From Autocross to National Titles: How SCCA Is Powering Grassroots Racing Growth

During Race Industry Week by EPARTRADE, Michael Cobb, President & CEO of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), delivers a comprehensive update on the health, growth, and future of grassroots motorsports in the United States.With more than 1,800 events across 115 regions and over 100,000 annual participations, SCCA is closing out 2025 at record levels—reinforcing its position as the primary entry point into motorsport for drivers, volunteers, and officials nationwide.In this in-depth conversation, Cobb explains how SCCA continues to grow participation across a wide range of disciplines including autocross, club racing, rally, hill climb, time trials, time attack, track days, and endurance racing, all supported by a membership base of more than 70,000 racers and enthusiasts.🔑 Key Topics Covered in This Interview:• Record participation across SCCA programs in 2025• Why grassroots racing remains the foundation of U.S. motorsports• The success of Track Night in America as a gateway for new drivers• How drivers progress from track days to competition licenses• The massive scale and culture of SCCA Solo Nationals• Adjustments to formula classes and member-driven governance• Growth of spec racing platforms like Spec MX-5 and Spec Mustang• The rise of Time Attack Nationals as a new championship pathway• SCCA’s role in training officials for IMSA, IndyCar and Formula 1• Why virtual conventions are expanding engagement nationwide• SCCA’s long-term mission to increase access, affordability and experienceCobb also highlights how SCCA functions as a complete motorsports ecosystem—serving not only drivers, but also corner workers, stewards, race control officials, and volunteers who ultimately support the highest levels of professional racing.As motorsports continues to evolve, SCCA remains focused on lowering barriers to entry, preserving safe competition, and creating meaningful experiences for everyone—from first-time autocrossers to national champions.This interview is essential viewing for grassroots racers, track-day drivers, motorsports volunteers, series operators, sponsors, and anyone interested in how the next generation of racing talent is developed in the U.S.RACE INDUSTRY WEEK was brought to you by:ETS Racing Fuels, Penske Racing Shocks, ARP, Inc., Scott Lewis Associates, Fifth Third Bank Motorsports, PEAK, Crower, & CTech Manufacturing.#SCCA #GrassrootsMotorsports #AmateurRacing#TrackDay #Autocross #ClubRacing#MotorsportsDevelopment #RacingCommunity#TimeAttack #SoloNationals#SpecRacing #MX5 #SpecMustang#RaceIndustryWeek #EPARTRADE#Motorsports #RacingLife #FutureOfRacing