Wife of SCCA Pro Racing president facing up to 20 years for wire fraud (Update)
The move is effective immediately. Collins was announced as the replacement for outgoing president and CEO Derrick Walker in August of last year. The reason for Collins’ departure has not been announced.
Collins was in control of Pro Racing’s day-to-day operations, partnerships and budget.
SCCA Ventures, a subsidiary of Sports Car Club of America Inc., is expected to announce a replacement shortly.
03/31/17 According to an article by Steven Cole Smith in AutoWeek, Wendy Collins, 46 of Woodbine, pleaded guilty Friday, March 24 to wire fraud, in connection with a scheme in which she stole more than $4.5 million from her employer," described only as "a national construction company with projects throughout the United States."
"As part of her plea agreement, Collins will be required to forfeit the vehicles and pay a money judgment of at least $4,273,749.83," the release says. "Collins faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis has scheduled sentencing for June 26 at 10 a.m."
Seemingly, this could put her husband, Mike Collins, in an uncomfortable position. Collins, a respected and familiar figure in the Mazda MX-5 Cup paddock, was named president of SCCA Pro Racing on Aug. 22, 2016, replacing former IndyCar and IMSA team owner Derrick Walker, who resigned. In the announcement from the SCCA, the sports-car association said that Collins “is the founder and managing partner of Meathead Racing, one of the largest amateur motorsports teams in the United States," owning and operating multiple cars for a variety of race drivers, including himself.