SCCA mourns passing of Chief Steward Sue Roethel

Sue Roethel, a longtime Chief Steward for the SCCA and a member of SCCA Hall of Fame, has passed away.

Roethel was one of only two SCCA members who have earned three of the top awards in the organization – the Barnato, the Morrell, and McGill Awards. She served as a regional leader, then a divisional leader, as SCCA Runoffs Chief Steward, and finally as a National Office staff member in the Member and Regional Relations Department. Her love of the sport has long endeared her to the membership.

Among the remembrances of Roethel posted on social media was this moving tribute from her fellow SCCA steward, John Bornholdt:

"A little bit me died with the passing of Sue Roethel. If memory serves, we first met in the pouring rain as neophyte pit stewards at the inaugural race at Marlboro in 1955. Over the years she increasing won the respect of all who came to know her. I often would think, 'That's not the way Sue would do it, or act.' She unknowingly was one of my mentors.

"Again, if memory serves, Sue was the first woman to be Chief Steward at a Professional auto race in the United States.

"If ever there was a candidate for giving the Wolff Barnato Trophy twice, Sue would have gotten that first, too. She did so much for so many people and organizations, in a quiet and totally competent way, providing many with sage counsel.

"I'll miss you Sue, and think of you often."