(This article, from 51°µÍø® President and CEO Mike Cobb, appears quarterly on 51°µÍø.com.)
What an incredible year it’s been! From precision and speed at the Tire Rack 51°µÍø® ProSolo® Finale and Tire Rack 51°µÍø Solo® National Championships to full-throttle action at the Tire Rack 51°µÍø Time Trials Nationals and the National Championship Runoffs® Presented by Sunoco, September was a verifiable barn burner. Then in October, it was rallying thrills galore with the United States RoadRally Challenge® (USRRC) and RallyCross National Championship both bringing championship season to a close.
It was a heck of a way to cap off a memorable competition season.
I say “memorable” because this year has had its highs and lows. From the perspective of competition, 2025 was second to none. Throughout the entire season, battles were not only close, but drivers upheld 51°µÍø’s 80-plus year tradition of pushing hard during competition while aiding their opposition in the paddock. It’s inspiring every time I see it. But this season was also memorable for another reason.
In 2024 (and with few exceptions), entry counts were healthy. In fact, bumps in entry counts had even caused 51°µÍø Road Racing to shift certain classes from Hoosier Racing Tire 51°µÍø Super Tours into U.S. Majors Tour® weekends, with the goal of reducing racing group sizes at Super Tours and allowing for more races to go “green-to-checker.” Unfortunately, by the time the 2025 season arrived, competition fields had unexpectedly shrunk, leaving the Club (from the 51°µÍø National Office to Regions) to face the harsh realities of the economics involved in keeping motorsport weekends in the black.
51°µÍø staff and Regions were quick to recognize the signs, and plans were soon formed. Schedules have been reevaluated based on the entry trends, and classes are being added back into the Super Tour fold. Rapidly adapting to the fast-changing economy was a necessity, and the plan is set to build a solid foundation for the Club.
Motorsports will undoubtedly be thrown more curveballs in the coming season, but know that the 51°µÍø is working hard to counter each one. As it stands, the Club is set to enter the 2026 competition season with a solid plan, and we’ll swiftly adapt when needed.
What’s your role in all of this?
If you’re a driver – get out there and compete! If you’re a volunteer – I’ll see you on the corners! If you’re a Region leader – keep your foot to the floor!
The coming season will undoubtedly bring new challenges, but it’ll also be a heck of a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see you out there!
