After 80 years of uninterrupted publication, the January/February 2024 Edition of SportsCar magazine marks the final regularly released issue. It also signifies the end of SportsCar being produced by Racer Media & Marketing, Inc. Our company has been responsible for publishing the magazine since January 1984, during which time we have delivered a total of 462 issues, representing exactly half of the SCCA’s existence. This special 80th anniversary edition of SportsCar is now available for FREE in digital format.
What follows is the farewell commentary from
In January 1984, Apple unveiled its new Macintosh desktop computer with a powerful Ridley Scott-directed television commercial that aired only once, during Super Bowl XVIII. This commercial echoed the theme of rebellion against conformity found in George Orwell’s dystopian novel from 1949, set in a fictional future. Entitled “1984”, it presented a foreboding vision of a bleak society controlled by adherence to outdated patterns, fear of change, and blind loyalty to an oppressive authority known as Big Brother.
Scott’s homage to Orwell’s “1984” served as the starting signal for a race in the realms of technology and media, propelling humanity further into the digital age. It also foreshadowed a revolution in global media, marketing, and communications, driven by access to information and individual choice.
Interestingly, the January 1984 edition of SportsCar marked the first publication under the ownership of what is now Racer Media & Marketing, Inc., coinciding with the beginning of SCCA’s 40th Anniversary year. However, the journey to this point actually began in May 1983, when Nick Craw assumed the role of SCCA President, embarking on a transformative and record-breaking 17-year tenure.
On his first day as president, Nick successfully convinced the SCCA Board of Directors to approve the proposal from the small company to publish SportsCar. He directed the SportsCar team to embody the excellence of the Club’s programs and the ambitious vision of the ‘new SCCA’. Their aim was to capture the vibrant energy and competitive spirit of the Club’s members. In stark contrast to the slow growth experienced in previous eras of the SCCA, the Club’s membership rapidly increased as innovative new initiatives were regularly introduced. Miraculously, the Club achieved financial stability and accumulated substantial cash reserves.
Nick embraced change like no other president in the history of the SCCA, using it strategically to redefine what was possible. In the early days of our company’s partnership with the SCCA, Nick invited me to share my perspectives on various important matters and his new initiatives. Nick, an accomplished racer, played a pivotal role in introducing the affordable Sports Renault (now Spec Racer Ford Gen3), which quickly outperformed the sales of the recently launched Swift DB1 Formula Ford, for which I had developed the branding and marketing campaign.
At the time, I, a 29-year-old, believed it was unjust for the SCCA to directly compete with the Formula Ford cottage industry that I had dedicated myself to for the past ten years. Nick addressed my concerns by gently stating, “We all wish to maintain our former way of life, but history does not allow it.” These impactful words were originally spoken by the 35th President of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, on the morning of November 22, 1963…
Now, these words help me come to terms with the need to move forward from SportsCar. History has shown that JFK and Nick were correct. The future always prevails. Thus, I extend my deepest gratitude to Nick, who has been an exceptional friend and mentor.
Which brings us to the present, shared by all SCCA members. In 2024, the SCCA operates within a competitive market, offering endless choices and round-the-clock access to goods, services, and immediate satisfaction. Similar to Ridley Scott’s iconic 1984 Apple TV advertisement, we are not enslaved by past patterns or our fear of change.
As the Sports Car Club of America commemorates its 80th anniversary, alongside the final issue of SportsCar that you are currently reading, both of our organizations are turning the page to embrace change and focus on what lies ahead.
And what lies ahead is all about you and the influence you possess in this digital era. The SCCA National Office team is actively working to drive change for the benefit of every member in our remarkable community of doers and high achievers. I am confident that whatever takes the place of SportsCar magazine within the SCCA information ecosystem will be designed to succeed in the ongoing competition to share stories of passion, teamwork, and dedication that define our Club.
It will also be easily accessible, captivating, and engaging in the always-connected world of media and marketing.
In the tabloid format, I would like to acknowledge the current SportsCar Editor, Steve Nickless, who embarked on this incredible journey with me in the Winter of 1977/1978 when the previous publisher, Paul Oxman, secured the contract to publish this magazine. During that time, I was actively involved in creating the SportsCar proposal for Mr. Oxman, assuming the roles of Art Director and Managing Editor, while Steve took on the position of SportsCar’s new editor. However, my peculiar behavior as a young man in California led to Steve’s departure after just three issues in early 1978. Fortunately, he returned to Paul Oxman Publishing in December 1979, after my failed attempt as Editor and my subsequent decision to start my own company due to my realization that I was unemployable.
In addition to his role as SportsCar’s editor, Steve also found the time to launch On Track Magazine in 1981. Shortly after securing the SCCA/SportsCar contract, Steve joined as the publisher and played various important roles throughout the years. Now, after 46 years, Steve and I are crossing the finish line together in this remarkable race that has spanned six decades and two centuries. Just like in the upcoming SCCA era, our efforts have always been about celebrating our fellow SCCA members. Along the way, you have inspired us to give our best and live our lives with passion and dedication.
Before I conclude, I would like to express my gratitude to the teammates who have made a significant impact. Firstly, I want to thank our immensely talented SportsCar art director, Ree Tucker. Not only is Ree the longest-serving art director in the history of the magazine, but she is also the most exceptional.
I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to our Managing Editor, Molly Binks, for her tireless dedication to the Club and our company, where she also serves as the Producer for Racer Studio.
Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the SCCA staff and our internal team.
Moving forward, we look to the future of the Sports Car Club of America and Racer Media & Marketing, Inc. Our collaboration has been fruitful, and I firmly believe that the best is yet to come for the —–
Unforgettable cover art trifecta
Our Racer Media & Marketing, Inc. team commends our Artist-in-residence, Paul Laguette, for his exceptional work in January 2024. For the first time ever, Paul crafted covers for all three of our published magazines: SportsCar, Vintage Motorsport, and
According to the Source racer.com