Minutes of the Regular Meeting

of the Reno Region of the SCCA

January 4, 2006

Attendees:       Patty Evans                 John Evans                 Lucas Kunze

                        Matt Benson                Doug Driver                 Russ Carpenter

                        Jeff Neilson                 Judy Gerten                 Jim Uchytil

                        John Riggs, Jr.            Chris                           Jason

                        Charles Marshall         Mike Kapic                   Joanne Kapic

                        Mike Khamis               Scott Perry                  Matt Roy

                        Tyson Kueper             Dean Benz                  Don Smith

                        Jim Gandy                   Carol DeBorde            Dave DeBorde

Patty Evans called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM, just as the Trojans were crossing midfield.  Self introductions followed.

Minutes of Prior Meeting

Lucas Kunze moved to approve the minutes from the December 7, 2005 meeting;  Dave DeBorde seconded;  the motion carried unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report 

Matt Benson delivered the treasurer’s report.  A copy is attached to these minutes  Total cash as of December 31, 2005 is just about even with the year before.  Dave noted that costs have increased considerably this year, so a wash is not bad.  Dave DeBorde moved and Lucas Kunze seconded to approve the treasurer’s report.  The motion passed unanimously.

NORPAC Convention 

Patty reminded the members that the NORPAC convention was this weekend at the Atlantis.  The Reno region will reimburse attending members $35 of the registration fee.

Membership Development

Russ Carpenter reported on his ideas for membership development.  He distributed his “Sign ‘em UP! 2006” program to the members.  His proposal includes a free sign-up for first time autocrossers.  John Riggs suggested charging a nominal fee – perhaps $10 – to cover insurance and sanction costs.  A general discussion ensued about whether a financial incentive is necessary to lure first-timers into an autocross.  Dean Benz moved to defer a final recommendation to the registration chiefs who would then present their ideas to the board of directors.  Doug Driver seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

2006 Reno Region Event Schedule

The members then reviewed the preliminary 2006 event schedule that was previously distributed.  There is no Winnemucca event because the airport site is not available, and the August Stead date may have to be moved due to a conflict.  Dave added that he would like to see as many members as possible work the March 17-19 double national event at Thunderhill. 

Track rental rates have yet to be negotiated for the Reno-Fernley Raceway club trials dates, so some of those may change.  We will probably need 50 attendees at an event to break even.  Lovelock makes better financial and logistical sense when we can do a two day event. 

Patty scanned the room in search of volunteers to serve as event chairs for the scheduled Solo2 events.  Dave volunteered to co-chair the June 24-25 event if it is a divisional.  John Riggs agreed to chair it if it is not a divisional.  Lucas Kunze volunteered for the April 2 test and tune, and Matt Roy and Scott Perry volunteered for the April 8-9 event.  Dean Benz raised his hand for the October 7-8 weekend.

The members devoted considerable time to discussing the NORPAC divisional series and whether the Reno region should host a divisional event.  The members generally felt that NORPAC needs to do a better job of promoting the divisional series and awarding trophies.  “It’s a lot of work for three runs a day” was a recurring comment.  A final decision was deferred.

Jim Gandy expressed concern about the number of events proposed for 2006 and the likelihood that we will be “burning out” our volunteer base. 

Chiefs

Russ Carpenter and Judy Girton volunteered (or were volunteered) to serve as registration chiefs.  Russ and Judy will be looking for Indians to serve under them.

Patty added that we are also in need of an equipment chief.  No hands were thrust into the air following her call.  Dave volunteered to schlep the bus back to his house so we can prepare it for the 2006 season. 

All eyes turned toward Jeff Neilson as the need for a tech chief was announced.  Jeff expressed concern about his ability to make all of the events but agreed to fill the position with that caveat.  Like Russ and Judy, he’ll need some help.  Jason Potter has agreed to help with the tech duties.

Changes to 2006 Supplemental Regulations

Patty turned our collective attention towards the proposed changes to the supplemental regulations.  She summarized the following major proposals.

The Solo2 event entry fees will be increased by $5 so that the region can recover increased costs.  The run-no-points (RNP) premium will be $10 for those who have already run (and paid for) a session.  A regular RNP session (not a second session) will be the full price.  All members agreed with this proposal.

The Roger Hettrick Award is to be renamed the Distinguished Service Award as nobody remembers Roger Hettrick.  It was decided that this does not have to be handled in the supps.

The street tire cars will be moved into their regular classes with a street tire “handicap” for the 2006 season.  This will balance and fill out the run groups.  All members agreed with this trial for the 2006 season.

The final major proposal was to eliminate the PAX championship and go with a “Driver of the Year” award.  Scott Perry suggested we do both.  Other members suggested developing our own PAX factors which could be “massaged” as the year progresses.  After considerable discussion, Patty called for a vote;  and it was 9 to 7 in favor of eliminating the PAX championship (with 24 attendees, some cheated and didn’t vote).  The topic will be discussed further.

Russ Carpenter raised concern about allowing bicycles at our region’s events.  Following a discussion on bicycles and ride-alongs it was decided to leave the supps as they are on that subject.

Walk-On Items

Scott Perry discussed the Time Trials classification system and suggested that we clean it up a bit to eliminate some confusion.  Dave said that the new Time Trials rules would be out soon, and he volunteered to review them and coordinate the clean up of our region’s classifications.

Jim Gandy suggested that we consider some financial rewards (like reduced entry fees)  for board members and others who put considerable time into club activities.  The item was left open for future discussion.

The members unanimously agreed to reimburse Carol and Dave for their representation of our region at the national convention.

The next general membership meeting is scheduled for February 1, 2006 at 6:30 PM at Austin’s Restaurant in Reno.  No football games are scheduled for that evening.

With no further business before the members, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by Doug Driver, Secretary.