Chicago Region receives the SCCA, Tom Burke Award

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The Chicago Region was the recipient of the 2016 Tom Burke Award for Jumbo Regions (over 800 members) at this year’s SCCA National Convention this past January in Las Vegas. The award formerly named the Chairman’s Award prior to 1987, is given to the Regional Executive (RE) of a region in each of the Region Size categories from the preceding year. The other regions receiving this award were Great River Region, Paul Gilbert, RE (Small Region under 200 members), Mohawk Hudson Region, James Bucci, RE (Medium Regions 201-400 members), and Finger Lakes Region, Charles Tanck, RE (Large Regions 401-800 members). The Tom Burke Awards are presented to Regions for exemplary efforts to activate and grow the SCCA and are determined by a weighted combination of membership increase and a region’s effectiveness in reaching its local motorsports community.

The awards are given in honor of SCCA member Tom Burke. His love of SCCA and passion for what we do, not only ignited in others a desire to become SCCA members, but also served as a call to engage in SCCA activities. Mr. Burke’s ambassadorial approach to prospective and current members served as a model for the spirit of the SCCA.

The Chicago Region offers a full range of motorsports events and competition for our members including Club Racing, Solo (autocross), Performance Driving Experience (PDX), and Touring. We have most recently added social events to our list of activities, some stand alone and others in conjunction with our existing programs. The Chicago Region also recognizes its commitment to our community by being involved with charity venues and sanction and operate two annual Street Survival Program events for teen drivers.

The Chicago Region is pleased that our efforts have been recognized and are honored to receive the Tom Burke Award. Rick Bentson, Chicago Region’s RE and the Region’s Board of Directors would like to say thank you to all of our members, volunteers and committees for their individual work to promote the club and ignite the desire in others to become SCCA members. Congratulations to all who share in this prestigious award.