TOPEKA, Kan. (August 22, 2016) – SCCA Pro Racing has named Mike Collins as its new president beginning September 1, handing leadership of the sanctioning body to the longtime SCCA member and exhibition industry professional.  Collins replaces Derrick Walker, who is resigning after successfully launching the F4 United States Championship powered by Honda in the United States.

Collins, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, brings with him over 20 years of experience in the motorsports and event industries.  He started at the bottom, literally sweeping the floors, and worked his way to the top of one of the nation’s leading special events and exhibition companies.  After running some of the country’s largest trade shows and special events, including multiple presidential inaugurations, Collins left the leadership of that company for the opportunity to pursue a full-time motorsport career.

Collins is the founder and managing partner of Meathead Racing, one of the largest amateur motorsports teams in the United States.  He has successfully raced at every level of the sport and this year competed in the Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires.  Collins has been a dedicated SCCA member for 15 years, serving as a member of the Spec Miata Advisory Committee, a National Scrutineer (2009 Runoffs Line Chief for Spec Miata), the Washington DC Region Licensing Chair, and a Competition Committee Member.  While remaining dedicated to the motorsports industry, he helped launch a new exhibition company in 2011 and most recently served as its Senior Vice President.

Steve Harris, Chairman of SCCA Ventures Inc., said Collins, a native of Washington, D.C., will be in control of Pro Racing’s day-to-day operations, partnerships and budget.

“Mike knows his way around motorsports and has a proven record in event management,” Harris said. “He is the perfect choice to shepherd along SCCA Pro Racing’s F4 United States Championship powered by Honda, Pirelli World Challenge, the Trans-Am Series and Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires, as well as the Atlantic, F2000 and F1600 Championship Series.”

A wholly owned subsidiary of Sports Car Club of America, Inc., SCCA Pro Racing, Ltd. is a leading sanctioning body for professional motorsports events in the United States.  A member of the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS), SCCA Pro Racing sanctions and provides a variety of operational services for the Pirelli World Challenge Championships, the Trans Am Series, the Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich Tires, United States F4 Championship series, Formula Lites and the Formula 1600, 2000 and Atlantic Championship Series.  For more information, please visit www.sccapro.com.

Photo: Mike Collins, new president of SCCA Pro Racing

-30-