In 1986, Scott Sharp claimed his first of three SCCA Runoffs Championships with a win in GT-2, less than nine months after completing his drivers’ school. In the spirit of full disclosure, Sharp had eight years of karting experience prior to his SCCA debut and was also following in the footsteps of his father, six-time National Champion Bob Sharp.

In a strong GT-2 field, Sharp was not the favorite to win, but drove a smart race from his sixth-place starting position to claim the title at Road Atlanta, in the iconic red, white, and blue of Newman-Sharp Racing. Along with Sharp’s win in GT-2, Paul Newman took the victory in GT-1, his fourth. Thanks to Newman’s fame, the GT-1 race was reported in USA Today.

Sharp went on to win two additional Runoffs National Championships, in GT-1, before earning Trans-Am titles in 1991 and 1993. He then went on to a successful career in open-wheel racing, claiming nine wins, 18 podiums, and six poles in his IndyCar career. He also holds the records for most career IndyCar Series starts, most consecutive IndyCar Series race starts, most races running at the finish, and previously held the records for most top-ten finishes and most consecutive seasons with at least one race win.