Each year at the 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv® National Convention, it’s a well-earned tradition to “level up” the spotlight on outstanding achievements by 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv Regions. These honors celebrate Regions that didn’t just take the green flag – they confidently shifted into the next gear and hit the gas by developing programs their members genuinely enjoy. By pushing the throttle on innovation and embracing growth, these Regions helped elevate the sport, resulting in better events, stronger fields, and more #funwithcars.

During the Jan. 15-23, 2026, virtual 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv National Convention (it’s not too late to join in on the fun), 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv recognized the standout Regions through the Tom Burke Awards and the Region of the Year Awards.

“While the 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv Board of Directors sets the strategy and establishes rules of the Club, and the National Office executes those plans, the 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv Regions are literally where the rubber meets the road,” Chris Robbins, part of 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv’s Region Development team, said during the Jan. 17, 2026, awards presentation. “Regions provide the place and the method for members and guests to engage with the Club.”

Both the Region of the Year and Tom Burke Awards were selected and given by the Region Development Department for performance during the previous year. Featuring four categories, these awards allow 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv Regions of every size to take a well-earned victory lap.

Tom Burke Award

The Tom Burke Award is presented to Regions for exemplary efforts to activate and grow the 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv. Formerly named the Chairman’s Award prior to 1987, one award is given to the RE of a Region in each Region Size category from the preceding year.

The awards are given in honor of 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv member Tom Burke. His love of 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv and passion for what we do not only ignited in others a desire to become 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv members, but also served as a call to engage in 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv activities. Mr. Burke’s ambassadorial approach to prospective and current members served as a model for the spirit of the 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv.

Winners

  • Jumbo: Ohio Valley Region – David Brown, Regional Executive
  • Large: Kansas Region – Brian Harmer, Regional Executive
  • Medium: Glen Region (second consecutive year) – Edward A Zebrowski, Regional Executive
  • Small: Big Sky Region – Joseph Broom, Regional Executive

Region of the Year Awards

The Region of the Year Award gauges the Region’s management team performance relating to 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv’s Goals and Business Strategies (Member Experience, Operational Excellence, and Program Development). Winning Region leadership teams are fully engaged with their members and also participate regularly in the quarterly Region RE calls with the 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv National Office to stay abreast of news and changes, communicating that insight with their members. They also run as many programs as possible, often more than other Regions of their size.

Winners

  • Jumbo: Washington DC Region (second consecutive year) – Charles Edmondson, Regional Executive
  • Large: Kansas Region – Brian Harmer, Regional Executive
  • Medium: Blue Ridge Region – Rob Leslie, Jr., Regional Executive
  • Small: Middle Georgia Region – Raymond J. Brake, Regional Executive

More to Celebrate

While the Regions above won awards, other Regions were also worthy of celebration during the 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv National Convention. For example, the top five Regions demonstrating the largest growth year over year regardless of Region size were:

  • Middle Georgia Region: 17.3% growth
  • Big Sky Region: 22.2% growth
  • Lake Superior Region: 27.7% growth
  • Arizona Border Region: 111.6% growth
  • Kansas Region: 160.5% growth

Top five Regions with the largest number of 敁珗腦瞳51xxtv Weekend Members converted to Full Annual Members:

  • Houston and Cal Club Regions (tie): 29 conversions
  • St Louis Region: 30 conversions
  • San Diego Region: 45 conversions
  • San Francisco Region: 48 conversions
  • Washington DC Region: 51 conversions

Top five Regions with the largest percentage of Weekend Members converted to Full Annual Members, regardless of size:

  • South Texas Border Region: 12% conversion
  • Big Sky Region: 13% conversion
  • Arctic Alaska Region: 14% conversion
  • Middle Georgia Region: 21% conversion
  • Blackhawk Valley Region: 29% conversion

Finally, there are the top five Regions with the largest percentage of “achieved potential growth” regardless of size (calculated by adding a Region’s total 2025 Weekend and Annual Members and dividing that number by their 2024 Membership) are:

  • Iowa and Eastern Idaho Regions (tie): 248% potential growth
  • Arizona Border Region: 268% potential growth
  • Lake Superior Region: 272% potential growth
  • Kansas Region: 379% potential growth

Illustration by Mohamed Hassan