TOPEKA, Kan. (Sept. 22, 2003) – Upon completion of the 2003 SCCA National Championship Valvoline Runoffs®, several members were recognized at a post-event banquet Sept. 21 for their work efforts during this past year. Eight awards were given, with seven different regions being recognized. The SCCA members who were recognized were:

Starter – Michael Cantu (San Francisco Region)
Michael, an assistant starter in the San Francisco Region, was honored in recognition of his willingness to fill in as chief starter on several occasions while working every regional event this year.

Scrutineering – Vernon “Vern” Fitch (Central Kentucky Region)
Vern was recognized for the multiple hats he has worn within the SCCA over the past 45 years and especially during the Valvoline Runoffs. Besides being a scrutineer, he has also worked as a wrench, crew chief and technical inspector. Vern has also served as Regional Administrator for Milwaukee Region and worked part time for Road America.

Grid – John Schmale (San Francisco Region)
John split time this year between being a competitor and a volunteer Pit Control Marshall and Flagger. He was also recognized for his exemplary attendance to events.

Timing and Scoring – Clyde Bales (Atlanta Region)
Clyde has been part of the Runoffs as a part of Timing and Scoring for the past 32 years, including this year as well. His contributions over the years have been instrumental in Timing and Scoring, including the introduction of transponders at the Runoffs.

Course Marshall – Ken Ragan (Kansas City Region)
Ken has been a Course Marshall every year at the Runoffs since the event was moved to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. He was nominated for the Worker of the Year for his work as well as his willingness to store and tow an out-of-town driver’s car to the Mid-America Motorplex in Pacific Junction, Iowa, so that the car would not have to stay at an airport for a week.

Registration – Marilyn Russell (Fort Wayne )
Marilyn, working as Chief Registrar of two Double Regionals at Mid-Ohio, Co-Chief of Grattan National and Co-chief of Driver’s School/Regional Gingerman, along with several other duties this year, was recognized for her accurate and complete entry database lists, and more importantly, having a schedule that was useful for most competitors.

Race Chair – Don Howson (Texas Region)
Under Howson, Texas Region has been the beneficiary of many of Don’s visions and goals, including adding the Texas Motor Speedway for SCCA club events. He also laid plans that resulted in directed the beginning of the Texas Grand Prix which features over 300 cars and 10,000 spectators.

Flagging and Communications – Bernice Stanley (Northwest Region)
As a Divisional Administrator, Bernice constantly updates others when rules changes affect them. Her dedication to the SCCA and its well-being has shown itself through her willingness to hitch rides just to make it to the Runoffs on time. Her duties took on an especially harsh foe as she carried out her DA duties while battling cancer this year, the second time she has done so.

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