OK Region SCCA Emblem

Our emblem is “An Indian in a Sports Car”. There have been a number of times that replacing it has been discussed, for various reasons.

Some history, from Steve England – Active member and club historian since 1961:

“Here’s what I remember. Ray Herndon designed the original Indian in a sports car, probably 1959 or 60. The bylaws were amended to specify the Indian on a round field with the words Oklahoma Region Sports Car Club of America, probably later than 1963. NEOKLA split was 1960 or 61. I will have to research old Gazettes and dash plaques to confirm more precise dates.

Here’s what I found so far.

NEOKLA region first recognized as a region was in the May-June 1956 “Sports Car” magazine when Regional officers were listed.

First use of the “Indian” was on cover of October 1957 “Gasket Gazette.” Not the same car as current , but same Wahoo smile and pigtails. There were at least three versions used until 1962. Indian on December 1957 Gazette has a Santa Claus beard.

First use of current emblem in a circle with gear cogs on border was September 1962 when that emblem was painted on the Region’s VW van. No mention in the 1962 Gazettes about bylaws adoption.

I don’t know when NEOKLA adopted their current logo, but it was 1964 or later.

interesting trivia: Through 1959 NEOKLA sanctioned road races at Stillwater airport with OK Region’s permission. The first Ponca City Grand Prix in 1961 was a joint NEOKLA and OK Regions’ event as NEOKLA didn’t have the money, but the track was in NEOKLA boundary. OK Region took over the races from 1962 on as NEOKLA went through one of those “slumps”that almost all regions experience. That was rectified when the boundaries were redrawn about 1969 or so. Stephen Sharp has custody of club minutes confirming most of these events.

Native Americans have participated in Region events since inception. Proving this in the ’50s would be a challenge to me as my participation began in 1961. However I can name Enus Wilson, Gary Wilson and Ernie Grimm who were Creek Tribe members and Nationally Licensed Drivers from 1957 through 1970. Also Tully Choate. a Flag and Com and autocrosser from NEOKLA during the ’60s. A very personal example of the ’60s and ’70s was C.Phillip (Phil) Waller, a full blood Kiowa (tribe native to Oklahoma, not relocated). Phil was my father’s pit crew from 1966 through 1970. He also was the last “Little Red” for OU who danced war dances on the sidelines of OU football games. There were also African-Americans in the 60s at solo events. The only one I knew personally was Bob Berry, a Captain in the Air Force who was active in Solo events in the early ’70s. His photo can be found in GasketGazette.org. Look under Region History/Gymkhanas/Ft. Hood Hill Climb.

In summary, I have been a member of Oklahoma Region for 54 years, a participant in Region affairs since 1961, and I know of no occasion where ANYONE was turned away, discriminated against or even criticized for their heritage. The ”Indian” has been indeed a part of the Region since 1959, and it has survived all challenges.

Other participants were Jay Hoke, Osage Indian artist and sculptor, who drove an Elva FC in SCCA for several years, 1961 through 1966. Another, which I am a bit embarrassed to have omitted, Carol Guthrie England, my stepmother, (R.I.P.) who was a full blooded Creek. She married my father in 1981 after my mother died, but she was fully active member of Oklahoma Region SCCA from 1968 until my father’s death in 2006. 

Ray Herndon     Obituary

http://legacy.newsok.com/obituaries/oklahoman/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=164483465