13-14, and the National PRO Solo the following weekend, July 20-21. Registration is currently open for both.

If you have never done one, I would highly recommend it as they are both fantastic event, and its always fun to see and meet some new racers from around the country,

With our June events taking place on Father’s Day weekend, it was great to see so many fathers and sons/daughters racing together! As Saturday rolled around, the weather was crisp and cool with overcast skies above.

The racing was hot and heavy though as Ryan Otis talked his way into a 2019 Chevy Camaro ZL1, owned by Waylon Goebel. Ryan used Saturday to get a feel for the car, coming home in Second place in Pro Pax.

Ron Bauer came down from the speedy NW Region to wrestle the top spot away with a BLISTERING 50.854 time on his third run. This would give Ron the top PAX time for the day for all the non-junior cars. On Sunday, it was Ryan showing just how fast the big Chevy could be taking the win over Dan Bullis by .345

In the Juniors, it was Andrew Nolke for the win in JA as both his brother, Gabe and himself set down some quick times all weekend long. Andrew was able to take the win on both days. In Junior B, it was that Otis family getting another win on Saturday, this time with Sam at the wheel. He was able to just sneak around the always fast Torin McCusker to take home the win.

Sunday saw Gabe running in Junior B, securing the win with Sam, Torin and Abbie Paulson rounding out the top 4 spots.  Spitfire Rachel Kuehn took top honors on both Saturday and Sunday in Junior C.

The always popular S2 class saw some late run drama with Allen Westerskow throwing down a flier on run 3 to edge out George Emery on Saturday. George would get his revenge on Sunday taking over the top spot, with Matt Turner jumping up to take second away from Westenskow late by just .205.

NS3 saw some close action all weekend with the 2 C-Mods of Phil Leavens and Andy Howe leading the way both days. Saturday saw Phil taking the win by a mere .200 with Sunday being even closer as Howe would again fall just short, losing by scant .031 in the closet battle all weekend.

Pro Pax Ladies would be a weekend long battle with Lacy Otis taking a second on Saturday, and a first on Sunday to add to her points lead. NW Region, and National Champion Jessie Gauthier played the role of spoiler grabbing the win Saturday.

The ever quick Danielle Paulson sits in second place, and will be looking to chip away at Lacy’s lead at the August events.

With the season end on the horizon, many points battles are still up for grabs. CAM will be down to the wire with Aaron Folkerts holding a narrow 4 point lead over Brian Duncan.

NS4 see Garrett Cogburn hanging on to a slight advantage over Jake Hartough with Rio Rios hot on both their heels. S2 is shaping up to be a battle to the end yet again, this year with George Emery and Allen Westenskow sitting just 12 points apart.

And in our Trophy Challenge class, Laura Duncan who has been showing great speed all year is sitting on top by just 7 points over Ben Holmesmith.

With only 4 events left, the gloves will be off and everyone will be out for blood as we return to Packwood August 3rd and 4th.

Oregon Region SCCA member Mark Darby, 55, passed away recently. He is greatly missed by his friends.


Some of the tributes to Mark posted to social media include:


“I love and miss you my man. You will forever be one of the biggest parts of my childhood. I’ll never forget all the days and nights we spent talking about love, life, music, and whatever else are crazy asses could think of. All the meals you cooked for us, the lessons you taught us, the home you made for us and the laughs you gave us. You will live forever in our hearts.”
    - Asher Fairbanks


“Mark Darby raced cars. He worked for Journey in their heyday. Sammy Davis, Jr., held him on his knee and sang “Happy Birthday” to him when he was four.


He had an infectious laugh, LOVED all things guitar, and his inner 14-year-old lurked VERY close to the surface.


Mark had a blast living more life in his 55 years than most do in 80 or more. Godspeed, Buddy.”
    - Jonathan Weaver


“Mark Darby, was eternally optimistic, no glass was EVER 1/2 empty. He had the most infectious laugh and brightened every room he ever entered. He was selfless, generous, kind and loving. And funny as HELL! He was one of the good ones that made the world a better place. He is loved and will be missed so much. My heart goes out to his sons. He was so incredibly proud of them. RIP love...though we all know you’re smokin’ and jamming with all the greats.”
    - Joy Eubanks-Jewell


A celebration of life for Mark was held in Portland on April 20. ​

In an effort to improve the experience of SCCA Solo competitors, we are excited to announce that we will be beta testing a new process for collecting and submitting contingency information at the next few Tire Rack National Solo events, including the Dixie, Charlotte, and Mineral Wells Champ Tours as well as the Crows Landing ProSolo.

For those competitors finishing in a contingency paying position, we now offer online access to our new Solo Contingency Claim Form.

Filling out this form is simple, and allows each competitor the ability to verify that their information was both accurately recorded, as well as submitted. The form can be found by clicking the link above.

If you are a contingency winning competitor, before leaving the site on the last day of competition, simply open the Solo Contingency Claim Form page, fill in the required info, upload the require pictures of the car as described, and click submit.

The claims will then be collected by the SCCA and payments issued within 30 days of receiving the claim receipt.  Please be aware, this process does not replace the competitor’s need to pre-register with each desired sponsor. For those contingency winning competitors that do not have a smart phone, a way to access the form or upload the needed pictures, we will also have the old process in effect.  In that instance, please let the event administrator know.

For a sixth year, Sports Car Club of America® members have submitted the names of autocross competitors they believe should be Wendi Allen Scholarship Fund (WASF) recipients.

Named and established by the family of Wendi Allen, the scholarship honors the multi-time National Solo Champion who loved the SCCA® Solo community.

The fund gives back to the sport by helping young women become more successful drivers and contributing members of the Club. A Selection Committee -- consisting of championship caliber women Solo drivers -- deliberated on the nominations and is pleased to announce the 2019 WASF winners are Tara Arnette, of the North Carolina Region; Jessica Black, of the Central Pennsylvania Region; and Lacie Edens, of the Arkansas Region.

Look for more information about the three winners in upcoming “Take Five” articles posted to SCCA’s SoloMatters webpage. Each recipient will receive $1,500 to support her travel to Tire Rack National Solo events and the Tire Rack Solo National Championship.

Additionally, the SCCA will waive entry fees for scholarship recipients to all Tire Rack National Solo events attended during the year, as well as work with the Solo community and commercial partners to seek out other forms of support for the recipients, such as driver training, mentoring, products and logistical assistance.

For the second year in a row, Mazda stepped up to supply funding for one scholarship recipient. David Cook, Business Development Manager for Mazda Motorsports, said, “Tara, Jessica and Lacie have certainly shown that they merit to be mentioned amongst the ranks of many great autocrossers who earned the Wendi Allen Scholarship. Mazda is elated to be a supporter of this scholarship and part of the SCCA Solo community that shares a passion for helping deserved competitors pursue their motorsport dreams.”

Two of the three scholarships awarded for 2019 are funded by the SCCA Foundation. Jeff Jacobs, Vice Chairman of the SCCA Foundation, said donations can be made any time through the Foundation webpage (www.sccafoundation.org/donate) with contributions designated to support the Wendi Allen scholarships.

In addition, the Foundation will be holding future fundraising drives specifically in support of the scholarship fund.

“The SCCA Foundation will be carrying forward this fantastic program originated by the generosity of Wendi and Mark Allen,” Jacobs said. “Personally, after co-driving at Solo events with Wendi and Mark for almost a decade, I’m so glad we have this chance to continue to honor Wendi’s memory and expand the reach of this worthwhile program.”

Photo: Tara Arnette (No.74), Jessica Black (No. 53) and Lacie Edens (No. 26) are this year’s Wendi Allen Scholarship Fund recipients

In the “wake” of the 2018 Tire Rack SCCA® Solo® Nationals, the Solo National staff and SEB have come together to not only address some issues encountered at past Nationals, but also begin renovating the look and feel of the event by first defining what Solo Nationals should be.


With a focus on the future, and knowledge from the past, they will begin to implement new procedures and policies, realign and redefine roles and responsibilities, and adjust the event as a whole in an effort to provide the best experience for all participants and attendees of the 2019 Solo Nationals and beyond.


In an effort to keep the Club’s members up to speed on said renovations, we are introducing “News on Nationals”, which will be an ongoing part of the SoloMatters electronic newsletter.  The purpose of this feature is to communicate any changes or adjustments to Solo Nationals, as well as provide some insight into the reasons behind them.


With that said, here is the latest news on updates to Solo Nationals for 2019:


Entry into the 2019 Tire Rack Solo Nationals will be capped at 1325. This cap should allow for nearly two hours of contingency time for any delays from weather, car breakage, course surface issues, etc.  This will also help mitigate any unforeseen class popularity variances from past years.


A major contributor to the Tues/Weds issues in 2018 (besides weather, video, etc) was the total number of entries and their spread over the pairs of days. 2018 saw a 60/40 split between Tues/Wed and Thurs/Fri, with the normal spread being only around 5%. This was due to a few classes having a surprisingly high level of participation, as well as the usual class hopping.


With this situation in mind, the initial Run Order to be released in a week to 10 days will include six or seven sets of classes (Open/Ladies) that will be studied over the first half of the 2019 season relative to attendance, with their run order being announced the first week of June.


Registration will be in two Tiers as the beginning of a process that will play out over the next couple of years in defining what the Solo Nationals should be.


Specifically, the plan reflects several comments received in post-Nationals surveys and discussions – Rewarding and acknowledging the “Best of the Best,” those that clearly support the event, and those with long-term support of the program.


Tier 1 will open in mid-June for the following: 2018 class winners and second place finishers (when a trophy was awarded), plus 2019 Nationals Chiefs, plus 100%ers – a total of just over 200 potential entrants.
Tier 2 will open a week later for all other members.


FJ will run on Tues/Weds in the same Heat as KM


There will be a defined end to the competition day in the supplementary regulations that will be a certain number of minutes prior to the official sunset for Lincoln, Nebraska on that day.


An example would be that if sunset was at 7:31 p.m., competition would end at 7:01 p.m.  Exact language will be in the Official Supplementary Regulations that will be released in early June.




We appreciate all the constructive feedback we have received from our members. It is our every intention to use that feedback as a data point as we move forward to create the best Solo Nationals experience possible for all of you.


Please keep an eye out for future “News on Nationals” as we continue on the journey.

Topeka (Feb 26, 2019) –  In keeping with the old adage, “Nothing is consistent but change,” an unanticipated change needs to be made to the 2019 ProSolo® schedule.
The June 28-30 Tire Rack Blytheville ProSolo at the Arkansas Aeroplex has been rescheduled and moved to Heartland Park Topeka on July 5-7.
SCCA® received word that Arkansas Aeroplex will no longer be available as a Solo site for the foreseeable future due to an increase in commercial activity at the airport.  Several jetliners awaiting renovations are already parked on the north end of the Solo area, with even more on the way.
The Club is extremely thankful and grateful to both the Arkansas Region and people of Blytheville for being amazing hosts over the last 10 years.
Competitors truly feel like they had become part of the community through working with local charities and conducting Tire Rack Street Survival events, as well as all the ProSolo and Champ Tour events conducted at the venue over the years.
With Blytheville no longer an option, Heartland Motorsports Park stepped up and agreed to host a replacement ProSolo event on a weekend near the original Blytheville date.
The new Heartland Park ProSolo will be held on July 5-7 in Topeka, Kansas.
Devon Hilton, the track’s general manager, speaking on the opportunity to host the event said, “Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kansas is truly humbled that the Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo’s eighth stop of its premier 10-race series will be held at our recently renovated facility.
Our paved, 60-acre South Paddock will be more than ample space for the ‘side-by-side Christmas Tree’ start preceding two identical autocross tracks for individual laps timed down to 1/100th of a second.
For racer and crew comforts, HMP offers on-site electrical RV connections, private air-conditioned showers and a vast amount of pit parking. Concessions will be available from gate opening time to the late evening hours as well.
We thank Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo for giving HMP this opportunity to host this exciting 2019 stop and we fully commit to provide them an exceptional facility for this event.”
ProSolo organizers apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused to vacation time scheduled, and travel plans that may have already been made.
From the moment it was learned the Arkansas Aeroplex venue was in jeopardy, every effort was made to quickly find a solution and distribute the news in a timely fashion.
We are confident that Heartland Motorsports Park will provide an excellent facility on which to hold the eighth round of the ProSolo series.  We look forward to seeing everyone there!
Click on the following link to go to the event page:
 Tire Rack ProSolo Topeka

TOPEKA, Kan (July 10, 2018) -- In only four days and four hours, the 2018 Tire Rack SCCA® Solo® Nationals reached its entry cap of 1,350 participants, an unprecedented feat for the Sports Car Club of America®. Those who registered after the cap was reached have now been added to a waitlist. If entry cancellations come in, persons will be offered a slot at the Sept. 3-7 event in Lincoln, Nebraska according to their position on the waitlist.

Howard Duncan, SCCA’s Rally/Solo Senior Director, said, “I have been working with SCCA’s Solo Department a long time and never imagined that the Solo National Championship could possibly sell out so quick! This is truly a testament to the ever-increasing interest in Solo’s top-tier event AND the welcoming environment existing in Lincoln each year.”

Last year, in 2017, the Tire Rack Solo Nationals set a participation record with 1,317 entries. That record may very well fall this year. Whether it does or not, there is no denying the meteoric growth Solo Nationals has experienced over the last several years. A lot of that can be attributed to changes in the Solo landscape dating back more than a decade.

In the 1990s, Solo Nationals already had a strong following and a home in Salina, Kansas. As popularity grew, a new site was found at Forbes Field in Topeka, Kansas to handle the influx of competitors. In 2000, the event first reached nearly 1,000 entries. In 2009, the Championship was relocated to its current home at Lincoln Airpark in Nebraska, and entry numbers continued to grow.

Beyond the location, strategic classing decisions have also played a significant role in the event’s popularity. In 2011, there were 283 cars participating in Stock classes. In 2012, the Solo Events Board began taking steps to migrate Stock to the new Street ruleset. Now in 2018, there are 440 drivers registered to participate in Street classes. That shift from Stock to Street accounts for half the event’s growth over the last seven years.

Of course, the addition of new classes has also aided in growth. New for 2018, the Solo Spec Coupe (SSC) class boasts more than 65 entries at Solo Nationals. And the inclusion of Classic American Muscle (CAM) competitors is responsible for more than 90 entries this year. These classes, along with the shift from Stock to Street, represent 82 percent growth in participation from 2011 to today.

What’s in store for the future of Solo Nationals? Only time will tell. But rest assured this top-tier, SCCA event will continue to be one of the world’s largest motorsport competitions for many years to come.

Well 2017 is almost over, and what year it has been. Some great racing, great friendships, and some great memories have been had. With the Banquet just a few days away, this will be the last chance to see many of our friends until March. BUT, there is a lot to do this off season.

As we look ahead to 2018, we can’t forget what our members did in 2017. Mina Ingraham winning her second Red jacket back at Nats. Both Ryan and Lacey Otis were able to win their respective classes back in Lincoln, STP and STPL. Dennis Healy winging the CAM invitational in Lincoln was truly special with all the work he has put in getting his Mustang to be one of the quickest in the country. We had many tour event wins, 2 of which were by Dan Bullis, 2 also by Zach Morgan as well as Lacey Otis. Other tour winners were James Paulson, Jim and Tami Daniels, Andrea Perry, Heather Howe, Katherine Howe, and Ryan Otis.

We also had many drivers venture out and test their skills at running PRO’s across the country. Mina Ingraham was able to win 2 along with Ryan Otis. Both Josh McCall and Stacey Molleker were able to secure wins as well. In the Finals back in Lincoln, it was Ryan Otis taking the big win along with the seasons points Championship.  All these wins were backed up by numerous others who claimed trophies across the country running at events. We can be proud as we have one of the fastest regions around!!

The 2018 schedule is in the works, with the PIR portion already locked down. One of the big things we are working on for 2018 is a charity autocross in August. This would be in tandem with the Race for kids put on by Cascade Sports Car club with all proceeds going to the children’s hospital. We are looking for sponsors to help with the track costs, so if you know of anyone that would like to help us out, please send them out way!

The 2018 Oregon Auto Show will be coming up in January. Like last year, the Oregon Region of SCCA will have a booth, and we need your help to man it! You will get free entrance to the show, AND you will get to pass on your passion for this great sport we love to hate. We will be offering a free run card to anyone who steps up and takes a 4 hour shift at the show. Spots will be limited, so get signed up soon! Just drop us an email, and let us know what day and times you are available.

Off season projects are always fun, and I know many of you have stuff planned. So jump on our Facebook page and let us know what you are working on this off season.  While you are there, make sure to like the page so you can stay up to date with what’s going on in the region.
​
2018 promises to be a great year, and it can’t get here fast enough! Look for a Starting Line school to happen again in March, along with our annual Tech session. Event 1 will be here before you know it, so get to work on those cars, and have a wonderful holiday season.
 
And we will see you at the races!!!