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PANIC SLIP DECEMBER 2005
Yep, just when you thought your club news letter was out of print here it is. I’m not one for making-up excuses so I won’t, however if I did I could make-up some good ones to justify the months that have passed since the last Panic Slip. Truth is I just didn’t get it done, I suck sorry. Of course the writing of panic slips job is open to anyone, you could even contribute an article. This is a good time to plug the website (mtscca.com) go there or stay square. I guess The Good News is that there is just that much more to write about.
First things first, lots of us would like to know the outcome of the vote. In all we had 53 ballots returned, enough to count (that’s a lot compared to previous years). On the issue of stop paying the top 15 places at the end of the year we had 39 for and 13 against and one maybe. So for next year the checks will not go directly to the individual but will be spent on “stuff” for the club, if you want to know what kind of “stuff” that’s been/being discussed at our meetings. On to the Big issue of adopting the current SCCA car classing system. It was a little scary when they votes were coming in since it remained tied until the 12th of Nov, on this note its obvious the club is divided some-what. Yes I’m getting to the results but first let me say to those who are passionate to their preference on this issue, its been decided lets move on and figure out how to run with it, besides there’s always another vote next year. Of the 53 returned ballots we had 32 for and 21 against, personally I would have liked a landslide one way or the other but that was not to be.
Ok those are the results but now what. Well for one this clarifies the way we “tech” vehicles. In the first place our “tech” is a safety inspection and nothing more. Has it all-ways been that way Yes, have we been doing something else Yes. Somehow at events our techs have evolved into classing the cars. Not anymore there is no way for a guy to go around classing everyone, that responsibility is ours (that’s means you) the driver. 97% of the vehicles will be found deep in the pages of the Solo Rules book, for those vehicles not found we (that means you and me) will figure something out. So when registering put down the class you will be running in, there will be books at the event to help class your car also there is a link from our web site to the national site with the same book. If you need to barrow a book between now and then, over the weekend for instance then dial 268-1742 (Jim). As a last resort a club member can hold your hand and find your class (I’m teasing). Tire rules are now according to the print of the official rulebook and so are other factors. I guess those green pages in the back of SportsCar ought not to be overlooked for updates through the season. Of course street modified, prepared and modified classes have a minimum weight requirement, exactly how to handle/enforce this requirement is being hammered-out at the last and next meeting (heads-up if your in one of those classes, you should come to the next meeting Dec 29th and bring a big hammer). Max tire/rim width affects the old GT classes (new prepared classes). I recommend looking at the book now. This is going to be a new deal for most of us, but eventually we’ll get it figured out and then next year we can change it all back (Ha Ha Ha).
Now on to something else- RSVP The annual banquet has been scheduled for Jan 27 2006 at the 3D in Black Eagle. There we will present trophies and other awards to individuals for the 2005 season. We have the same room as last time (upstairs), cocktails beginning at six, dinner at seven. Eat from the Mongolian Grill or select from the limited menu (Fridays are prime rib nights) each individual will be billed for his or her meal. OF course we will continue the traditional white elephant gifts, bring something in the 5-10 dollar range (spending more $ is also ok). We will have a slid-show presentation running while folks are arriving and continuing until dinner starts, if someone out there has some cool photo’s from last year Drew would like to include them give him a call 727-4336. We need to know who’s coming maybe this is a good time to give Darrel a call and RSVP 761-1264. We need to know who’s coming maybe this is a good time to give Darrel a call and RSVP 761-1264. We need to know who’s coming maybe this is a good time to give Darrel a call and RSVP 761-1264. Ok?
Next years schedule- Believe it or not we have actually sat down and outlined a tentative schedule. I can give you five confirmed dates right now, and the rest we are waiting on the base to pick and choose from.
April 8-9 (test/tune Helena) May 28-29 Expo (2 x Points ) July 9 Expo Aug 19-20 Helena (Top Gun 2 x Points) Sept 10 Expo
That first date (April 8-9th) would be an opportune time to find your vehicles class even though we won’t be running classes that first day. This event will be unique; it’s not a points event or even a competion event. We’re teaming up with region 52 to stage a test and tune. Rather than one large course there will be separate sections allowing you to line-up, make a run through with a time, hit the pits change things, go back and see how much more/worse you time is. There will be multiple start/finish two timing systems for sure and I’m trying to find a radar for sector speeds (anyone got one of those little radar guns) and a few tire pyrometers to stage at the end. You can improve on your driving skills make and adjustments to your car, this should be a good way to shake the cobwebs and break the ice.
March 26 May 7 June 4 June 25 July 30 Sept 17 Oct 8 Dates we gave the base to pick from (no were not having 15 events next year, some of those are extras). We should have 3-4 base events next year those events will not count for points. The reason for this is that as it turns out we are running behind a gated facility, some would argue this point but most realize its not fair. This means that some folks can be denied access, and still others have not felt comfortable giving the personal information that’s been required to get in thus they don’t get to play unless they compromise their standards. So yes we will continue to run there but not for yearly points. To make-up for the non-point events we will have some double point events at the Expo and Helena.
Area 52’s Helena Dates- April 23 May 21 Aug 6 we are all welcome to attend. That’s Region 52’s schedule confirmed for Helena next year. You might notice none of those dates conflict with our schedule, not a coincidence mind you.
Ok I have this to say to everyone. If you happen to have an opinion and want it to be heard we have a web site, meetings on the last Thursday, and phone numbers. If you have something really nasty to say but do not want the world to know who said it- sign onto the web as a “guest.” I think it’s a good thing to put things out there for others to see and develop opinions about and there are avenues to do just that. Won’t know if your ideas/comments will make a difference until you say them. Perhaps, the club will always be changing something (see ya early Sundays, Jim’s gotta have a six run format), along the way speak-up because criticizing the workings of your club could develop into something good. You might have to take over to make your change, that’s happened before. One big rule- no foul language or name calling, if that’s part of your style or personality you need to turn it off when your in my face or on the Web. Speaking of meetings- The last Thursday of every month at the community recreation center 801 2 Ave N, in the room adjoined to the coca cola café, 7-8:30
Next Years Board. Ummm I guess we don’t suck too bad since none have volunteered to take over. Remember this from last March’s Panic Slip-
“ Hey in case you didn’t know it you have a new Regional Executive and a new Assistant Regional Executive. Jim Messick and Rick Cummings are on the job but Region 105 is still hiring I hope more of us can get involved. Enlist now or be drafted on race day. Some positions you can pick from are- Tec, Registration, Timekeeper, Secretary/Treasurer, Competition chairperson, If you have held one of these positions in the past please don’t apply we want fresh blood. Also if you want to help but cannot commit let us know we need part-timers as well. Our first event will be interesting, as of now I have nobody in place to register, tech, and take care of the stuff we need to get the day started.”
Just so you know- there are a lot of members in this club that do a lot of stuff and never get much thanks. Last year went smoothly thanks to folks stepping up to the plate and taking the ball in for a score. Thank you very much. However there is still one position in the club that needs a replacement, the person responsible has had the job way too long and he needs a break. I won’t lie to you and say it’s easy, cuz it aint, but its not hard either, it just takes a certain type of individual. We need someone who can keep the files, use the “+” key on a calculator, mail forms to SCCA and all the other stuff I left out. Really whom do we have that’s good enough to take over the Secretary/Treasurer position? If you know someone please nominate them. Right now it is a lot easier to get someone going in this position than it will be when we have to start from scratch, and it’s not too late to fill the position. |