From The Editor's Desk

Content warning: Long, arduous, and a little profane

#FunWithCars can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people. To some, it's driving to to the limits, in a safe and controlled environment where you won't be immediately arrested and your licensed shredded like a block of parm. For others, it's the competitive aspect, dominating any and all who dare challenge their superiority. And some just like the social aspect, enjoying the company of all the drivers and cars to be found at the various flavors of SCCA events.

I found myself unwittingly stuck in the middle mindset of those three, after several seasons of autocross being just a couple hairs behind a first place season finish. I had lost the plot, the fun was slowly draining and instead my motorsports days were tense. Every time I'd find a couple tenths, it was like Betty Schuebel (Reigning STS/EST champion) would just yank the proverbial football and I'd wind up right back where I was, at best second place and dizzy.

A once (twice, so far) in a lifetime opportunity arose however, and I gleefully took it up; the offer to drive the Civic Type R of our own 2025 Rookie of the Year, Arianna Biondo, alongside E Street Champion (and XB contender) Rob Springer. I went into the event fully planning that I'd be the tire warmer, putting down a last in class finish BUT at least getting a little additional seat time and enjoying a particularly well configured car. And you know what? That's absolutely what happened, but let me recount for your reading pleasure.

At the beginning of my third morning run, I've got a rough idea of the course, a rough idea of how the car will behave, and concepts of a plan. The tires are warm, I'm doing better than expected. Time to execute. We leave the line, grab second gear, and begin to try to set a rhythm in the slalom. Because VTEC, there is an immediate excess of speed, and I'm pretty certain that we're moving too fast. So I go to jab the brakes, so I can get the car turned in for a medium sized change of direction. And because I didn't have my Super Special Sketchers, my foot somehow gets lodged under the brake pedal, but still on the accelerator. And in the frenzy of more speed than I was prepared for and attempts to keep everything under control, the voice of god calls to me. But it wasn't god, it was OnStar. Convinced that the car has called for assistance that cannot save us at this point, I am yelling that everything is fine and I know what I'm doing [Editor's note: I did not]. Meanwhile, my codriver is nearly on the floor, in hysterics, as we continue at mach fuck through the course, sloppy and missing marks, but coming through the finish without any major incidents aside from a few new cone scuffs. And laughing. SO MUCH LAUGHING.

I was informed after the fact, that OnStar does not exist for Honda, and this was Sirius XM telling me we needed a subscription and proselytizing all the benefits of said subscription. Despite the audio level being loud enough to disturb folks several counties over, I couldn't quite hear what was actually being said during that run. But that was the run that reset my entire view of motorsports. It was more fun than I've had in ages, because of the absolute mix of panic and absurdity alongside the removal of the pressure and expectation to perform well and instead just doing it for the fun. That single run fixed my viewpoint on what we do, and I have continued to have copious amounts of #FunWithCars at our events since.

TL;DR: Go read it, nerd, this isn't TikTok.

Jake Limm
Editor, The Squeal

Autocross Survey

We've been trying to reach you about your car's extended... Wait, wrong pitch. We're looking for ways to improve our Autocross program, and you can help! Take a few minutes to fill out the survey below and help our program be the best it can be!

Match Tour Cash Prizes

By Jared McGahen

Hello everyone! As we’ve eclipsed the halfway point to our autocross season, it’s time we talk about our yearly finale: the Susquehanna Match Tour. A traditional since 2019. Last year we offered cash prizes to our bracket winners. I’m happy to report that we will again be offering prize money, except bigger.

How the match tour works: you have your 4 runs in the morning session like normal. Then we take everyone’s PAX times and create four brackets: 1-24 being the Top Dog, 25-65 Under Dog, 66-106 Lucky Dog, 107-150 Street Dog.  So top 24, the next 40, the next 40, then the remainder. And prize money is as follows:

Top dog (24-12-6-3)
1st $500
2nd $200
3rd $100

Under Dog and Lucky Dog (40-20-10-5-3)
1st $200
2nd $100
3rd $50

Street Dog (xx-20-10-5-3)
1st $100
2nd $50
3rd $25

If you’ve got questions please ask. We are happy to help and hope to see a good turnout!

Reminder: Event Photos Available!

Many of us remember that one run where everything just flowed, or maybe that one cone we just couldn't keep from tagging. They say a picture's worth a thousand words, so why not get a photo from our events to show off to friends and family? With easy downloads and paper prints right at your fingertips, Ben Burkhart Photography has you covered. Regale your loved ones with the excitement of racing (and maybe convince them to come join the fun) with photos from Autocross, Rallycross, Hill Climb, Car Shows, and sometimes even someone being goofy in paddock. Hit the button below and check out Ben's work, as he continues to be not only a great photographer at our events, but also a continuing region sponsor.

Welcome Back, Hanover Auto Team!

We’re pleased to announce that Hanover Auto Team has agreed to be the title sponsor for both our Autocross and Rallycross programs in 2026.  We appreciate the sponsorship and look forward to their continued support in 2026.  One of the perks is a special SCCA discount for all of our members.  They have a link to their website below with the discount, which is $500 off a new/used car and 20% off parts and service.

Car Classing Help Available

New to SCCA functions/events, and not sure where your car fits in? Just finished putting enough aero on your Avalon to cross the Atlantic, and not sure if it's legal for H Street? Well good news -- with some help from our fantastic volunteers, we now can assist with car classing questions. Do not be afraid to ask on the facebook groups for classing information as well, but there's now another way to get assistance if you'd prefer. Simply send an email over to classmycar@scca-susq.com and we'll help to the best of our ability.

Susquehanna Region Gift Certificates for MSR are Available!

Do you have someone who’s hard to shop for? Are your family and friends always bugging you for birthday ideas? ...We have the solution!  We now have gift certificates for Motorsportreg.com available!  You can send someone a gift for a special occasion or receive credits for some free racing events from your loved ones.

News from SCCA

2026 Rules