while the Club eagerly looks forward to the future, it is at the annual convention that awards are given out in recognition of wonderful work conducted during the past year. Below is a rundown of awards presented so far at the 2019 National Convention.


Member of Excellence: Lori Vitagliano, Florida Region
Selected by SCCA’s Board of Directors, this award is presented to the volunteer who shows the greatest commitment to SCCA activities. The recipient can be involved in Solo, Rally and/or Road Racing. This person personifies the SCCA volunteer who gives of his/her time and effort to helping organize, work in a specialty or any volunteer role necessary to a motorsports event.


John McGill Award: Jim Wheeler, Kansas City Region
Presented for significant contribution to the Road Racing Program. The winner is chosen by the Club Racing Board and the Vice President of Road Racing.


Driver of the Year: Jonathan Lugod, Cal Club
Presented to the Solo® driver who has demonstrated exceptional skill or has overcome major obstacles to produce an outstanding performance at the Solo National Championship. The winner is selected by the Solo Events Board from nominations submitted by the membership at large.
 
Rookie of the Year: Ryan Field, New England Region
Presented for an outstanding performance at a first Solo National Championship by a driver with limited competition experience.


Divisional RallyCross Achievement: Midwest Division
This award is presented in recognition of a Division’s activities in RallyCross for a new or on-going program. This may include events, promotions, attendance, innovation in public relations, etc. Nominations clearly indicating the qualifying details may be made by any Rally participant, with the recipient being selected by the RallyCross Board.


Regional RallyCross Achievement: St. Louis Region
This award is presented in recognition of a Region’s activities in RallyCross for a new or on-going program. This may include events, promotions, attendance, innovation in public relations, event participation, etc. Nominations clearly indicating the qualifying details may be made by any RallyCross participant, with the recipient being selected by the RallyCross Board.


Robert V. Ridges Memorial Award: John Emmons and Lois Van Vleet, Land O’Lakes Region
Bob Ridges was Secretary of the RoadRally Board from the inception of the National program in 1957 until his death in 1965. This award is presented to the SCCA member who exemplifies the highest degree of dedication and sportsmanship in the sport and who has made an outstanding contribution to the success of an event. This award is not intended for sitting RRB members, Official Observers, Rallymasters, or Officials unless they have clearly demonstrated extraordinary dedication, achievement, and/or sportsmanship above and beyond the duties and responsibilities of their office. The recipient is selected by the RRB based on recommendations of any Rally participant or Board member. This is the highest honor within the SCCA Rally Program and may not be presented each year.


Arthur J. Gervais Award: Roads Scholar; Jim Crittenden, Milwaukee Region
Arthur Gervais was a longtime Rallymaster of the Historic New York National RoadRally. The award is presented annually to year’s outstanding National Course Rally. The winner is chosen via a vote of the top 20 competitors in each class who have competed in at least four events. Prior to 1989, this award encompassed all National Rallies each year.


W. David Teter Tour Rally of the Year: Laurel Run; Richard Beattie/Jeff Hutzelman, Steel Cities Region
W. David Teter was the editor of the modernized and comprehensive RoadRally Rule Book, Rallymaster of seventeen consecutive March Lamb Regional rallies, and an outstanding competitor on the NTR circuit. This award is presented annually in recognition of the outstanding NTR. Selection is made by vote of the top 20 competitors in each class who have competed in at least three events in that class.


Divisional RoadRally Achievement: Northeast Division
This award is presented in recognition of a Division’s activities in RoadRally for a new or on-going program. This may include events, promotions, attendance, innovation in public relations, etc. Nominations clearly indicating the qualifying details may be made by any Rally participant, with the recipient being selected by the RoadRally Board.


Regional RoadRally Achievement: St. Louis Region
Presented in recognition of a Region’s activities in RoadRally for a new or on-going program. This may include events, promotions, attendance, innovation in public relations, event participation, etc. Nominations clearly indicating the qualifying details may be made by any Rally participant, with the recipient being selected by the Road Rally Board.


The Tom Burke Awards
The Tom Burke Awards are presented to Regions for exemplary efforts to activate and grow the SCCA. Formerly named the Chairman’s Award prior to 1987, one award is given to the RE of a Region in each of the Region Size categories from the preceding year. The awards are given in honor of SCCA member Tom Burke. His love of SCCA and passion for what we do not only ignited in others a desire to become SCCA members, but also served as a call to engage in SCCA activities. Mr. Burke’s ambassadorial approach to prospective and current members served as a model for the spirit of the SCCA.


- Small Regions (under 200 members): Yellowstone Region; Bill Blaquiere, Regional Executive
- Medium Regions (201-400 members): Eastern Tennessee Region; Mark Pilson, Regional Executive
- Large Regions (401-800 members): Susquehanna Region; Kristen Poole, Regional Executive
- Jumbo Regions (over 800 members): Central Carolinas Region; Brian Gause, Regional Executive

Since its inception in 2015, SCCA® Track Night in America® Driven by Tire Rack has helped tens of thousands of automotive enthusiasts turn their dream of getting on track into a reality. With the release of the 2019 schedule, one that features a return to iconic tracks from last year, as well as an exciting new addition, the program is once again set to make dreams come true.


With 29 circuits spread across the continental United States, Track Night in America is as easy to participate in as ever. Along with the program returning to many of the excellent venues seen throughout the ground-breaking program’s history, there are a couple exciting additions to this year’s schedule. On the West Coast, the full course at Auto Club Speedway just outside Los Angeles will be used for the first time. While on the East Coast, there will be a return to the historic endurance racing circuit, Sebring International Raceway. And located somewhere vaguely in between, Track Night in America is very excited to announce that, for the first time ever, the program will be held at the visually stunning, and equally historic, VIRginia International Raceway -- home of the 2019 SCCA National Championship Runoffs®!


Track Night in America is a non-competitive, no-stress, entertaining, easy and inexpensive way for nearly anyone who loves cars or motorsports to get on a real racecourse in their own vehicle during weeknights. All that is required is that participants be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license and have access to an approved helmet and street car in good working condition.


The price to participate is usually around $150 per event. Some special events and certain tracks may be a bit more. No previous on-track experience or SCCA membership is required to join in the fun. Drivers participate in the Advanced, Intermediate or KONI Novice Experience group so on-track activities remain fun for all, and everyone gets three 20-minute sessions on course -- as well as feedback from SCCA driver coaches on site. Admission is free for people who just want to stop by and watch the fun, and leisurely circuit parade laps are provided for all Track Night in America guests.


Registration is already open for some February events -- but March 5, 2019 is when general event registration is scheduled to open. However, a handful of additional events may open for registration prior to that date. Check the Track Night in America website for details. The 2019 event calendar is subject to change, but the current schedule is as follows:


Atlanta Motorsports Park; Dawsonville, GA
April 3, May 8, June 5, July 10, August 7, September 11


Auto Club Speedway; Fontana, CA
February 23, April 5 (Full Sports Car Course), June 22, August 24


Blackhawk Farms; South Beloit, IL
May 2, June 12, July 16, August 7, September 11


Carolina Motorsports Park; Kershaw, SC
May 10, June 26, August 6, September 10, October 16


Charlotte Motor Speedway; Concord, NC
April 26, June 6, July 19, August 16


Dakota County Technical College Driver Training Facility; Rosemount, MN
May 17, June 21, July 25, August 15, September 13


Dominion Raceway; Woodford, VA
April 18, May 17, June 27, August 15, September 19


GingerMan Raceway; South Haven, MI
May 16, June 13, July 17, August 8, September 12


Harris Hill Raceway; San Marcos, TX
March 20, April 10, May 8, June 5, September 18, October 16


Heartland Motorsports Park; Topeka, KS
April 25, May 17, June 13, July 12, August 8, September 19, October 17


High Plains Raceway; Deer Trail, CO
May 29, July 17, August 14, September 18


Lime Rock Park; Lakeville, CT
May 22, May 23, June 13


Memphis International Raceway; Millington, TN
March 26, April 23, May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10


MotorSport Ranch; Cresson, TX
March 19, April 9, May 7, June 4, September 17, October 15


New Hampshire Motor Speedway; Loudon, NH
May 24


New Jersey Motorsports Park; Millville, NJ
April 23, May 21, June 25, July 24, August 13, September 10


NOLA Motorsports Park; Avondale, LA
March 21, April 11, May 16


Pacific Raceways; Kent, WA
May 24, June 21, July 17


Palm Beach International Raceway; Jupiter, FL
February 19, March 19, April 23, May 21, June 18, August 20, Sept 17, Oct 22, Nov 12, Dec 10


Palmer Motorsports Park; Palmer, MA
May 2, June 6, June 27, July 18, August 8, September 5


Pittsburgh International Race Complex; Wampum, PA
April 24, May 22, June 6, June 22, July 23, August 14, September 11


Pocono Raceway; Long Pond, PA
April 17, May 9, June 13, July 11, August 27, September 16


Portland International Raceway; Portland, OR
May 17, June 7, July 5, August 9


Ridge Motorsports Park; Shelton, WA
May 16, June 6, July 23, August 7, September 12


Road Atlanta; Braselton, GA
April 24, June 27, July 26


Sebring International Raceway; Sebring, FL
September 12


Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park; Thompson, CT
April 23, May 9, June 18, July 11, July 30, August 22, September 12, October 3


Thunderhill Raceway Park; Willows, CA
March 21, April 18, May 23, June 13, August 15, September 12


VIRginia International Raceway; Alton, VA
July 25