Steve Hoelscher – A Successful Driver with a “Go For It” Attitude
I met Steve Hoelscher for the first time at the Dixie Nationals 5 years ago. He was friendly and helpful in recommending a few lines for turns. And then I saw this giant climb into a 1982 MR2 and lay down some incredible times. Watching him run since then, there is no doubt : competition brings out the best in him and he has no problem "going for it". It's great to see people succeeding in motorsports and life and Steve's contribution to SCCA and the Solo program has been significant. Here's a little more about his life, passions and Terrie, the lady who keeps him in line and on "track".
Tim Olsen : Racing B4S2L8
Tim Olsen wandered in to one of our sports car club meetings a few years back. While he grew up around racing and loved watching, he had not been actively involved in driving in motorsports. He had recently purchased an MX5 and we gladly pointed the "way". With Patti's support, Tim started rolling! Skip Barber, Solo Novice schools, HPDE and now he's headed into Time Trial. He may have started late but he's loving the sports, the events and the people. Tim was originally from the cold North but we just about have him "de-yankeetized" and he's becoming a great Southern Driver.
An Interview with a Driver with some History : Jim Burruss
TAC and SCCA's Tennessee Valley Region have some wonderful members and history in Southern Racing circles. It has been my good luck to get to know Jim Burruss and to have come with in inches of buying his Lotus 7 clone... but I was just too tall! His 43 years of running autocross and Solo I events give him a unique perspective... and some of the BEST of stories! I asked Jim to do an interview and share some of his life with us. The cars you see here are just a taste of the evolution of his passion for sports cars.
Mark Kilgore – A Southern Driver that’s “LOVIN’ IT! “
In motorsports and in life, there are many things you decide to try but you are not sure if you are going to like it. You psych yourself up, jump in and go for it! Maybe you walk away saying "well, that was not for me..." but other times, you walk away on wobbly legs yelling "OHHHHHHH... MY GOSH! THAT WAS AWESOME ... WHEN CAN I DO IT AGAIN!?!? " That is often some of the best moments in your life. Mark Kilgore of Birmingham, Alabama jumped in and went right to the top. At SCCA Sediv Jekyll Island Annual Meeting, Mark was recognized as the 2011 SEDIV Time Trial SM Champion in his first year of competition. Is he enjoying his passion? You tell me...
An Interview with Tim Pierce of Area 81 Racing
Meet Tim Pierce co-founder of Area 81 Racing! Tim has a great background in racing and it has lead him to the F1000 Championship Series this year. Tim, his wife Kristen and his son, Alex, share a house in North Carolina with what I understand to be "the largest dog you've ever seen". He works for a company that provides cyber-security systems for nuclear plants all over the US... his plant visits are frequent and the Pierce home has little need of night lights. His driving on track speaks for itself... but one of his best compliments comes from a fellow driver..."He is a gifted driver, I drove behind him at a SARRC Race at Roebling Road... literally inches off his rear wing, worrying him for 16 laps at over 140mph. HE NEVER MADE A MISTAKE."
I think you'll find Tim's story is a great one and his future in F1000 a success story in the making.
A Southern Northern Driver : Tara Knoll
Seven years ago, I corner worked at a CCR solo event with a lady named Tara Knoll. Her passion for the sport was obvious then and what she has accomplished since then is impressive. She is one of our best lady drivers in the South and holds the title of "most infectious laugh" with those who have been around her. She's a Virginia Tech grad and (bad news guys) is engaged to Michael Buck. While Tara has moved north to Maryland, we still proudly claim her as a Southern Driver!
Richard Franklin : A Racer that is .5% in Height but 100% Winner
According to a recent study, statistics on height in America show that only .5 percent of men are taller than 6'4" ... now bear in mind that this study included NBA basketball players and dwarfs. If you are a under 5 foot tall, your chances of playing in the NBA are slim... If you are over 6 1/2 feet tall, you are not going to make it as a famous horse jockey . Of course, it's possible to beat the odds and a great example of that is Richard Franklin!
Fletcher Wulff : SCCA FC Driver on the Move!
Fletcher Wulff may be young but his learning curve is getting old for those he competes against in Formula Continentals! He recently completed his racing season at the VIR Goblins Go taking the SAARC FC 2011 Championship. Weekdays, he is another jean clad student at Greenville Technical College working on an ME degree but for the weekends, he's most comfortable in nomex.
Donna Littlejohn – Hippy Chick and SCCA Solo National Champion
Watching Donna Littlejohn in her Corvette on an autocross course is best described as liquid... and it didn't happen over night. Donna's skills were honed right here in the south at regional autocrosses and they led her to a 2009 SCCA A Street Prepared Ladies National Championship. You will see her driving and working at many events here in the southeast from Solo to PDX and Time Trials. When she's not in the car, she quick to help or advise and her passion for the sport is visible in her smile. On the line when her right foot lifts off the brake and heads toward the accelerator, she is focused and all business. She has learned how to get the most out of her car and to read courses quickly... driving at a National level, there is little room for error with only 3 runs per course. There is however a BIG room in her house that is filled with awards and trophies... proof... that this self proclaimed "Hippy Chick" can DRIVE. Here's a little more about Donna!
George Bugg – F600 driver and D.A. for SEDIV Time Trial Program
If you race in the TVR / Alabama regions, you have no doubt met George Bugg. His experience in Time Trial and Road Racing in SCCA have given him a solid position from which to lead and advise. It's obvious in talking to him that while racing is a real passion, his family and friends are held higher. Those that know him well will tell you that although he has red hair, a red F600 and a red M Roadster... he is even tempered and peaceful by nature. We are proud to have him as a Southern driver. Here's some more about George!
Upcoming Events
- May 19, 2012NASA - SE Pit Bull Brawl
- May 26, 2012SCCA CCR Memorial Monster Road Race
- May 28, 2012SCCA CCR SCR Solo Event at CMP
- June 15, 2012NASA-SE June Jam
