TOPEKA, Kan. (March 26, 2015) – Elisabeth Flannagan, of Philadelphia, and Elizabeth Wildenberg, of Menasha, Wisconsin, were named as the two winners of the Wendi Allen Scholarship for the 2015 Solo season. The two drivers were nominated by the general membership, with the award presented by a committee of well-respected female SCCA autocrossers.

In its second year awarded, the scholarship provides financial support to offset travel costs to National Solo events. In addition, the Club will waive entry fees to National events for these two drivers and work with the Solo community, and its commercial partners, to seek out other forms of support for the winners. This includes, but it not limited to, driver training, mentoring, product support and logistical assistance.

The award is given to two female soloists who not only display a high level of driving talent, but also a deep involvement in the Solo Community.

Flannagan, who works as a therapist for children in foster care, said she has been able to get some good behind-the-wheel experience near her home. Additionally, she will be using the scholarship funds to make sure she is at the Tire Rack National Championships, in Lincoln, Nebraska.

“I haven’t been able to stop smiling since I was notified that I won,” Flannagan said. “It’s the biggest honor I have ever received in my life. To be recognized by these women is truly amazing.

“The Philadelphia region is the best place to be an autocrosser. There are so many opportunities happening throughout the summer months. In fact, I knew that the ProSolo event at MetLife Stadium was going to fill up fast. So just after the event opened, I had to run out to my car in the middle of a ballet class just to make sure I got entered.”

Wildenberg, a student in the occupational therapy program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, was equally happy to have the opportunity to compete in an expanded role with the help of the scholarship funds.

“It feels amazing to be recognized like this,” Wildenberg said. “When I was first told about it, I honestly thought it many have been someone playing a joke on me.

“By winning this scholarship, I can attend a lot more events this season than I would have been able to do otherwise. I have already made plans to go to Wilmington (Ohio) for the ProSolo event, in addition to the mid-season visit to Lincoln (Nebraska) for the Championship Tour and ProSolo events. This will also be my first time going to Nationals. To say the least, I am really excited.”

The selection committee is made up of several influential female Solo National Champions. The committee includes Denise Cashmore, Tara Johns, Beth McClure-Strelnieks, Shelly Monfort and Patty Tunnell.

“Both of these women are dedicated members to their local regions,” Johns, the chairperson for the selection committee, said. “They also show promise and dedication to becoming extraordinary competitors. We are hopeful that both ladies will benefit from the scholarship and use this opportunity to thrive in our sport. We look forward to seeing them both compete on a national level this year.”

“We appreciate all of the nominations we received this year,” Howard Duncan, Senior Director of Rally/Solo, said. “It made the Selection Committee’s job challenging, but they chose two great recipients. We look forward to working with them during the 2015 Tire Rack National Solo season, and beyond.”

The scholarship was developed as a wish of Wendi Allen, a Solo National Champion in her own right, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2012. In November of 2014, Allen lost her battle to the disease, while the scholarship in her name endures as a legacy of promoting female achievement in the male-dominated arena of motorsports.

For additional information on the SCCA Tire Rack National Solo Program, please visit SCCA.com/Solo.

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