The Madison Sports Car Club currently rewards its members with the Caribou Cup trophy for behaving recklessly — getting black-out drunk — at racing events. 

This glorification of dangerous drinking culture does not align with the spirit of sportsmanship and safety in motoring events. Given that drunk driving causes 28% of all traffic-related deaths in the U.S each year (according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and that Wisconsin ranks high in alcohol consumption, binge drinking, DUI arrests and deaths, this practice is not just irresponsible, it's life-threatening. 

Leading research indicates that alcohol can stay in the system for as much as 72 hours after consumption — longer for heavy drinking — and that to become black-out drunk, a person typically has at least .15 blood-alcohol-content. 

Race Stewards often encourage would-be participants to take an early night before coming to the track so that they are sharp when putting their cars onto course. After all, corner-workers are often standing unprotected just a few feet from ever-faster vehicles on the edge of control. And yet we celebrate the "antics" of those who have drunk so heavily, they're suffering memory loss?

We are a club that actively recruits young people. MSCC has a number of participants who are under 21. In fact we are proud to offer kart classes for those not yet old enough to drive, and a school teaching students of all ages how to go faster, safely.

How can we reward "the member who may not remember the actions warranting the nomination. This award is given to the member who graced us with their drunken antics throughout the season" at the same event in which we name a two-time champion who is not yet 15? 

What are we telling the future of our sport?

It's time for a change. 

Members of the Madison Sports Car Club are welcome to consume or not consume as they prefer. We are not demanding that MSCC events be dry, or even calling out those who choose to drink to excess. We are merely calling for an end to its glorification.

I ask you to support this petition calling for the retirement of the Caribou Cup trophy and to foster a safer, more responsible environment for all Madison Sports Car Club Members.

It's time to respect the gravity of drunk driving by saying no to awards that hero-worship behavior that is perilous to health everywhere, but seldom more so than when associated with performance vehicles.

Please sign the petition.