Fueling the Passion for Motorsports Through Volunteerism
The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) is a non-profit American automobile club and sanctioning body supporting road racing, rallying, e-motorsports, and autocross in the United States. It runs a large number of programs for both amateur and professional racers. In addition to providing thrilling events for enthusiasts, SCCA is a platform for passionate individuals to get involved as volunteers.
SCCA History and Overview
SCCA was founded in 1944 and is dedicated to promoting and organizing amateur and professional auto racing events across the United States. Its diverse range of racing disciplines includes road racing, autocross, rallycross, among many others. SCCA prides itself on its vibrant community, with a particular focus on inclusivity and accessibility to aspiring and current racers as well as racing aficionados that prefer to get involved in other ways. Volunteers play a pivotal role in the success of SCCA events, playing roles such as ensuring safety, coordination, and a creating thrilling experience for participants and spectators alike.
Volunteer Involvement and Positions
SCCA welcomes volunteers with open arms, providing opportunities for individuals with varying skill levels and interests. Those interested in volunteering can reach out to their local SCCA region or visit the SCCA website to create an account, register and pay dues.
SCCA offers a range of volunteer positions, each contributing to the smooth operation of racing events. Some common positions include track marshals, grid workers, scrutineers, and timing and scoring officials. Track marshals ensure the safety of drivers and spectators, coordinating track activities and responding to incidents. Grid workers assist in organizing cars before races and guide drivers to their starting positions. Scrutineers inspect vehicles for compliance with safety regulations. Timing and scoring officials record lap times and track positions, ensuring accurate race results.
Getting Involved
To get involved with SCCA as a volunteer, interested individuals can attend SCCA events in their area and connect with local volunteers and officials. Attending SCCA meetings or joining online forums and social media groups can also provide valuable networking opportunities. Additionally, the SCCA website provides comprehensive information on volunteer roles and upcoming events. Enthusiasts can fill out volunteer applications and express their preferred positions or areas of interest. SCCA encourages a hands-on approach, allowing volunteers to learn and develop their skills while immersing themselves in the thrilling world of motorsports.
To participate one may also need to choose one of the three memberships offered and pay corresponding dues: National – Family at $105 annually; National – Individual at $80; Weekend at $20. The online portal has all the necessary information and forms such as waivers, full and provisional driver licenses, novice and competition permits, and others.
NASCAR Corner Marshals and Formula 1 Volunteer Roles
In addition to SCCA's offerings, other prominent racing series like NASCAR and Formula 1 also provide volunteer opportunities; and SCCA participation helps become aware of and secure spots in those races. DriveContact has the chance to interview a few corner marshals, which is one of such volunteer roles, at the NASCAR Chicago Grant Park 220 event in July 2023.
NASCAR corner marshals play a crucial role in maintaining safety during races. They assist in incident response, track cleanup, and ensuring the smooth flow of racing activities. Corner marshals use a system of flags to signal to racing pilots the condition on the track.
For example, Yellow Flag signals caution; Red Flag halts the race; Black Flag requires drivers to exit the track; White Flag tells pilots that only one lap is left in the race. Green flag (indicating that the race started or that it continues) and checkered flag (indicating that the race ended) are some of the most recognized; however, are not used by corner marshals as they are only used around the start / finish line. NASCAR and IndyCar flag and volunteer positions significantly overlap.
Formula 1 volunteer roles vary, but typically include track marshals, fire marshals, and medical personnel. These volunteers are responsible for ensuring the safety of drivers, assisting with vehicle extrication if needed, and providing medical support during races. Both NASCAR and Formula 1 provide dedicated training programs for volunteers to ensure their preparedness for the demanding world of professional racing.
The Sports Car Club of America, along with other prominent racing series, offers an immersive experience for motorsport enthusiasts through volunteerism. By joining SCCA or exploring opportunities in NASCAR and Formula 1, individuals can contribute their skills, learn from experienced professionals, and share in the excitement of auto racing while fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.