SCCA 2005 NATIONAL CONVENTION - by Paul Morrison

The 2005 SCCA National Convention started with the Leadership lunch on January 27th at the Westin Crown Center in Kansas City.  Presentations were made by Gary Pitts, Chairman of the Board of Directors.  Outgoing Board members Tom Campbell, Area 10 and Phil Mellor, Area 12 were recognized and new Board members John Sheridan, Area 10 and Kay Fairer, Area 12 were installed.

Steve Johnson presented the state of the Club and its subsidiaries with the report that the operating profit improved by $200,000.00 from 2003.

The Pro Racing star has been the World Challenge series with high visibility and full fields of cars at the events.

SCCA Enterprises has shown a strong improvement in the F SCCA cars and sales is expected to surpass 100 in March of 2005.  The Spec Racer Ford continues to sustain Enterprises and there are no changes expected in the cars or the strong interest.

SCCA University is going to be transferred to SCCA, Inc while the SCCA Foundation will exist as an outreach for community safety programs.  This is being done to meet the IRS requirements for the 501c3 status of the club while the profit status of SCCA, Inc can coexist.  The is an opening for a board member for the SCCA Foundation.

The Board of Directors Meeting Town Hall is an open question and answer session with the following:

1.  Why were the 2005 GCR's produced in the ring binder form and without black stripes noting where the changes were made?   Drivers were sent bound books, and time constraints prevented the marks.

2.  How is the cost of insurance allocated for the various events?   The Risk department sets estimates and it is based on not making or losing money.

3.  Can anyone help with a Region being audited by the IRS?   The information on what to look for is available from Pete Lyons .

4.  What is the progress of the Runoffs move from Mid-Ohio to Heartland Park?   The entire Board has been informed of the plans by Ray Irwin and as the plan progresses updates will be made.

5.  Why was Pro Solo cut back to 6 events for 2005?   There was a loss of east coast sites and it was decided that the program could continue with more participants at less events.

6.  Is the convention going to move?   Other venues are being considered and input is welcome.

7.  Where is the Strategic plan?   The plan is creating changes, examples GT Lite and Spec Miata in Club racing and more will be presented in the various breakout meetings.

8.  What is the status of splitting CENDIV?   This was refereed to the board and they sent back to the regions but an official request is needed and must include all aspects of the Club.

9.  Is the National Convention going to be in Kansas or can it move?   This is up to the BOD and other venues will be considered.

SCCA UNIVERSITY PROTECTING US FROM OURSELVES by Steve McCurley

Steve discussed the advantages of and detractions of being a member based, member run organization.  With about 50% of the population involved in volunteer activities it is important that this resource be used wisely and with great care.

In 1998 the UPS foundation conducted a survey of volunteers and found that 26% had quit an activity because they felt the charity was not well managed, 23% had quit because their time was being wasted, 18% had quit because their talents weren't being used well, and 16% had quit when the organization was not well managed.

The volunteer need to be treated fairly and have safe conditions to work in because they are in the hands and arms of the organization.  We have to have policies and procedures that provide the guidance and supervision of the volunteer.

Don't blame me when things go wrong I'm just a volunteer, is a sign that the system need to be corrected and volunteering is no longer a simple activity.  Policies define expectations and processes, act as a guide to implementation and is a method of dealing with problems.  They also become the collective wisdom and storehouse of knowledge of the organization.  Do we do all we can to help our volunteers succeed in their jobs?

"Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." - Will Rogers
 

The second day of the convention started with the SCCA University seminar CONFLICT MANAGEMENT - by Barb Lundquist.

Conflict is the condition that two or more parties appear to be incompatible.  The first person that manage is yourself and you are the only person that you can manage.  Conflict is neither good or bad but thinking makes it so.  The negative side of conflict is that it takes energy from important issues and degrades relations and products irresponsible or regrettable behavior.  The positive side of conflict is that understanding the mutual growth help us to learn adapt to differences, open new issues and results in better solutions to the problem.  These can then generate a desire for the group to reach a common goal and is a mutual benefit to all.
 

Next was the SCCA and the New Enthusiast a panel discussion.

This was a discussion on the Sports Compact Market and the similarities of it to the hot rodders of the past were unmistakable.  This is an area of potential growth for the club and the most logical entry is through the solo program as these cars have been included in their class structure.  This needs to be extended to the club racing and rally programs to gain membership.  We need to find a way to invite the Sport Compact Cars and include them in the club.

Scrutineering and the New Technocracy by Bill Pichardo, National Administrator and Jeremy Thoennes, Tech Manager -Club Manager

This was a discussion of the direction that Scrutineering is going and how the level of knowledge required to do this job has grown particularly in the areas of safety.

The areas discussed included:

Is there a way to better train inspectors.  How do we increase the level of technology of other inspector?  Is it time to start to charge for inspections?  How quickly does change have to take place?  Are the racers afraid that inspectors will be more critical of checks done somewhere other that the racetrack which is usually just safety related items?  What kind of budget is needed to support the training?  With over 3500 cars and about 400 nationally licensed tech inspectors is there a way to better equip those doing the work?

The draft of a revised Scrutineer manual was distributed.

Secrets of Speed Helmet Safety Dr. Hal Fenner and Hong Zhang Snell Foundation.

This was a presentation of how helmet standards were developed, evaluated and certified.  The changes between the Snell SA95, SA2000 and Proposed SA2005 certificates were explained as were the actual test that are done.  The area of Worthiness, Performance, Damage to Shell, Damage to the liner and Strap Wear and Damage examples were shown.  The website for the Snell Foundation is www.smf.org.

SFI Tech Inspector Certification by Barb Lundquist

This was an overview of the SCCA/SFI Certification process and the validation of SCCA Tech Services Volunteers.

This is a new program that is starting at the convention with the SFI Rule Book Exam.  This was a one hour times, 40 questions long open book written exam based on the current SCCA rules.  Knowledge is demonstrated by answering 34 of the questions correctly.  Upon successful completion a letter of notification will be sent to the inspector, a SFI Certified Technical Inspector ID card and uniform patch.

Secrets of Speed Fuels by David Redszus

The session explored the characteristics of different fuels and how they interact with the engines used in club racing.  Maximization of performance of race engines and the correct fuel for the engine was discussed as well as how to effectively regulate fuels thru testing.

Club Racing Town Hall - by Club Racing Board

This session reviewed some of the Strategic Plan items and where Club racing is going.  New CRB members Joe Aquilante and Brian Culbertson were introduced and the various sub committees were explained.  Questions included:

What is happening in IT?   Performance Competition are being reviewed.
What is happening in PROD?  New car classification system being discussed.
What is happening in GT?  Inclusion of restrictors and sealed air box.  Simplification of rules and descriptions and inclusion of a tire box.
What is happening in AS?  Possibility of performance brake packages
What is happening in Sports Races?  Limited prep engines and rules simplification
What is happening in SS &T?  Implementing T3.  Inclusion of more models in T1
What is happening in FV?  Engine supply is becoming an issue

Annual Tech change from annual to a 12 month period.

There is a quest for compliant and safe fuels and the Board of Directors has asked the CRB to find ways to advance the safety of fuels.  It appears that the present test will be in place for 2005 season and the possibility of specified fuels for all classes being required for all classes at the Runoffs.  There is a complex number of issues relating to fuels and the possibility of having only a select number of compliant fuels is being discussed.

Sound level was discussed and there is a real need to see it as a worked needed requirement to control it at all parts of the race track.
 

SAFETY SYMPOSIUM Effects of Heat on the Body by Rich Shafer, Cool Shirt

Presenting of the effects and reaction to heat of the human body.  Performance levels and affects were discussed for both the he workers and the drivers.
 

SAFETY SYMPOSIUM Driver Personal Safety by Norfleet Smith - DuPont Corporation.

Presenting the types, construction testing and uses of Nomex garments.  Care and testing were shown and discussed as well as advances in materials and construction.

SAFETY SYMPOSIUM Fire Suppression by Arnie Kuhns, SFI Foundation

Presenting the types, testing, construction and installation of fire systems in race cars.

The convention wrapped up with the Hall of Fame Banquet.

The amount material presented at you convention has grown each year I have attended.  The problem is now that there is a lot of overlap in sessions that I would like to attend but can only be one place at a time.  Some of the programs I had to skip were the SOLO Town Hall Meeting, SCCA Pro Racing, Formula SAE, Timing & Scoring/BMA Training, SOLO Site Acquisition, Club Racing Time Trials Program, Open Stewards Session, Risk Management, and RE 101 training.

The 2004 SAFETY SYMPOSIUM presentations were produced on a CD by the SCCA University.  The Region has a copy of this for any member to review and you get your own copy from SCCA Foundation for a $30.00 donation.  Please contact me and I will see to it that you get to see the copy that we have.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT - Sandi Kryder

As of the report received on Jan. 14, we have 202 members .

Just a reminder the following members had renewals due in February.

Alan Johnston
George Kissinger
Reed  & Sandi Kryder
Vergene McCandless
Matt Miller
The Scott Nutter Family
Randall Park
Ray Park
Ron Urcheck

The following in March

Nina Caruso
Tim Cook
Constantin Gheorghe
Lois Johnston
The Kafantaris Family
Jack Madison
Deirdre Mallet
Joe Mannozzi
Judsson Martt
Gerald Morris
Mike Olivier
Bert & Mary Margaret Pharis
Jay Rife
Bill Sovik Jr.
The Walton Family
 

March Birthdays

Hal Baker    3/10
Matthew Baseler 3/26
Mike Edmunds   3/13
Ray Graham      3/28
Mary Graham         3/13
Bill Kasmer  3/28
Abbey Lane      3/27
Jim Laughlin  3/25
Matt Leskovec  3/15
Christine Libecco 3/24
Gary Martz   3/2
Bob Mazza     3/27
John Morrison  3/16
Johnathan Nuter 3/10
Kaleb Nutter  3/23
Jack O'Driscoll  3/5
Jay Rife  3/21
Andrew Schauer 3/9
David Strittmatter  3/13
Zoe Vernis   3/12
Alexandra Vernis  3/24
Eric Weyls   3/12
    .

This year’s Tech and Physical Day will be on Sunday, April 3, 2005.  With many thanks to Fred Baker, we will be holding this event at the Fred Baker Porsche & Audi Dealership.  For those who are unfamiliar with the location, the address is 19400 Rockside Road in Bedford, Ohio 44146.

Please call me to find out a good time for you to arrive with your competition vehicle.  We try to avoid a parking lot full of trailers and tow vehicles.  If your not sure if your car will be ready for this date, please call for a time anyway so we can anticipate you being there.  If you do not show up that would be one less vehicle in the parking lot.  Please contact Don Harrington for a “time slot” to have the vehicle tech.  You may contact me by phone at 216-671-5264 or by email at donharrington@core.com.

The Tech staff will be there between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to make sure your vehicle is safe for racing.  This is better for both the Tech team and the drivers.  For one, the drivers can find out if they need to fix a problem or if they overlooked new safety feature(s) required by the new General Competition Rule Book (GCR).  Also, The Tech team will not be “bogged” down on Friday evening and Saturday mornings prior to “Cars on Track”.

At this event, you may also take advantage of the “Mobile Medical Unit” by getting your mandatory physical.  Please review the physical forms sent to you from S.C.C.A. to verify if your physical is required for your age and bring them with you as we may not have enough on hand to pass out to all the drivers.  Dr. Michael Saddleton will be performing the physicals from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.  No “appointment” is necessary for the physicals as each physical may take different lengths of time.  The physicals will be on a first come, first serve basis.  Although there is “no charge” for the physical, we request that a minimum donation of $50.00 be made to help cover the cost of the “Mobile Medical Unit’s” use and the additional proceeds will be donated to the Nelson Ledges Road Course for improvements.  If you bring a vehicle to have teched, please advise someone that you would like to take a place in the physical line and if possible that some people could move your car through the line at the same time.

For more information, directions to the dealership and to make an appointment for a vehicle tech inspection contact Don Harrington at the phone number or email address detailed above.

Hope to see many of you there.

Neohio 2005 Competition Clinic Set for March 19th

Last year, Neohio did something that no other region attempted – we built a Spec Miata in a day at our competition clinic. So, you might ask, how can the region keep that momentum going during the 2005 competition clinic?
We have the answer – hands on demonstrations on two cars. Yes, get your hands dirty and learn a few things, too!
The 2005 Competition Clinic is on Saturday, March 19th in Cleveland at the I-X Center (just south of Cleveland Hopkins Airport). It will again be a full day of workshops, demonstrations, exhibits, and more.
If you are an experienced driver and want to learn how to shave seconds off your lap times, there is definitely something for you – the return for the ever-popular engine prep workshop, suspension, brakes, tires, and much more. For the beginners out there, we provide a full day of information about how to get started and how to get your first racecar ready.
As word gets out each year, more and more SCCA members come to this extraordinary day from as far each as New Jersey, as far west as Chicago, and as far south as Kentucky. It is an information-packed day for just $30 if you get your registration in by March 7th ($35 after that date).
For more information and a registration form, go to the Neohio web site: www.neohio-scca.org. Or, you can contact Sherrie Weitzenhof at (330) 666-2627 (between 6-9 pm) and by e-mail at SWeitzenho@aol.com; or Con Peplowski at (440) 442-4521 and by e-mail at times99@sbcglobal.net.

CLASSIFIEDS

Free to Mahoning Valley, Neohio, Misery Bay, Steel Cities and Western New York Regions members.  Ads will run 3 consecutive times (asterisks at the beginning of the ad indicates how many times the ad has run).  Ads must be resubmitted after their 3rd run.

* FOR RENT:  ITS Nissan 240SX or ITA NX2000 for Regionals or Driver Schools.  Call Kryderacing at 330-854-4889.

* RACE CAR PREP:  Kryderacing offers race car preparation, chassis set up, trackside services, race car transportation, etc.   Check out their Website
www.kryderacing.com
 
 

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