SCCA Receives FIA Grant to Improve Track Approval Process; Seeks Applicants for Training Program

TOPEKA, Kan. February 13, 2009: A successful application to the FIA has resulted in a $50,000 grant for the Sports Car Club of America’s Club Racing program from the recently developed Motor Sport Safety Development Fund. SCCA Club Racing will use the grant money to improve its track approval process and is currently seeking candidates to take part in a new track safety program.

The FIA Motor Sport Safety Development Fund was created with fines collected from the McLaren F1 team in 2007. Over the next five years, the Fund will disperse this money via three programs: the Officials Skills and Safety Training Program, the Facility Safety Improvement Consultancy Program and the Young Diver Safety Scholarship Program.

Seeking to enhance its track approval process, SCCA Club Racing submitted an application for funds from the Safety Improvement Consultancy Program and was awarded $50,000. With the grant, SCCA plans to expand its pool of track reviewers, who are needed to approve circuit changes that go beyond the scope of a Division’s Executive Steward. The training program will include formal classroom training as well as field experience with SCCA track reviewers and inspectors. By increasing the number of qualified personnel, the track approval process will become quicker and more efficient.

“This grant is a wonderful opportunity for our Club,” SCCA President & CEO Jeff Dahnert said. “Congratulations to ACCUS for securing these FIA funds for American sanctioning bodies. Our Club Racing department has a solid plan in place for their use. Safety is paramount in everything we do at SCCA and we will continue to seek out opportunities such as this to make every effort to keep our participants safe.”

The SCCA Club Racing department is currently requesting applications from individuals interested in becoming a track reviewer and participating in the new training program. Applicants should be knowledgeable with blueprints and technical documents, possess strong communication skills, have motorsports operations and/or safety experience and be able to commit at least five years of participation. Once the training is completed, a track reviewer may be called upon to perform rack reviews for new and/or significantly changed tracks. A description of the Track Reviewer role and a request for resumes will be posted on the SCCA website under the “About SCCA/Careers” section by the end of February.