Region History Highlights
1954
In the beginning we were Nebraska SCCA.
The first official meeting was on March 7, 1954 to form the region and plans were laid out. On March 21, 1954 the articles of incorporation and the by-laws were passed.
The Charter Members of the new organization were L. F. Bollinger, Clyde Bourgeois, Maynard Buchanan, Blaine Carey, Sandy Downs, Richard Ferguson, Loyal Katskee, Joe Mayer (who served as the first R.E. or Regional Executive) and Jerome Ritter.
The articles of incorporation and the charter were filed with the state of Nebraska on April 12, 1954.
1961
December: "The Tony Andersen Trophy dedicated to the outstanding competition driver in the opinion of the licensed competition drivers in the Region, went to Gene Smiley.
1962
April: "National has requested that we encourage more of our members to participate in National Rallies. Their idea was for us to offer a set of Regional trophies for high point (to be determined by National) driver and high point navigator. Your officers approved this plan at the March meeting, and we'll accordingly have two more pieces of travelling loot to award at the Annual Meeting. The idea is being thrown around that the winners must have participated in at least 50% of our Regional events."
June: "SEAT BELTS REQUIRED! ... The importance of belts has been well documented in statistics, and even national rallys require that all cars be so equipped. It appears that in the future belts may be required for all types of events."
July: "In Memoriam ... Dr. Robert C. Byers, known to friends as "Jack," joined our Region in 1958. He lost his life in a one-car crash on Friday, June 22, 1962. A long time enthusiast and former winner of the Golden Rod Rally, Dr. Byers had withdrawn from sports car activity upon the death of his wife, Annibal, almost exactly one year before his own death. Still a member in good standing, he maintained a great interest in Nebraska Region's activities. His loss is a great one to our Region."
November: "In Memoriam ... Dr. Blaine Carey, Norfolk, Nebraska, died Saturday, October 20, 1962, of a heart attack at his home. One of the charter members of the Nebraska Region, it was partly through his efforts that our Region was established. We have called upon him many times for help and advice through the years, and his loss is a great one to our region."
1979
March: Nebraska Region held their first MiDiv Convention. Patc Henry was the convention chairperson; Patt Buell and Molly Riley (Anderson) were in charge of PR; Jerry Doctor coordinated the seminars; Ellen Wilson (Zitzlsperger) and Eileen Berg handled registration; Terry Sanne did all the printing; Steve Frisch lined up the beverages; Leo Ross and Michelle Asay were the bartenders; Bill Berg was in charge of fun and games; and Jan Kilgore was in charge of mental support and overall mischief. The guest speaker was Tex Arnold from National Office.
September: Nebraska Region held the MiDiv Solo II Championships in Grand Island, Nebraska.
1957
The newsletter officially became the "Exhaust Notes" in January 1957.
"Probably of greatest significance is the announcement of a new Nebraska Region Award, the Woody Dunn Memorial trophy. To be presented to the member deemed most valuable to the club throughout the preceding year. This is a perpetual or traveling trophy, gold and white, two feet high and most impressive.
The idea for this recognition came from Roly Styskal and Dave Hollenbaugh. Roly told us he has purchased the trophy, with the intention of donating it to the Region. Everyone who knew Woody will appreciate the thought behind the award, and will understand why such a magnificent trophy should bear the name of this late and great NRSCCA sparkplug. Our deepest and most sincere thanks to Roly and Dave."
March: "Club Badge -- The decision on a Nebraska Region car badge which has been pending for several years now has finally been brought to a conclusion thanks to Jim Lloyd." ... "The badge will be the same size as the National (SCCA) emblem and will correspond in color with red and black. It is a Brooklands type Racing Steering Wheel with the name Nebraska Region spelled out around the middle. It is a very impressive looking design and should be well accepted by the members."
1971
March: "1971 Mid-Div Convention -- This year a precedent has been set. For the first time there has been a general meeting of all regions of SCCA in Mid-West Division."
June: "NRSCCA held its first race (with St. Louis Region) at MAR (Mid-America Raceway in Wentzville, Missouri), The Falstaff Classic, June 12-13."
1972
April: "In Memoriam ... April 4, 1972. I received word this morning of the death of Dale Flesher. Even though I haven't known Dale as long as some of you I feel we all share in the loss of this young sports car buff. Dale joined the Nebraska Region of SCCA in the early sixties and was always an enthusiastic and active member. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his family."
July: "Des Moines Region SCCA has issued a challenge to the Nebraska Region: To come to Des Moines for the weekend of July 29-30 to compete in a weekend of fun, three auto-crosses (to race as teams or individually) and possibly a rally. There will also be a party and dinner on Saturday night." (This event was the first Des Moines vs Nebraska Challenge.)
1973
July: "MiDiv Patches ... The concept of a MiDiv patch was hatched at the '73 convention. The idea for this patch is that it should be general enough to encompass all SCCA activities and still represent the Midwest Division."
1987
June: Several of our Solo II drivers participated in "Waterloo Days" held in Waterloo, Iowa. This was a closed street solo, complete with working traffic lights which caused a few of the entrants to react by hitting their breaks when the lights turned red, only to hit their fists on the steering wheel when they realized they had just ruined their run.
August: NRSCCA hosted the MiDiv Solo II Runoffs at the Lincoln Airport. There were a total of 201 entrants.