In a move that honors the legacy of SCCA's long-standing commitment to its members while embracing modern communication trends, the SportsCar® brand is set to make a significant comeback. After an 80-year run as a beloved print magazine, SportsCar was discontinued at the beginning of 2024 due to shifting media consumption habits and rising costs. Now, just eight months later, SCCA is reviving the iconic brand by renaming its weekly e-newsletter, previously known as "Up to Speed," to "SportsCar News."
A Nod to Tradition with a Modern Twist
For decades, SportsCar magazine was the go-to source for SCCA members to stay informed about the latest Club news, events, and features. While the decision to discontinue the print edition was met with mixed emotions, the relaunch of the brand as a digital newsletter reflects SCCA’s commitment to evolving with the times while still honoring its rich history.
"The SportsCar brand has always been synonymous with SCCA news and updates," said Kristen Poole, SCCA’s Director of Marketing and Communications. "By reintroducing the brand through our digital newsletter, we're not just slapping the name on; we're enhancing it with content from the same writers who contributed to the magazine, now available on our website. This relaunch comes at a perfect time, aligning with our Championship season and the highly anticipated 'Who Will Win' coverage for Solo Nationals and the Runoffs."
A Fresh Look for a New Era
The shift from "Up to Speed" to "SportsCar News" will bring with it a refreshed design, marking the first major update to the e-newsletter since its launch in March 2020. While the core content – Club news, videos, and member information – will remain, the facelift aims to improve the reader experience and re-establish the newsletter as the go-to source for all things SCCA.
"This year’s pivot away from a printed SportsCar magazine gave us the opportunity to reinvest in our digital communication channels,” added Poole. “This relaunch of SportsCar News is the first step in bringing that brand to life in a new, digital format."
Looking Ahead
The first issue of "SportsCar News" will be delivered on August 27, 2024, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the brand. As SCCA continues to expand its digital outreach and improve online capabilities, members can expect to see further innovations that build on the Club’s storied past while driving into the future.
"This relaunch is just the beginning," said Mike Cobb, President/CEO of SCCA. "We’re excited to see how SportsCar evolves in its new digital format, and we’re committed to ensuring that it continues to serve our members as effectively as it has for the past 80 years."
The return of SportsCar – now in a modern, digital format – is poised to bring a familiar name back into the lives of SCCA members, blending the best of the past with the promise of the future.