LINCOLN, Neb. (Sept. 7, 2016) – The first 37 winners of the 2016 Tire Rack Solo Nationals, presented by Garmin VIRB, received their trophies Wednesday night in Lincoln, Nebraska, along with some special awards honoring members of the SCCA Solo community.
The Solo Cup was awarded to the Berry family: parents Tom and Theresa, and their three daughters Christine, Heather and Lisa. The Solo Cup is presented to Sports Car Club of America members who have made an outstanding contribution to the Solo events program. Winners are selected by the Solo Events Board from nominations submitted by the membership at large.
What started with Tom taking part in local Cal Club autocrosses grew to Theresa joining him, then Christine, then Heather and Lisa. Today, even son-in-laws have joined Berry Family Racing.
“Gosh, I’m not sure what exactly to say,” Tom proclaimed from the stage. “It’s so encouraging to see all the family involvement in our sport.”
The 2016 Driver of Eminence went to Jinx Jordan of the New England Region. The Solo driver who has consistently demonstrated excellence behind the wheel, and an exemplary degree of sportsmanship, dedication and unselfishness receives this honor. The winner is selected by the Solo Events Board from nominations submitted by the membership at large.
“I don’t know what to say. If I start talking I’m going to cry,” Jordan said to the audience at the awards dinner. “Thank you to the whole Solo community. I’ve loved every minute with you.”
Additionally, the Johnson Spirit of the Sport Award went to Eric and Laurie Hyman of the Lone Star Region. This recognition goes to Solo community members who bring the spirit of fun to their fellow participants, as symbolized by the message engraved on the perpetual award: "Johnson Spirit of the Sport Award, presented annually by the Royal Order of the Sheep to a member of the flock that upholds the spirited virtues of Fun, Camaraderie and Tomfoolery.” This award is named in honor of the inaugural recipient, the Exalted Grand Shepherd, Roger E. Johnson. The award is selected annually by the previous three recipients.
Consummate hosts at events, the Hymans are known for consistently throwing great parties. Beyond that, they are also extremely generous to competitors searching for a co-drive and have often offered up their own Street Modified Nissan GTR to those in need.
“I’m shocked to say the least,” Eric proclaimed after receiving the trophy. “Thank you so much. And margaritas for everybody! I love everybody here!”
And finally, the Dick Berger Perseverance Award went to Rocky Entriken from Salina Region. This award, which is being handed out for only the second year, honors those that love Solo no matter the finishing position. Rocky’s last racing trophy was earned 40 years ago, but he hasn’t missed a single Tire Rack Solo Nationals.
For a complete rundown of competition and scheduled events, visit the Tire Rack Solo Nationals webpage. Also follow all the action with live timing, scoring, video interviews and more at SCCA.com.
The Sports Car Club of America, Inc., founded in 1944, is a 67,000-member motorsports organization that incorporates all facets of autocross, rally and road racing at both club and professional levels. With headquarters in Topeka, Kansas, the SCCA annually sanctions over 2,000 events through its 115 Regions and professional subsidiary. Much of the SCCA’s activities are made possible with support from the following Official Partners: Chevrolet, the Official Truck of the SCCA; Garmin VIRB, the Official Camera of SCCA; Hawk Performance, the Official Brake Products of SCCA; Mobil 1, the Official Oil of SCCA; SafeRacer, the Official Safety Provider of SCCA; Sunoco, the Official Fuel of SCCA; and Tire Rack, the Official Tire Retailer of SCCA. To learn more, please visit www.scca.com.
Photo: Jinx Jordan (right) receives the Driver of Eminence award from Howard Duncan, SCCA Senior Director of Solo (left)
