What does VIP mean to you as a volunteer Race Official?

SFR has a unique program of appreciation for the many volunteers needed to staff our road racing program. Called the Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP), it awards 3 VIP points a day for time spent volunteering at a SFR road racing event. At the end of each race weekend, the Specialty Chiefs submit
VIP points earned (by attendance dates) by SFR members to John and Dorothy Brookman, Co-chiefs of the Volunteer Recognition Program, who are the points keepers for this database.

The points, which expire after three years on the books without use, may be used for a wide variety of merchandise that can only be obtained using VIP. The merchandise, which includes hats, polo shirts, long- and short-sleeved shirts, vests, and a varsity jacket with the SFR logo, is featured on the SFR web site. Specialty Chiefs have order forms and the orders are placed through R J Gordy, RE, who works with the vendors.

In addition to the merchandise, VIP has other benefits. Wishing to encourage attendance at SFR Region-only events, those volunteers attending 51% of them (Drivers School, Regional, Vintage, National) in one year will receive reimbursement of both their Regional and National dues. For 2005, there are 31 days of SFR events. Therefore, any volunteer who earns at least 47 VIP in 2005 will receive a reimbursement certificate for dues mid-February 2006. In addition, those who earn 65 or more VIP (70%) will be known as Dedicated Volunteer Workers which provides a distinctive jacket, patch and annual year bars. Also it is realized that due to work constraints and other reasons, occasionally a volunteer cannot be present for an entire day--but s/he will still receive full points for that day.

VIP points are also earned when volunteers work at the pro events supported by SFR (ALMS, Champ Car, Earle Monterey Historics, Wine Country Classic, GrandAM, IRL, NASCAR). However these points are not counted towards dues reimbursement.

Besides the merchandise, VIP can be used for the Annual Banquet and for Registration at both the NorPac and National conventions. Drivers who volunteer to work may have their time counted towards the DRAFT program (a subject for another article) or the VIP, but not both.

The Wheel publishes VIP points several times a year and the SFR Web site is updated monthly. VIP is a great way to show appreciation to our volunteers.