Greenwood’s Don Scott Is Driven
By Robert Stevenson
Lander University’s Board of Trustees Chair Donald H. Scott is driven to succeed in more ways than one. In addition to leading Lander’s Board of Trustees, “the final authority and responsibility for the governance of Lander University,” Scott enjoys a history of winning.
“I would say I have always been driven to excel in all areas of my life,” said Scott.
From the time he was in high school, Scott competed in football, wrestling, and track. “Wrestling was the sport I excelled in the most,” Scott recalled with a smile.
Later in in business life, Scott excelled in sales, working with Thomson Reuters for 31 years in sales and sales management. His last position with Thomson Reuters was Senior Director of Sales in the US, Canada, and Europe. Scott added, “I launched a new product line for TR in Europe; it was both exciting and challenging, but achieving the company’s goals was most rewarding!”
And most recently, Scott is enthusiastic about auto racing. And his vehicle of choice is his 1972 BMW 2002 vintage race car. The 2002 was the Icon that basically saved BMW in sales and racing. “My car is totally setup for racing only… it is setup for SCCA, HSR, SVRA, VDCA guidelines for their classes of racing,” explained Scott.
The main group Scott races with is HSR – Historic Sportscar Racing. His car is in group 3, and his class is S3.
“My first race each year is usually The Walter Mitty at Road Atlanta [his favorite track],” began Scott, “then Barber Motors Sports Park in Birmingham, AL.” He added, “Sometimes in in early or late summer, I will race at Atlanta Motorsports Park in their historic group.” He has done several races at VIR – Virginia International Raceway in Danville, VA. Then, in early fall, Scott enjoys the Hutchinson Island Race Track in Savannah.
But that’s not all; Scott also races with VDCA – Vintage Drivers Club of America at Road Atlanta. “The farthest away race I have done was racing at Watkins Glenn in Watkins Glen New York;” he recalls it fondly as, “beautiful area and old historic track.” One more track Scott enjoys is Sebring in Florida. “It’s a great historic track. All the legends have raced there; Steve McQueen and Paul Newman are two of the greats at this track,” Scott added.
Scott’s motivation for racing runs deep. He is driven by more than just overcoming other drivers in the race. Scott is driven by an additional internal paradox:
“What I like about racing is you get to test your skills as a driver and the performance of the car both pushed to the limit… you are constantly asking yourself, ‘am I limited by my ability or by the machine I am driving? Am I pushing it to the edge and still controlling the balance of losing it or controlling it?’ Nothing I have done activates all my senses like being on the track! It is not man against machine but the two becoming one and controlling the outcome!”
Scott isn’t just racing. He is winning. He already has several 1st, 2nd and 3rd place wins under his belt. “I am most proud of my wins at Sebring and Road Atlanta,” he stated. And his goal, Scott explained, is to continue improving his racing skills, stay healthy and enjoy life!” He paused, smiled and added, “I have a 5-month-old grandson that sure adds to the enjoyment!”
In the end, Scott shared his secret for winning, his secret for happiness. “Always set goals for yourself no matter where you are in life’s journey,” he said. “I sit down at the beginning of each new year and write out my goals to keep me on track. Make it a habit. It will help you to have focus and purpose in life.”
Scott added, “Be thankful and grateful with an appreciation for everyone and everything! Take nothing for granted! I love saying… have an “attitude of gratitude”.
