IMSA, SCCA joining forces to attract, develop next motorsports generation

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The International Motor Sports Association L.L.C. (IMSA) and Sports Car Club of America Inc. (SCCA) have agreed to work together to foster the next generation of amateur and professional motorsports enthusiasts, including drivers, crew and course workers.

The new IMSA/SCCA effort acknowledges the associations' mutual connection and looks to inform both "active" and "passive" motorsports enthusiasts as to the benefits of being an SCCA member and how club racing can serve as a pathway to professional involvement in IMSA racing.

• This story appears in the Oct. 12 print edition of Tire Business.

The two racing sanctioning bodies noted they have had a symbiotic relationship for many years — many professional workers, competitors and crew involved in IMSA learned their craft through SCCA road racing, and many of these individuals continue to participate in premier SCCA road racing amateur events.

IMSA President John Doonan, who also is an SCCA member, noted that IMSA is the "ultimate destination" for aspiring motorsports professionals, while the SCCA offers aspiring motorsports professionals a place to start their path and hone their skills, whether it's as a driver, crew member or volunteer.

"As the leader in professional sports-car racing for more than 50 years, IMSA has introduced millions to motorsports, and the motorsports lifestyle," Mr. Doonan said. "As the leader in amateur motorsports for more than 75 years, SCCA has provided an outlet for people to make motorsports a part of their life as drivers, crew, event organizers and officials."

This cooperative effort includes a "Got Me Started" campaign highlighting how SCCA members first became engaged in motorsports on their way to professional IMSA involvement.

SCCA President and CEO Mike Cobb said personal stories shared through this campaign will mesh with efforts the club has taken to connect with those seeking ways to have fun with cars.

"SCCA has been working to demystify motorsports for auto racing enthusiasts," Mr. Cobb said, pointing to the club's "Track Night in America" and the longstanding Solo program as venues that offer low-barrier options for people to explore motorsports. Those interested in a deeper dive into auto racing can tap into the Summit Racing Equipment SCCA Road Racing program.

Along with communicating to a wider audience about ways to get involved in sports-car racing, the two organizations will look to establish joint certification curricula for select specialties. The goal of the curricula will be for all IMSA volunteers to be certified for specialties through SCCA; when and where applicable, IMSA and the SCCA also will look to develop and test new technologies pertaining to staging race events.

Also being discussed is a possible ladder program through the SCCA for young drivers, team members and officials with professional aspirations.

Daytona Beach-based IMSA is the sanctioning body of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and the IMSA Prototype Challenge, as well as three one-make series.

Topeka, Kan.-based SCCA is a 67,500-member motorsports organization that incorporates all facets of autocross, rally and road racing at both club and professional levels.