SCCA Honors Members during Women’s History Month

Continuing the celebration of Women’s History Month, the Sports Car Club of America and SCCA Women on Track are working together to profile women in motorsports, with one profile appearing daily throughout March on SCCA Women on Track’s Facebook page. On Fridays, SCCA then compiles those profiles, presenting them on the SCCA website. Today we present seven more women who are blazing tracks and roads with the SCCA.

We invite you to follow along throughout March as daily posts will be made on the SCCA Women on Track Facebook Page, and with the weekly wrap-up available here from SCCA.com.

This week, we jump in with Savera D’Souza, who has participated in international rallies, most recently winning the GPS Class during the 2022 United States RoadRally Challenge. Next up is Michele Abbate, who began with autocross, moved to road racing, and now competes in the SCCA Pro Racing-sanctioned Trans Am Series, winning a scholarship that will further her professional racing pursuit. We also talk to Tana Plescher (a one-year member), Robin Bonanno (a 23-year member), and Fay Teal (who has an impressive 44-year history within the Club). Plus, there’s SCCA Hall of Famer Wilma Dunias and autocrosser, RallyCrosser, and volunteer Tamara Tackett.

Savera D’Souza

Northern New Jersey Region | 8-year member
Program Area: RoadRally

Savera got into Time-Speed-Distance RoadRallying to escape making up a foursome for tennis at the YMCA. Thirteen years later, she has absolutely no regrets. Driven, literally and figuratively, by husband Satish, she won multiple rallies in India, including the Indian National TSD Rally Championship in 2012. She moved to the U.S. in 2014 and quickly became active, running SCCA RoadRally events all over the Northeast and later National SCCA events across the country. Savera has won the National Course Rally championship twice and National Tour Rally Championship three times.

“Rallying has made me travel to places I would otherwise have never visited,” Savera said. “I have also met incredible people passionate about the sport they love. To me, SCCA has been an avenue of new opportunities and adventures. I am glad SCCA is at the forefront of promoting TSD rallying in the U.S.”

Michele Abbate

Las Vegas Region | 9-year member
Program Area: SCCA Pro Racing

Michele started her motorsports career autocrossing with Las Vegas Region in December 2004. She progressed her way through the motorsports ladder on the track and earned her provisional racing license in 2012 while road racing for Scion as a factory driver. In 2019, she made her debut in the SCCA Pro Racing-sanctioned Trans Am West Coast series, which she raced in for three years, becoming the first and only female to earn a podium finish in the Trans Am TA2 category. In 2022, she moved up to the national Trans Am series and made history as the first female to ever compete in a full TA2 season at the national level. In 2023, Michele was chosen for the PMH Powering Diversity Scholarship to aid her efforts in TA2 for the season.

“SCCA is my home – it’s where I started my dream of driving cars, and now it’s what’s hosting my professional career through the Trans Am series,” Michele said. “My heart is with the SCCA, and I am so thankful for all of the opportunities it has provided me to keep chasing my dreams of earning more championships.”

Tana Plescher

Houston Region | 1-year member
Program Area: Solo

Tana, or Nerky, is a mother of two and grandmother of one, a U.S. Navy Combat veteran, and a lover of speed. At 45, she wanted to live her dream of auto racing and joined SCCA. For the last year, she has made her dream come true autocrossing her 2019 Kia Stinger GT2 in F Street.

“The SCCA equals opportunity for me,” Tana said. “I came with only the race experience of my youth. I have always loved to push the boundaries of speed on both land and water. From my very first SCCA race, I have been accepted, coached, cheered on, and welcomed as a racer. Not many people can walk into a club as a new member and get all of that from day one. Racing with SCCA provides a space for me to make new friends, bring old ones into the sport, and introduce more awesome women into the sport.”

We can’t wait to see how much more #funwithcars Tana continues to have.

Robin Bonanno

Central Florida Region | 23-year member
Program Area: Road Racing

Robin is an accomplished road racer who started in a Spitfire and now races a Formula Atlantic. She’s been involved with the SCCA on and off since 1974 with several amazing experiences throughout the years. From crewing for Janet Guthrie, to helping her brother put a GP Spitfire on the podium at the Runoffs in the late 1970s. She’s driven open- and closed-wheel race cars along the way too, including a Formula F and a Formula 500. She’s an advocate for the Club and a mentor to new racers and corner marshals. “The SCCA has become my home away from home, and I love it,” Robin said. We love your dedication too, Robin.

Fay Teal

South Jersey Region | 44-year member
Program Area: RoadRally/Stage Rally

Fay shared her father’s passion for cars and motorsports, and as soon as her children were grown, she set out to realize her dream of becoming a racecar driver. She joined the South Jersey Region in 1978, following in her father’s footsteps, and quickly became active in road racing, autocross, and RoadRallies both as a volunteer and a competitor. Fay met her soon-to-be husband David Teal while both were serving as volunteer race officials in the SCCA.

Just as she realized her dream of earning a competition license after attending SCCA Driver’s Schools at Pocono Raceway, Fay was diagnosed in 1981 with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Fay was never one to let her 40-plus-year battle with a progressive and ultimately fully disabling disease overcome her adventurous spirit and love of motorsports.

Fay founded Laps to Conquer MS (LCMS) in 1989 to raise awareness of MS and do fundraising for research into treatments to help those suffering from MS. LCMS competed for 25 consecutive years in the grueling Cannonball One Lap of America rally, logging over 195,000 interstate miles and raising over $250,000 for MS research. LCMS also competed in – and won – the Nevada Open Road Challenge, and was the event charity for numerous SCCA races over the years. Fay was featured in Car and Driver magazine and earned many awards and recognitions for her work and accomplishments with LCMS.

Fay’s love of motorsports and its people will continue to inspire all of us for years to come.

Wilma Dunias

Texas Region | 56-year member
Program Areas: Volunteer for Road Racing, Solo, and RoadRally

Wilma Dunias has experienced all areas of the SCCA during her 56 years as a member. From winning Regional and Divisional Class Championships in Solo during the late 1970s to designing, preparing, and conducting several Regional rallies, including the Big Bend Bash Pro-Rally, Wilma and her husband Costa have found a true home with strangers who have become family.

“SCCA is a tight network of people with whom we have a common interest in cars and with whom we have shared our lives,” she said. “These years have created an inseparable bond. We not only share experiences with our cars, but we share our beliefs and philosophies, wins, victories, and losses as well as other life events including weddings, births, educations, new homes, new businesses, illness, and even passing of our fellow members and those in their lives. It really is true that all that we bring into lives of others does come back to us.”

Wilma and her husband were inducted into the SCCA Hall of Fame this year, and Wilma was also the recipient of the 1985 John McGill Award for significant contributions to the SCCA Road Racing program. Her efforts have ranged from serving as pit crew, to the National Administrator of Timing and Scoring, Runoffs Competitor Services Team, and Pace Car Communicator.

We’re thankful that Wilma likes to have #funwithcars, and we can’t wait to continue to join her for years to come.

Tamara Tackett

Ohio Valley Region | 6-year member
Program Areas: Solo, RallyCross, Volunteer for Region 

Tami Tackett was new to the idea of any kind of performance driving in 2017. After seeing her husband compete in his first Solo event in over 10 years, she said, “I could do that!” After five years, four Ohio Valley Region Ladies Solo Championships, and a dive into RallyCross, Tami has shown that she can do it all. Tami has also stepped up to be the Region’s secretary, so it’s safe to say the SCCA is a big part of her life now. She has also won the Novice of the Year award and finished second in the Regional Street AWD class two years in a row. All this #funwithcars couldn’t be contained to just the pavement, so Tami started RallyCrossing in 2020. By day, she is a registered nurse at the elementary and middle school level.

“The SCCA has represented an opportunity to be a part of a community of volunteers and fellow car enthusiasts that are great people,” Tami said. “The opportunity to compete in a safe operating environment where competition isn’t the only thing that matters has meant a lot to me and my family. The SCCA offered the chance to try something that I never thought I would try and the opportunity to feel good about doing it.”

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re kicking off the 2023 SCCA Women on Track March Showcase with three amazing women who have made their mark not only in history, but amongst their fellow competitors.

This week’s profiles run the gamut. Case in point, we begin with Dee Sanders Schweikle, a 55-year member autocrosser from Central Kentucky Region, and immediately progress to two-year member RallyCrosser Valerie Hansen, who says that joining the SCCA has been like adopting a new family. We wrap up our first post with a familiar face, Tere Pulliam, who’s served the Club in many leadership roles.

We invite you to follow along throughout March as daily posts will be made on the SCCA Women on Track Facebook Page, and a weekly wrap up will be available here on SCCA.com.

Dee Sanders Schweikle

Central Kentucky Region | 55-year member
Program Area: Solo

Dee was born and raised in Danville, KY. After earning two college degrees from the University of Michigan, Dee moved back to Kentucky for a job and was introduced to Central Kentucky Region of the SCCA, as well as George Schweikle. The two married in 1968 and honeymooned among some cones! In 1973, the couple drove an Alfa to St. Louis to compete in the very first Solo National Championships, and haven’t missed one since. More recently, they’ve opted for towing the car with a motorhome, and are very much looking forward to celebrating the 50^th running of the Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships this September in Lincoln, NE, with more than a thousand of their closest friends. To Dee, the SCCA means “fun traveling with my husband, making friends, and visiting places all over the USA.”

Valerie Hansen

Ohio Valley Region | 2-year member
Program Area: RallyCross

The SCCA has been like adopting a new family for Valerie. It’s not just the on-track activities, but the fellowship and laughs make the community of SCCA the most rewarding. Valerie has made many valued friends through the Club, and hopes that her efforts behind the wheel and around the paddock encourage all women, young and old, who have an interest in motorsports to just do it! You may come for the cars, but you definitely stay for the people.

Tere Pulliam

Atlanta Region | 25-year member
Program Area: “I’ve done it all!”

From Solo to HillClimb to volunteering to RallyCross, Tere has been involved in every area of SCCA and currently serves on the SCCA Foundation board as the SCCA Women on Track liaison. She served the Atlanta Region as Regional Executive for six years and represented Area 12 on SCCA’s Board of Directors for six years. The SCCA has become Tere’s extended family. “I have so many friends I would never have met had it not been for my involvement with the Club,” Tere said. “There will always be a special place in my heart for the opportunity to have served the members – my family – on the Board.” When she’s not having #funwithcars, you can find Tere working with dentists through the Dental Advocacy Group, a rewarding way to keep her in dentistry after being a hygienist for over 30 years.

This week, SCCA Women on Track’s profiles run the gamut, from 50-year member Carol Cone to a pair of near-high-school graduates who are not only college bound, but also racing together with their family. There’s also SCCA stalwart Cindi Lux, whose name has become synonymous with top-level performance both in SCCA Road Racing and SCCA Pro Racing. There are plenty more profiles below, so keep reading.

Elizabeth Jolly

New England Region | 8-year member
Program Areas: Solo and Road Racing

Elizabeth, or EJ, is a veteran autocross driver who has begun the transition into SCCA Road Racing. She has completed two Club Racing Experiences and plans to begin racing in the SE30 class next. She advocates for the sport, even tempting her friend Audra Teller into trying road racing. As EJ talked about her second day in CRE she exclaimed, “That was so great! I felt like, man, I can do this, it’s OK.”

She is a Porsche and BMW aficionado and really likes the community of her new SE30 racing buddies. We can’t wait to see how EJ continues to have #funwithcars.

Madison Kleck

Lone Star Region | 1-year member
Program Area: Road Racing

Madison, or Maddy, Kleck started kart racing in 2018 and has since graduated to SCCA Road Racing along with her twin sister Elise and younger brother Cole. Making it a family affair has given Maddy the opportunity to spend quality time with her family and do something she loves. Maddy has been racing an F4 U.S. Championship car in SCCA’s Formula X class at Motorsports Ranch Cresson and Hallet Motor Racing Circuit, as well as testing with Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsport. She and her sister are graduating from high school this May, and they plan to do more road races this summer, branching out to events beyond Texas. In the fall, Madison will be attending Baylor University and has been accepted into their Engineering Program.

Maddy says that the SCCA has given her the opportunity to do what she loves. “The support, knowledge, and equality in a predominantly male sport has made all the difference,” she said. “I don’t feel like a woman trying to compete in a male sport. SCCA has provided an equal playing field that encourages women to compete alongside men.”

Elise Kleck

Lone Star Region | 1-year member
Program Area: Road Racing

Elise Kleck, like her twin sister featured above, started karting in 2018 and has moved up to SCCA Road Racing. In her first Formula X race at Hallet Motor Racing Circuit, she finished on the podium. She and her sister are graduating from high school this May, and they plan to do more road races this summer, branching out to events beyond Texas. In the fall, Elise will be attending Baylor University, studying business and entrepreneurship.

To Elise, the SCCA is an amazing organization that provides knowledge, support, experience, and guidance to its members and drivers. “Where else would a girl who loves cars and racing as much as I do have the opportunity to compete at this level?” she said. “It’s because of the SCCA that I can compete and continue to feel confident that women do have a place in motorsports.”

Cindi Lux

Oregon Region | 36-year member
Program Area: Pro Racing

Cindi is a smiling face in the SCCA Pro Racing-sanctioned Trans Am Series paddock you won’t soon forget. She started racing in 1987 at Willow Springs in California, and has since won 14 road racing championships with more than 95 victories, over 170 podiums, and well over 50 pole positions. She has spent the last seven years racing in the SGT class with the Trans Am Series in a Dodge Viper. In her 26 races, she’s racked up 10 wins, nine second place finishes, five third place finishes, 13 poles, and set nine track records. She is very grateful for her time with the SCCA and knows the foundation for a successful pro career is thanks to her SCCA Road Racing background, where it all started. We will continue to cheer Cindi on during this – and hopefully many more – seasons of Trans Am competition.

Lauri Burkons

Neohio Region | 34-year member
Program Area(s): Volunteer for Road Racing & Time Trials

In 1989, when Lauri found out that she could participate in motorsports without being a driver, she jumped at the chance. The following year, she became a flagger at her local events and ultimately found her way to professional racing. She served as a Champ Car series flagger and observer in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but also kept active in SCCA Road Racing events.

“I found out what a racing ‘family’ is, so I stayed,” Lauri recalled. “The friendships have developed over time, and there are so many people I would not know or love if I had not been introduced to SCCA.”

This year, Lauri blazed a trail by becoming the first woman appointed as Executive Steward of Great Lakes Division.

We’re looking forward to seeing Lauri continue to be an example and mentor for future SCCA Women on Track.

Carol Cone

Atlanta Region | 50-year member
Program Areas: Solo & Volunteer for Road Racing

Since first attending the Solo National Championships in 1973, Carol has been involved in many aspects in the SCCA, specifically the Southeast Division, behind the wheel and behind the scenes. At 80-years old, she is still autocrossing and volunteering Regionally, and competing at SCCA Solo events Nationally.

Layne Lindemann nominated Carol for this year’s SCCA Women on Track showcase, and had this to say: “She was one of the first women I met in our local Region when I first started coming. When I found out her age and that she was still racing despite not being super competitive, it was my first true understanding of what the SCCA and Solo has come to mean to me. She does it because it’s fun. It challenges her. The camaraderie is unsurpassed. And seeing the joy on her face when she is helping a newer driver or a novice is one that needs no explanation. If you’ve ever had #funwithcars at an SCCA event, experienced a flyer run, or saw a student you taught perform the skill you just showed them, you know the look – and the feeling. If you see Carol at an event, you should definitely take the time to chat with her. And when you leave the conversation having lost track of time in some of her fantastic racing stories, and maybe even learned a thing or two, you will understand what the SCCA has meant to her and the impact they’ve had on each other.”

Alison Lee

Detroit Region | 5-year member
Program Areas: RoadRally & Solo

Alison started participating in SCCA events by coming to autocross with Sawyer Stone and riding along. After one event, she wanted to get behind the wheel and drive too. After a year of autocrossing together, the pair started competing in RoadRallies with Sawyer navigating and Alison driving, but the fierce competitor in Alison wanted to win, so she traded seats. After switching, their scores dropped, and she was hooked. Two years after her first rally, Alison navigated her way to the 2020 RoadRally National Championship in Stock class, and USRRC wins in 2020 and 2022. Alison has also taken on the role of co-chair for Son of Sno*Drift, carrying on one of the longest-running rallies in the Detroit Region.

“I’ve always been interested in cars and competition but never found an outlet for it,” Alison said. “SCCA introduced me to new ways to have #funwithcars and have fun with so many great people.”

Our celebration of Women’s History Month continues this week with seven profiles of women making their mark on the Sports Car Club of America® and the world of motorsports.

The SCCA Women on Track (WOT) profiles kicked off on Friday, March 3, with three exceptional members Dee Sanders Schweikle, Valerie Hansen, and Tere Pulliam. Week two took a look at seven extraordinary female members, like international rallier Savera D’Souza, autocrosser-turned-pro racer Michele Abbate, new member Tana Plescher, plus Robin Bonanno, Fay Teal, recent SCCA Hall of Famer Wilma Dunias, and RallyCrosser Tamara Tackett. The third week’s profiles included a look at Elizabeth Jolly, sisters Madison and Elise Kleck, pro racer Cindi Lux, Lauri Burkons, autocross stalwart Carol Cone, and Alison Lee. And once again thanks to SCCA Women on Track, this week we meet more exceptional members of the SCCA: Tracey Burckhard, Taylor Hyatt, Lisa Tanin, Skye Romanoff, Maite Caceres Grolero, Valerie McCammon, and Jennifer Samardak.

We invite you to follow along throughout March as daily posts will be made on the SCCA Women on Track Facebook Page, and a weekly wrap up will be available here on SCCA.com.

Tracey Burckhard

Mohawk Hudson Region | 13-year member
Program Area: Solo

Tracey got hooked on autocross after her first time participating in 2009. Her husband introduced her to Solo events and it became something fun to do together along with their children. In addition to driving, Tracey is also a Tire Rack Street Survival instructor, a Solo Safety Steward, a Solo Advisory Committee member, a WOT Solo Committee member, and an activities director. She was a 2021 Wendi Allen Scholarship recipient and the 2021 G Street Ladies National Champion.

“I am very passionate about autocross and do it with my whole heart,” Tracey said. “I have been committed to the sport competitively, but thoroughly enjoy helping others and enjoy the personal connections made at SCCA events that have turned into a race family.”

Taylor Hyatt

Washington DC Region | 21-year member
Program Areas: Road Racing, RallyCross, Volunteer

As a third generation SCCA member, Taylor has been having #funwithcars for longer than many her age. She started volunteering anywhere she could at a young age to hold her over until she could get behind the wheel. When the time finally came, she started RallyCrossing before moving to Track Events and Time Trials. She’s been road racing for a bit now, and has her sights set on the 2023 SCCA National Championship Runoffs at VIRginia International Raceway this fall. To Taylor, the SCCA means an endless stream of fun with the people she enjoys the most.

Lisa Tanin

Milwaukee Region | 4-year member
Program Area: Solo

Lisa began autocrossing about three years ago on a whim, after her husband suggested they try it. She immediately loved it and has been building her Volkswagen Golf R for the track ever since. She’s looking forward to participating in some Track Events and Time Trials this year at Road America. When not on the track or in the garage, Lisa is focused on her career in regulatory affairs.

“SCCA and Women on Track has meant community, opportunity, and encouragement to do what I love,” said Lisa.

We can’t wait to see what her #funwithcars brings next.

Skye Romanoff

San Francisco Region | 3-year member
Program Area: RallyCross

Skye is in her second year of hosting SCCA RallyCross events in Northern California, and fifth year of participating as a driver.

“I very much enjoy working with SCCA, as the RallyCross community is like none other,” Skye said. “We are all here to support each other and build with each other. Also, the support SCCA provides women in the industry is another reason I support this sanctioning body. We need more women in the industry, and being a female racer with SCCA, I have felt extremely welcome.”

Skye has recently been invited to test with Fern GP, a British Formula 3 team, with a goal of driving in the 2024 season. She still plans to continue rallycrossing, and is extremely grateful for the opportunities it has opened up for her.

Maite Caceres Grolero

Connecticut Region | 2-year member
Program Area: Pro Racing

Maite is an Uruguayan racing driver who ran with the SCCA Pro Racing-sanctioned Formula 4 U.S. Championship in 2022. She was the first female driver from her country ever to race internationally. Beginning her career in karting in 2019, she was vice-champion of the Rotax DD2 class in 2020 and finished with three podiums in Uruguayan F4 before coming to the United States to race.

“The SCCA has been a great support system for entering motorsports in the U.S.,” Maite said. “When I first approached with questions about the categories and licenses, the team was super helpful.”

Maite used her F4 U.S. experience to secure a spot in the newly formed F1 Academy, where she will be driving for Campos Racing during the 2023 season. In addition, she also plans to continue her studies as a chemical engineering student at IQS in Barcelona, Spain.

Valerie McCammon

Fort Wayne Region | 36-year member
Program Areas: Volunteer for Solo and Road Racing

Valerie initially got involved with the SCCA because of her husband, Pat, who loved his behind-the-wheel driving involvement in both autocross and road racing, and in later years as a road racing steward. While Pat would have gladly put her behind the wheel of any of his race cars, Valerie isn’t really a risktaker in any form, and trembled at the thought. But that didn’t stop her from finding another way to become involved. She is a key part of the Fort Wayne Region and Great Lakes Division as a volunteer who is always ready to be on a committee, organize an event or party, cheer on others at driving events (unless they were Pat’s competition, of course), and serve as a Region and Division officer.

“For me, the fun of SCCA membership has been the opportunity to encourage others to get involved in their own way, too,” Valerie said. “Now, you’ll find me encouraging others to look for ways to be involved in the way that fits their interests.”

SCCA membership has meant over 35 years of countless weekends at Solo events and road racing tracks with her husband. As important as that time was shared with each other, it has also meant the development of lifelong friends, both in their local Region, across the Division, and nationally as Pat expanded his steward role.

“These friendships have continued through my recent life changes following Pat’s death,” Valerie continued. “It was my SCCA family who reached out within those first hours, and it is these friends who continue to encourage me in countless ways as I stay involved and as we share treasured memories, laughter, and the joy of friendship made possible by SCCA involvement.”

Jennifer Samardak

Tennessee Valley Region | 3-year member
Program Area: RallyCross

Jennifer is an active member of her local Subaru community and strives to decrease barriers of access to motorsports. She organizes events for a local group and is constantly engaged in outreach and supporting ongoing development of automotive resources. During the 2022 RallyCross season, she sought to make her own track car available to others in an effort to increase exposure and was successful with introducing many folks to their first RallyCross event. Jennifer consistently encourages others to participate in motorsports, providing informal education at every opportunity to tell people how they can safely get their vehicle on track – regardless of what that track material is.

“The SCCA and local organizers have provided the resources so that I can do race car things,” Jennifer said. “I participated in my first RallyCross in March 2019. Prior to that, I had zero automotive competition experience. I was hooked, and I have not stopped being engaged with race car things.

“SCCA events have introduced to me to amazing and supportive people and have shown me that you can ‘run what you brung’, as long as it meets safety standards. My daily driving skills are better, my road focus is better, my skills to avoid collisions and to bring my car back when it loses control are better. I am a better driver and a more confident person because of my SCCA experiences. Racing gives me zen.

“SCCA has provided me with more than a dirt track, it has provided me with a community, a grounded life philosophy, a distinct increase in confidence, and fabulous moments of achieving true mindfulness when behind the wheel.”

Throughout the month of March – Women’s History Month – SCCA Women on Track has highlighted female SCCA members who have made their mark in a male-dominated sport. Each day, posts have been made on the SCCA Women on Track Facebook page to celebrate those accomplishments, showcasing those who push the limits in their dream to have fun with cars. Then each Friday, that week’s profiles have been presented here on SCCA.com. This being the final day of the month, we conclude the series with seven more amazing Club members.

This week’s SCCA Women on Track profiles clearly illustrate the diversity in every aspect of the Club. For starters, meet Tara Shapowal-Lau, a San Francisco Region member who has been wildly successful killing cones, claiming two SCCA National Championship titles during her eight years with the Club. Then there’s 32-year member, racer, and volunteer Stephanie Funk; 32-year member and four-time Solo National Champ Lorien Feighner; 31-year member Sydney Davis Yagel, who has done everything from race to officiate pro races; 28-year member Alison Turpin, whose work behind the scenes at pro races put her at the track as often as 32 times in one year; seven-year member and previous Wendi Allen Scholarship recipient Chelsea Tattershall; and comparative newbie Sarah Clinger, who has been autocrossing and RallyCrossing for two years.

You can find an archive of all women featured in this year’s showcase by scrolling down on the SCCA Women on Track webpage.

Tara Shapowal-Lau

San Francisco Region | 8-year member
Program Area: Solo

Tara is a two-time Solo National Champion, National trophy winner, and first female to win the Golden Gate California Regional Porsche Club PAX trophy. She’s obsessed with racing and has a special passion for Porsches, currently competing in a 2011 GT3 RS with her husband and coach, Steve Lau. She’s been autocrossing since 2015, and can be found at most of the West Coast Solo and ProSolo events. Tara is also one of the SCCA Women on Track Solo Committee members. Prior to SCCA competition, she could be found flying helicopters, modifying Sea-Doos, and working on her various cars.

Tara loves the fierce competition and strong social connections that SCCA provides. “The Club pushes drivers to improve, but also provides a fun atmosphere in different locations around the country,” she said.

Stephanie Funk

New England Region | 32-year member
Program Area: Road Racing and Volunteer

Stephanie has been a long-time racer and volunteer, as well as a driving coach for teenagers. She won the 2017 and 2018 Conference Championship for HP in the Northeast – the first woman to do so – and has had a number of championships in ITC and in HP. When not running in SCCA’s U.S. Majors Tour, she can be found racing motorcycles.

“SCCA has been my family of choice for over three decades now,” Stephanie said. “I grew up while in the Club and learned to stretch my limits, proving to myself over and over that ‘no’ is really all in my head. It has given me courage and compassion and it also gave me my husband.”

Sydney Davis Yagel

Houston and Indianapolis Regions | 31-year member
Program Areas: Road Racing, Pro Racing, Volunteer

Sydney grew up outside of Houston, Texas, in an SCCA family attending her first race at six-weeks old. Back then, Texas World Speedway was a different kind of playground that involved bicycles, plastic kiddie pools, and learning the ropes of gridding cars before it was technically legal. When she was old enough, her dad sent her off to racing school (finally!) and she took to the track for her first ITE race in the family Miata. Soon after, her skills were noticed by the Houston Region leadership, and she was recruited to be the Race Chair for local events. After 10 years behind the wheel, she decided to focus more on the operations and administration of events.

Having been involved with the Grand Prixes of Houston and Louisiana, Sydney was next recruited for additional pro races at Circuit of the Americas, including Formula One, WEC, and MotoGP. The experience she gained led to a role with SCCA Pro Racing overseeing the F4 U.S. and FR Americas Championships, which meant a move to Indianapolis. She eventually became the youngest and first female General Manager of SCCA Pro Racing. Her involvement with the two FIA-certified championships opened the door to more international opportunities, including serving as Deputy Clerk of the Course for Formula E and stewarding for the W Series. She’s excited to see where her stewarding and clerking journey leads. Yearly, she attends the SCCA National Championship Runoffs to volunteer on grid to say howdy to her friends and enjoy her roots.

“SCCA has always meant family; whether it’s growing up at the track with my family or continuing life-long friendships with people who have become family,” Sydney said. “Some of my favorite moments in life have included my SCCA family, including meeting my husband at the track and our engagement during the annual Houston Region banquet. I’m forever grateful for the support and opportunities that have come through the SCCA, and it will always be a part of my life. No matter how much time passes, everyone always picks up where we left off. As many have said before, we come for the cars, but we stay for the people.”

Lorien Feighner

Saginaw Valley Region | 32-year member
Program Area: Solo

Lorien’s SCCA life began in the early 1990s when she started attending Regional autocrosses with her husband. With some encouragement from other female drivers, she started driving, too. It took some time, but eventually her competitive nature kicked in, and she was hooked. In addition, she has also served on the Saginaw Valley Region executive board in a variety of positions. Lorien and Velma Boreen created the popular SVR Ladies Day Solo event, and Lorien continues to chair it annually. Her greatest driving achievement is four Solo National Championships, all in ESPL.

“The best thing about being an SCCA member is the lifelong friendships that I have made,” Lorien said. “And after all these years, the last two have been the most fun, mentoring and competing with a new woman driver as she begins her SCCA journey.”

Sarah Clinger

Northwest Ohio and Steel Cities Regions | 2-year member
Program Areas: Solo and RallyCross

Sarah found autocross through her boyfriend, now fiancé, in 2021 and immediately got hooked. She just finished her rookie seasons in Solo and RallyCross, and her accomplishments include being the DSL winner during the Charlotte Solo National Tour, collecting various local trophies in Open class in both autocross and RallyCross, and being a Steel Cities Region novice season winner. She’s loved the opportunity to get involved in SCCA functions with the SCCA Women on Track Solo Committee.

“SCCA Solo has been one of the main drivers of my healing after an abusive relationship, as it’s given me something hard and rewarding to focus on,” Sarah said. “I’ve been able to turn my life around in part due to focusing on SCCA.”

We’re grateful to be a part of her journey, and we can’t wait to see what she achieves next.

Alison Turpin

New England Region | 28-year member
Program Areas: Road Racing and Pro Racing

Alison was practically born into the SCCA family. From the moment she and her older brother were born, they spent most summer weekends at one of several tracks: Lime Rock (their “home” track), Briar (now NHMS), Watkins Glen, and the frequently wet Pocono. Technically joining the SCCA in 1981, Alison has been through several minor and teen programs with the SCCA and is still a member today. Through the years, she served as crew for her dad and brother, worked corners (including at several Petit Le Mans), and has recently gotten behind the wheel for driving events with New England Region at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Being born into a racing family, Alison put her sights on a career in the industry at an early age. After college – and with a telecommunications degree – she started knocking on doors and walking up to camera operators at races asking how she could make her way into the broadcast world. Over the last 18 years, she has worked for several companies to cover ALMS, IndyCar, IMSA, F1, Grand-Am, WEC, GRC, and NASCAR. After more than a decade of 32-plus race weekends a year, she has started scaling back and only works IndyCar races, where you can find her along the yard of bricks across from start/finish for the Indianapolis 500.

“I have spent my career in a very male-dominated world fighting and cheering for women,” Alison said. “I am in awe, recently, of how many women have kicked down the doors and fought their butts off to be recognized and accepted into several aspects of racing. One of the highlights of my career was watching front row and center as Simona and Paretta made the cut for the 500. I believe women in racing are some of the most special people out there because they have truly fought for where we are today. SCCA has allowed me to have #funwithcars and meet a great group of people in the process.”

Chelsea Tattershall

Colorado and Continental Divide Regions | 7-year member
Program Area: Solo

Chelsea has been an enthusiastic member of her local autocross community for several years. She was even promoting SCCA Autocross to other female drivers after only three years behind the wheel herself. Serving as the chief of workers for both the Colorado Region and Continental Divide Region’s programs, she was also one of the 2022 recipients of the Wendi Allen Scholarship, an award that provides funding to women in the Solo program to compete in Solo National Tours and the Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships. Chelsea made the most of her opportunity, and participated in both the Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo Championship Finale and Solo National Championships. At the ProSolo Finale, she finished 12th in Ladies Class 2, and in the Solo National Championships, she finished fourth in the Street Touring Ultra Ladies class.

“SCCA is like my family,” Chelsea said. “I love the community and friends we have made over the years. It’s also the most fun and memorable times I have racing and meeting new people. I have tried hard these last few years to promote women in racing and have moved more women into positions in our Regions. SCCA has given me so much, and I hope to return it each year.”

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SCCA Women on Track (WoT), a part of the SCCA Foundation, honored a woman in our SCCA ranks from across our RoadRally, Solo, RallyCross, Racing-Club and Pro, and Track events – be they Navigators, Drivers, Administrators, Competitors, Crew or Enthusiasts each day of March 2022!

Amongst the women who represented SCCA RoadRally in 2022, we had Jeanne English of CalClub Region, Tracey Contreras Kretch of the San Diego Region, Ruth Nixon from our SCCA Hall of Fame, Cheryl Babbe from the Arctic Alaska Region, and Misty Wiseley hailing from the Texas Region!