Mike Pasquale Named SCCA Pro Worker of the Year

Ops/Tech Specialist for Idemitsu MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich® Tires honored for hard work.

SCCA Pro Racing has announced that Mike Pasquale, of Watkinsville, Ga., has been named the BFGoodrich® Tires SCCA Pro Racing Worker of the Year for 2014. Pasquale, an Ops/Tech specialist for the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich® Tires, will receive a certificate good for a complete set of BFGoodrich® Tires for his street vehicle.

This is the second consecutive year the award has been presented. The award was developed to honor the hard work the SCCA Pro Racing field staff puts forth in supporting the many professional racing series that the organization sanctions. In many cases, the field staff is comprised of Club members who have worked events in positions that have allowed them to develop a specialized skill set.

Pasquale’s journey to SCCA Pro Racing began with the Club Racing program in the 1960s and early ’70s. His brother, Ed, was the Chief of Timing and Scoring for the Washington D.C. Region. In helping his brother out, they were part of the crew that scored some of the first Trans-Am races.

From that point until 2001, Mike’s path took him away from the racetrack. However, he made his return by racing in Spec Miata and working Tech in the Atlanta area. From there, Mike began to volunteer to help as an official with the Pirelli World Challenge series. Once he retired from the television industry in 2004, Mike was able to dedicate more of his time to racing.

“Over the years, under the watchful and instructive eye of Kathy Maleck and many of the other field staff, I was given responsibilities for every aspect of a race event,” Pasquale said. “That instruction helped me to be successful in many of the duties associated with a race weekend, from setting up our rigs, to parking trucks, to ordering fuel, to the winner’s circle, to tech, and all the myriad of ‘getting it done’ items that pop up along the way. I am so thankful for all the folks that have taken the time to help me along the way.

‘My reaction…stunned…humbled…wow!…cool beans! I am so happy to share this recognition with the many that have supported me along the way. What a great bunch of folks who share the love of racing!”

As he noted, he’s done a bit of everything in racing. But it was stepping into the role of acting series manager last season that really made him stand out.

“Mike has proven himself to be an extremely strong asset for the SCCA Pro Racing, and the race series which our organization services,” said Robert Clarke, SCCA Pro Racing President. “His skills and experience allow him to fill a multitude of roles, even on short notice. This past season he performed the role of acting series manager for the Mazda MX-5 Cup, when a family emergency presented itself.

“Mike inspires confidence in those around him. His leadership skills, even in the most trying of conditions, allow him to help a team of individuals get the job done in the best and most effective way possible. This award is but a small token of appreciation for his service and dedication over these many years.”

The award was presented to Pasquale during the opening weekend of the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup at Sebring International Raceway.