Rick Ruth receives the 2024 Solo Cup award
By Steve Laske
This year at the SCCA Solo Nationals the 2024 Solo Cup award, was presented to Rick Ruth of SCCA’s Chicago Region. The Solo Cup, presented annually since 1978, goes to SCCA members who have made an outstanding contribution to the Solo events program. Recipients are selected by the Solo Events Board (SEB) from nominations submitted by the membership at large.
As creator of the Racer’s Theoretical Performance (RTP) scale, Ruth has managed RTP data for more than 40 years. Over the last 22 years, he has maintained both the RTP and PAX autocross indexes, which are used by every SCCA Region in the country. Moreover, for the last several years, Rick has committed upwards of 30 hours a week to analyzing results so data remains correct and functional.
As for Rick’s acceptance speech, it was reported he kept it short by simply saying, “hugs and kisses to everyone.”
Rick, a member of the Solo Nationals Golden Circle which is made up of the remaining drivers that have competed in all Fifty-one Solo Nationals. Based on his recognition for the Solo Cup award and his fifty one years of participation at the Solo Nationals one would gather that this is all he is involved with in SCCA. Yes Rick has dedicated his SCCA life to Solo competition but that is just a piece of Rick Ruth.
Rick joined SCCA and the Chicago Region in 1971 when Team Carrara Autocross Club was brought in to begin the Chicago Region’s Solo program. Rick was heavily involved in Team Carrara, Tri-State Sports Car Council, and now Chicago Regions autocross programs. Even back fifty-one years ago Rick was involved in recording competitor’s performance as a member and chief of timing and scoring at Chicago Region Solo events. Rick was a key figure in timing and scoring at the first ever CenDiv Divisional Solo Championship in 1973, and the next year at the second SCCA Solo National Championship in 1974 both hosted by Chicago Region. In 1978 the Region hosted the CenDiv Divisional Solo Championship and Rick was Chief of timing and scoring. In August of 1981 the Chicago Region hosted the CenDiv Divisional Solo Championship, and in September of 1982 hosted the 10th Solo National Championships which was the last Solo National hosted by a SCCA Region. Rick was the Chief of timing and scoring for both events.
During the first ten years of Solo competition and activities Rick wasn’t just focused on autocross. Members of the Team Carrara group were also interested and involved with road racing. At that time Rick along with his wife Joyce worked Timing and Scoring at the Region’s road races at Road America and Blackhawk Farms. Rick also served the Region for many years on the Solo Events Committee and as Chairman of that committee. He was also elected to serve on the Region’s Board of Directors.
In 2011 Rick was selected and received the Chicago Region Founders Award. His involvement with the Chicago Region and the Sports Car Club of America exemplify the standard for the Founders Award. Rick’s contributions to the growth and success of the Region and his efforts to achieve the values that the Chicago Region founders set for its members exemplify his commitment to the club and the sport.
That Rick Ruth was selected and received the Sports Car Club of America 2024 Solo Cup award emphasizes the dedication he has for his involvement within the club. He continues to lead the way and demonstrate to our members the importance of participation, commitment and enthusiasm. As you can see this recognition of this award is really not based on one thing, it is based on the whole package, what Rick Ruth really is. Thank you Rick for all you have accomplished, your support and friendship.
Hugs and kisses
