Steve Johnson resigns, heading to Champ Car
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,768
Likes: 2
From: Kings Mt., NC
Steve Johnson resigns, heading to Champ Car
http://www.scca.com/News/News.asp?Ref=390
"TOPEKA, Kan. (Aug. 16, 2005) – Sports Car Club of America, Inc. President and CEO Steve Johnson announced today that he will resign from his post, effective Sept. 15, to become the President of Champ Car World Series LLC.
Johnson served as President and CEO for SCCA since June 2000, assuming the similar role with subsidiary SCCA Pro Racing in April 2001.
“Steve has been a tremendous asset to the Sports Car Club of America,” SCCA Chairman of the Board Gary Pitts said. “On behalf of the Board, we are sad to see Steve go, but wish him the very best of luck with his new position.”
“This is one of those opportunities in your life that you simply cannot pass up,” Johnson said. “I’m very confident in the team that is in place and comfortable to leave the company and Club in its current status. SCCA is financially sound, looked upon as a leader and is in the best position ever within the industry. At the risk of sounding cliché, I’m going out while we’re on top.
“While I’m moving to another motorsports sanctioning body, it is one that is very much a partner to SCCA. I understand SCCA and its strengths. I would not have had this new opportunity without my association with SCCA, and I will remain very loyal to the Club.”
The SCCA Board of Directors will begin the process to position Johnson’s successor shortly."
"TOPEKA, Kan. (Aug. 16, 2005) – Sports Car Club of America, Inc. President and CEO Steve Johnson announced today that he will resign from his post, effective Sept. 15, to become the President of Champ Car World Series LLC.
Johnson served as President and CEO for SCCA since June 2000, assuming the similar role with subsidiary SCCA Pro Racing in April 2001.
“Steve has been a tremendous asset to the Sports Car Club of America,” SCCA Chairman of the Board Gary Pitts said. “On behalf of the Board, we are sad to see Steve go, but wish him the very best of luck with his new position.”
“This is one of those opportunities in your life that you simply cannot pass up,” Johnson said. “I’m very confident in the team that is in place and comfortable to leave the company and Club in its current status. SCCA is financially sound, looked upon as a leader and is in the best position ever within the industry. At the risk of sounding cliché, I’m going out while we’re on top.
“While I’m moving to another motorsports sanctioning body, it is one that is very much a partner to SCCA. I understand SCCA and its strengths. I would not have had this new opportunity without my association with SCCA, and I will remain very loyal to the Club.”
The SCCA Board of Directors will begin the process to position Johnson’s successor shortly."
Trial User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 7,722
Likes: 0
From: Plotting My Revenge
Re: Steve Johnson resigns, heading to Champ Car (maxQ)
Thats unfortunate news for SCCA folks, but its not surprising. I'm sure the fat daddys at Champ Car threw a whole lot more money at him than SCCA could have.
He's done a great job. The club has seen more progression in the past 5 years than it saw in its previous 20. I only hope his replacement continues the trend.
He's done a great job. The club has seen more progression in the past 5 years than it saw in its previous 20. I only hope his replacement continues the trend.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,360
Likes: 0
From: Arlington // Madison Motorsports, VA, USA
Re: Steve Johnson resigns, heading to Champ Car (Catch 22)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thats unfortunate news for SCCA folks, but its not surprising. I'm sure the fat daddys at Champ Car threw a whole lot more money at him than SCCA could have.
He's done a great job. The club has seen more progression in the past 5 years than it saw in its previous 20. I only hope his replacement continues the trend.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yeah some idiots on the Speed board didn't like him for some reason but SCCA has really been looking up since he took the reigns. I hope the positive precedent he set continues with his successor.
He's done a great job. The club has seen more progression in the past 5 years than it saw in its previous 20. I only hope his replacement continues the trend.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yeah some idiots on the Speed board didn't like him for some reason but SCCA has really been looking up since he took the reigns. I hope the positive precedent he set continues with his successor.
Trial User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 7,722
Likes: 0
From: Plotting My Revenge
Re: Steve Johnson resigns, heading to Champ Car (JMU R1)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JMU R1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Yeah some idiots on the Speed board didn't like him for some reason </TD></TR></TABLE>
Nobody that is doing a good job is going to be liked by everybody.
Somebody that is liked by everybody can't possibly be getting the job done.
Period.
Yeah some idiots on the Speed board didn't like him for some reason </TD></TR></TABLE>
Nobody that is doing a good job is going to be liked by everybody.
Somebody that is liked by everybody can't possibly be getting the job done.
Period.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 2,223
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere, doing a rain dance.
Re: Steve Johnson resigns, heading to Champ Car (Catch 22)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Nobody that is doing a good job is going to be liked by everybody.
Somebody that is liked by everybody can't possibly be getting the job done.
Period.</TD></TR></TABLE>
If I start liking you, will you start finishing lower than 3rd?
Somebody that is liked by everybody can't possibly be getting the job done.
Period.</TD></TR></TABLE>
If I start liking you, will you start finishing lower than 3rd?
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster, PA, USA
Re: Steve Johnson resigns, heading to Champ Car (Catch 22)
I really think that the best thing about Steve Johnson is his own personal PR. He promised a lot to the Solo community but delivered less. Here are some examples -
1) Promise - You will have the best equipment
Reality - equipment budgets did not increase and reliability of National timing did not improve.
2) Promise - I will bring new sponsorships to SCCA which will be a boon to you all.
Reality - Although there are lots of new sponsors and corporate connections, the prices of our sport have risen much faster than inflation. In the space of 3 years Solo 2 rulebooks have gone from $10 to $20 and yet the page count has gone down considerable. The price of Nationals rose 10% this year. The price of insurance and sanction fees went up 25% this year. The National touring staff was cut this year. So where is the benefit?
3) Promise - The Solo2 Nationals will have a great new site
Reality - Although Heartland Park is promising, the 2006 Nationals will have one course on a relatively narrow road course that a lot of National Soloists are up in arms about.
4) Promise - This (Solo2 Nationals) is the most important thing for a President to do. I will be here.
Reality - After 2 years Johnson was jetting off to hang with Tony George rather than go to Nationals.
5) Promise - Keep our heritage alive
Reality - Sold the TransAm series to Gentilozzi
Steve spoke a great game and he certainly took the SCCA out of the dark secretive years. But he really did not deliver to the majority of the membership. He was an attractive figure head who looked and sounded like a great corporate leader. Based on his editorials in SportsCar, as time went on, he seemed more interested in SCCA's outward image and corporate alliances than in individual members' needs.
The question is - does the club need a corporate leader? Or does it need a club leader?
regards,
alan
1) Promise - You will have the best equipment
Reality - equipment budgets did not increase and reliability of National timing did not improve.
2) Promise - I will bring new sponsorships to SCCA which will be a boon to you all.
Reality - Although there are lots of new sponsors and corporate connections, the prices of our sport have risen much faster than inflation. In the space of 3 years Solo 2 rulebooks have gone from $10 to $20 and yet the page count has gone down considerable. The price of Nationals rose 10% this year. The price of insurance and sanction fees went up 25% this year. The National touring staff was cut this year. So where is the benefit?
3) Promise - The Solo2 Nationals will have a great new site
Reality - Although Heartland Park is promising, the 2006 Nationals will have one course on a relatively narrow road course that a lot of National Soloists are up in arms about.
4) Promise - This (Solo2 Nationals) is the most important thing for a President to do. I will be here.
Reality - After 2 years Johnson was jetting off to hang with Tony George rather than go to Nationals.
5) Promise - Keep our heritage alive
Reality - Sold the TransAm series to Gentilozzi
Steve spoke a great game and he certainly took the SCCA out of the dark secretive years. But he really did not deliver to the majority of the membership. He was an attractive figure head who looked and sounded like a great corporate leader. Based on his editorials in SportsCar, as time went on, he seemed more interested in SCCA's outward image and corporate alliances than in individual members' needs.
The question is - does the club need a corporate leader? Or does it need a club leader?
regards,
alan
Trending Topics
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,178
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh, NC
Re: Steve Johnson resigns, heading to Champ Car (00R101)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 00R101 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
The question is - does the club need a corporate leader? Or does it need a club leader?
regards,
alan</TD></TR></TABLE>
Depends on whether you're asking a member or a board member. I know what the board would say...
The question is - does the club need a corporate leader? Or does it need a club leader?
regards,
alan</TD></TR></TABLE>
Depends on whether you're asking a member or a board member. I know what the board would say...
Trial User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 7,722
Likes: 0
From: Plotting My Revenge
Re: Steve Johnson resigns, heading to Champ Car (00R101)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 00R101 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The question is - does the club need a corporate leader? Or does it need a club leader?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Both.
Its a club, but it also has competition and needs to manage its assets while keeping the membership happy.
Nobody is perfect, but as an SCCA member I'm alot happier with the organization than I was 5 years ago. It truly is no longer the "Secret Car Club of America."
Now, if you need help you get help.
If you send an email it gets returned.
If you have a question it gets answered.
There is customer service there now. Something that WAS NOT there before.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Both.
Its a club, but it also has competition and needs to manage its assets while keeping the membership happy.
Nobody is perfect, but as an SCCA member I'm alot happier with the organization than I was 5 years ago. It truly is no longer the "Secret Car Club of America."
Now, if you need help you get help.
If you send an email it gets returned.
If you have a question it gets answered.
There is customer service there now. Something that WAS NOT there before.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 604
Likes: 0
From: Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA
Re: Steve Johnson resigns, heading to Champ Car (Catch 22)
I think some of the IT reclassifications and improved responsiveness/openness of SCCA has been great. Also the attempts at an HPDE program.
But yeah some of the political stuff like moving the Solo II nationals and runoffs were goofy.
I guess you have that with any regime...the good, the bad and the political.
- Mark
But yeah some of the political stuff like moving the Solo II nationals and runoffs were goofy.
I guess you have that with any regime...the good, the bad and the political.
- Mark
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
HapaHaole
Road Racing / Autocross & Time Attack
30
Mar 2, 2004 04:11 PM
Grumpy
Road Racing / Autocross & Time Attack
24
Feb 6, 2002 03:13 PM