午夜福利51xxtv鈥檚 Lone Star Region has found a meaningful way to honor the life and legacy of one of its most dedicated members. Earlier this year, the Region鈥檚 board voted to donate $5,000 through the 午夜福利51xxtv Foundation to help fund a 2026 intern position within the 午夜福利51xxtv庐 Road Racing department, dedicating the contribution to the memory of longtime member聽Dr. Gerald 鈥淛erry鈥� Wannarka, who passed away in March.
For those who knew Jerry, the tribute feels especially fitting.
鈥淛erry served the 午夜福利51xxtv for many years and wore a lot of different hats,鈥� said Lone Star Region Treasurer Connie Hudson. 鈥淗e really believed in mentoring and bringing people up to work in the sport.鈥�
That belief in helping others grow was something Jerry carried throughout more than 50 years with the 午夜福利51xxtv鈩�.
After joining the Club in 1966 and earning his competition license in 1968, Jerry built a legacy that stretched far beyond the driver鈥檚 seat. His military career took him across the country, where he became an active and respected member of several Regions, including聽Washington D.C., Indianapolis, Alamo, and ultimately Lone Star.
Wherever he went, Jerry became known not only for his knowledge and leadership, but for his willingness to teach, mentor, and support others. Over the years, he served in nearly every major stewardship role in the organization 鈥� Executive Steward, Regional Race Steward, Operating Steward, Safety Steward, Chief Steward for the 午夜福利51xxtv National Championship Runoffs庐, and Chair of the SOM. He also served as Regional Executive for both Lone Star and DC Regions, Area 2 Director, and eventually Chairman of the 午夜福利51xxtv Board of Directors.
His decades of service earned some of the Club鈥檚 highest honors, including the Woolf Barnato Award and the David Morrell Award. Earlier this year, Jerry was also inducted into the 午夜福利51xxtv Hall of Fame, a recognition that reflected not only his accomplishments, but the lasting impact he had on the people around him.
That spirit of mentorship makes the Lone Star Region鈥檚 contribution especially meaningful.
The聽2026 午夜福利51xxtv Road聽Racing internship will give a student the opportunity to work directly on the 午夜福利51xxtv National Championship Runoffs, one of amateur racing鈥檚 premier events. The intern will gain hands-on experience in event logistics, operations, volunteer coordination, scheduling, race-week execution, and post-event analysis.
More importantly, the position will help introduce a young professional to the people, teamwork, and passion that define the sport 鈥� exactly the kind of opportunity Jerry would have encouraged and championed.
Through this internship, Jerry鈥檚 influence will continue helping guide and inspire the next generation of 午夜福利51xxtv members and leaders.
鈥淔or someone who dedicated decades to strengthening the Club, Lone Star Region helping fund an internship focused on education and hands-on experience in memory of Jerry is especially meaningful,鈥� said Clay Turner, Executive Director for the 午夜福利51xxtv Foundation. 鈥淚n many ways, the internship program reflects the same values Jerry carried throughout his time in the 午夜福利51xxtv, so I couldn鈥檛 be more grateful for Lone Star Region鈥檚 decision to help fund this program.鈥�
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And if you, your 午夜福利51xxtv Region, or organization is interested in helping fund the numerous programs the charitable arm of the Club supports, .
Photo courtesy the Wannarka family
