2026 Michelin Raceway / Road Atlanta HST

Steve Sargis

March 6-8th 2026

By Benjamin Johnson

Let’s start by addressing the excitement around this past month’s announcement that the SCCA Runoffs will be returning to Road Atlanta in Fall of 2027. With rotating venues for the Runoffs, the Club has said the strategy is to provide “bucket list” track experiences. I think this is a home run pick. I know it might sound bias coming from a south east region member, but look at the large historical significance of the timing of the decision. How many drivers started their career going to the Runoffs at Road Atlanta? How many children of drivers and just race fans rember watching the Runoffs at Road Atlanta. For some, this will set up a possible retirement farewell tour. For those like me, there is a desire to compete for that child inside that experienced that event as a spectator and family member of a driver. For others, it will be contributing and participating in a long history of the SCCA and the special tradition that is the winner takes all Runoffs.

Nearing 500 entries, this year will be the first step towards prepping for a future Runoffs, but we can’t lose sight of the current season’s run for the gold.

This year we have 6 entries for the Road Atlanta HST. Down on count in HP, but the field has many interesting aspects. Steve Sargis will start his championship defense. Last year’s race saw fantastic back and forth racing where the #18 finished third on both days but came away with the lap record of a 1:40:458, besting the HP and GP lap record. The EFI 1500 was first spotted in Braselton a year ago. Excited production car fans will be tuning in to see if he can best that lap time again.

2 team mates that have steadily improved year after year is Matt Brannon and Brayden Connelly. Matt is the defending HPNPC victor and is coming off a bronze medal at the 2025 Runoffs. The Fiat X1/9s continue developing and we are interested to see if there were any off season gains. Brayden had a strong 2025 season. Road Atlanta has given some mechanical difficulties, so with some better luck it will be interesting to see how low he could get his lap times.

Frank Schwartz returns in his 2007 Mini. Last year, there was a mid pack battle of the Mini Coopers. Frank has returned hoping to build on the experience and improve on his lap times and compete for a podium.

Rob Horrell Jr. has entered the famed #91 CRX. 2025 had a number of mechanical difficulties, but Rob is always thankful to be out on track and competing. Hoping to starting a new, Rob hopes to have things in working order for a strong showing.

John Fine might know Road Atlanta better than anyone in the field as a lead volunteer in the Atlanta region and having organize and run many race events. John is a faithful HP race is coming off a podium at the ARRC.

Good luck to all and safe travels. Make sure to check out the live feed on the SCCA YouTube page. H Prod is in race group 5, live timing and scoring can be found on the event page.

Matt Brannon

Frank Schwartz