How did you get started with SCCA?

My wife made me do it. Seriously. We’d been coming out to the track spectating and crewing for years and Jennifer signed us up for an SCCA Ambassador Tour. She was worried I was getting too asocial and might never come out of my workshop.

What is your current position?

I am currently the Future Former Chief of Tech (AKA Jefe de Escrutinio). Note: Tech is short for Technical Inspection (also known as scrutineering) they are the vehicle inspectors who check all cars and competition equipment for safety and compliance with the rules.

What do you I like about the SCCA?

Rules. I like rules. Ask anyone. Notwithstanding my innate contempt for authority, I do like them. SCCA has some of the best rules around and they are well enforced for safety and fairness. I’ve worked a lot with vintage racing where the rules often require a fair bit of pondering, interpretation and discussion.

Why do you like volunteering?

Mostly the people; workers and drivers alike. With few exceptions, we work together toward a common goal: Safe, fair racing. I can’t overemphasize the support and help I’ve seen Club members offer to each other. We’ve all seen how workers look out for each other, and many of us have seen drivers working late into the night helping a competitor get their car ready for the next day.

What does your role involve?

My main role as Chief of Tech is keeping the freakage to a minimum. We have a terrific crew. A great core of experienced, seasoned “veterans” as well as some new folks who actually stand a chance of surviving to become experienced, seasoned veterans.

What don’t people know about what you do?

For some of us in Tech the work doesn’t stop between races or at the end of the season. There are rules to review, edit, and interpret; There are questions about cars to answer; There are drivers to annoy; There are tools and equipment to purchase, repair or maintain; there are constantly-evolving procedures and forms to revise.

When asked if Allen had any photos for the article he had a great reply. “Attached is a picture taken of me when the tower radioed to tell me that they had ordered a Full Pull.”

A Full Pull means bringing in all the cars from the current run group into Tech Inspection which can be up to 50 or 60 cars all at once. Quite the handful for the small dedicated tech team.

Thank You

Thank you Allen the club & members really appreciates all the work and effort you put to help the racers and volunteers. Allen also received the John McGill Award at the 2017 SCCA National convention. This honor is presented for significant contributions to the Club Racing Program. Want to become part of the Tech team Volunteer today.