Gwen Habenicht, of Bahama, North Carolina, said that the Solo Triad Award was the result of a season-long goal meant to help her focus on performing well in competition.
"At the beginning of 2014 Jim suggested that I set a goal for myself for the year," Habenicht said. "Achieving that goal would give me focus for the year. I sheepishly admit that winning the SCCA Triad Award was actually my goal for 2014. I have so admired the previous winners, especially the Chic Racers, who are all extremely talented and competitive drivers. I decided to set a goal for myself to join their ranks."
Join them she did. Habenicht scored a D Street Ladies class win at the Dixie Championship Tour by a 1.26-second margin. She then rolled to the Atlanta Match Tour and took the class win by 0.86-second at the controls of her Audi TT. In Lincoln, she completed the third leg of the award by winning the DSL National Championship title by a convincing 3.24 seconds.
"Personally it means a lot that I met my goal,” Habenicht said. "It means even more to be able to stand with lady competitors and SCCA Triad Award winners Laurie, Learic, Shelly, Kim, Michelle and Tara. I am extremely honored."
Unfortunately, the season was not without its hurdles to overcome. While the season started well, there were stormy waters ahead. Following the Dixie Champ Tour event, Habenicht and Feinberg drove across the country competing at Tire Rack SCCA National Solo events along the way.
"In June, the unthinkable happened," Habenicht said. "David and I lost our best friend and co-driver, and I lost my partner and coach, when Jim collapsed at an event and died four days later. My SCCA family stayed with us at the hospital for four days, making sure we were never alone. They have continued to be by my side physically and emotionally, since then. They email and call me routinely to see how I’m doing. They invite me to their homes, urge me to attend events, and help me once I’m there.
"Shortly after Jim died, I told David that I felt like a well-trained circus pony that had lost her Ring Master," Habenicht said. "His immediate response was that together we’d get me my own Top Hat. So, we decided to finish what we’d started this year, and, with mixed emotions, in August we headed west to Lincoln. During the hours we spent on the practice course I developed a plan for my six shots at the two courses on Tuesday and Wednesday. I committed to it, and as it turned out, was able to execute that plan. Again, I have David Spratte to thank for that. He just kept asking me, ‘what's your plan?’ This win made my 3rd National Championship in a row."
With the seriousness of the events of 2014 and the support she received, Habenicht had many people to thank.
"I want to say thank you to all my SCCA family and friends," Habenicht said. "I love this sport and I love you all. A special thanks to David Spratte, Eric and Chris Peterson, Jennifer Bedell, Ginette and Jinx Jordan and Donna Marx. Without your ongoing support, I probably would not have continued. As it is, I have a new car in my garage and I’m excited about the 2015 SCCA Solo season. Thanks again to you all! There are too many of you to list you all, but you know who you are. See you all next year!"
