LOL-SCCA Year End Awards

by Norm Nelson

Ed. Note: This is the second in a series of articles about the history of the major Year End Awards given by LOL to outstanding members.

THE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Rookie of the Year Award is given annually to the driver who excels in his/her first year of driving, who shows enthusiasm in his/her driving, in the Region’s activities, who overcomes his/her fears, and whose enthusiasm helps promote the sport of amateur racing. He/she must be a first time driver in his/her first year of racing.

The Rookie of the Year Award is primarily a performance based award. Doing well in competition is the name of the game. Improving and progressing as a driver as well as being safe and a trustworthy competitor are qualities which will be found in the candidate.

For most rookies, learning how to field a reliable car, how to start a race, dealing with traffic and learning how to safely and cleanly pass and be passed is about all that can be handled. The person selected as Rookie of the year shall have done all of these things successfully and more and also been successful in competition. In addition, placing well in the various championship awards categories will be favorable to a candidate's success. Progressing successfully from a Novice Permit to a National License in one season can also be a consideration when selecting the winning driver.

The requirement that the person be a first time driver in their first year of racing makes this award a true rookie award. In several years the award was given to both an open wheel and closed wheel driver.

Recent recipients are: 1981 - Ryland Roetman / Steve Knapp, 1982 - Bob Nielsen, 1983 - award rested, 1984 - Armand Eshelman, 1985 - Charles Mack / Norm Nelson, 1986 - Dale Sand / Mike Vrchota, 1987 -Glen Brown, 1988 - Jim Nash / Mark Wittibslager, 1989 - Kelley Shields, 1990 - John Lennes, 1991 - Mark Utecht, 1992 - Greg Creamer, 1993 - Glen Wilson, 1994 - Jeff Thompson, 1995 - Mike Langstaff, 1996 - Kathy Malek.

THE DRIVER OF THE YEAR AWARD

This award is given annually to the OUTSTANDING driver who best "carries forth the colors of the Land O’Lakes Region and the Sports Car Club of America during the current season. The Driver of the Year shall have shown outstanding ability as a driver, participated in the activities of the Region with a positive attitude, served as an example to newer drivers, given freely of his/her pride in his/her membership in LOL/SCCA through a positive attitude toward the Region, demonstrated pride in his/her performance as a driver through outstanding efforts to do as well as possible under the event of the most difficult circumstances. The Driver of the Year shall be Outstanding in every respect and shall have served as an inspiration to LOL/SCCA (both drivers and members) in every way.

The Land O’Lakes Driver of the Year award as been given to both drivers whose accomplishments have been solely in the arena of Club Racing and to others who have gone on to become recognized in other areas of motorsport. Many of the recipients have driven in professional as well as club series.

The award notes that this is not entirely a performance based award. Most of the awards for driving are performance based and the distinction of having more to the award than just gathering points sets this award apart and makes it very special. The Land O’Lakes Region Championship Awards, the Central Division Regional Points Championship Awards, The Central Division National Points Championship, and the National Championship (Runofffs) Awards are all points based awards for drivers.

The Driver of the Year in addition to having done well for him/her self in the driving arena, must have given something back to the sport that has given to them the rewards of being able to have an opportunity to race. There are many areas in a volunteer club such as ours that need driver’s expertise and experience. From serving on the Region’s Board of Directors to serving on the Competition Board the driver brings a point of view not necessarily found in other members. Volunteering to teach in the Regions Drivers Schools to continue to help new drivers enter the sport is an activity only licensed drivers may perform. Regional Drivers can help work a National Event and National Drivers can help work a Regional Event. Many of the licensed workers who staff the various specialties welcome the driver who takes an interest in what goes on by the side of the track as well as on it. Many more opportunities to contribute to racing await the Driver of the Year candidate to be.

In addition, the Driver of the Year will have been an excellent driver and an inspiration to those around her/him. Being an accomplished Driver, volunteering to work for the club, and having served as an example to those around her/him is what makes a Driver of the Year.

Recent recipients are: 1974 - Tuck Thomas, 1975 - Dick Kantrud, 1976 - Herman Johnson, 1977 - Bill Deters, 1978 - Paul Brand, 1979 - Craig Taylor, 1980 - Steve Thomson, 1981 - Tony Foster, 1982 - John Hogdahl, 1983 - Jim Derhaag, 1984 - Doug Rippie, 1985 - Harvey West, 1986 - Charles Tolman, 1987 - Jon Brakke, 1988 - Jim Render, 1989 - Steve Kelly, 1990 - Tom Horsman, 1991 - John Schaller, 1992 - Mark Youngquist, 1993 - Jon Brakke, 1994 - Fritz Wilke, 1995 - Scott Hutchison, 1996 - Jay Dekko.

Copyright 1997, Land O'Lakes Region.
Last revised: March 8, 1997