March 24, 2008

Location: Mike Smith’s Office, Saratoga

Called to order at 6:00 pm by Mike Smith

Present - Mike Smith, Bryan Nemy, Peter Nosler, Ed Railton, Dave Allen, Blake Tatum and Sherry Grantz.

Guests – Matt Francavilla, Chris Cox and Rob Boynton from Solo.

Absent – Morris Hamm.

• Thunderhill  – Mike Smith

Things are going great at Thunderhill.  The budget is working better than last year.  New surface changes may stop the off track lines.  There is $1.4 million in the budget for the pavement project.  A temporary paddock fence is being constructed.

• Solo – Matt Francavilla, Chris Cox and Rob Boynton

The possibility of a deal with Golden Gate Fields was discussed.  The Board brought up various issues to consider.  It was agreed that Rob Boynton and Peter Nosler would work together to negotiate with the track.  A first step would be to acquire an estimate of the paving costs and for the solo community to come up with a list of points to negotiate with the track.

• Drivers School – Peter Nosler

The school was very successful. There were 78 students, all of which graduated.  The work on an elevated instruction program still needs to be done. Michelle Hemus/Kevin Rogers helped a lot with the school logistics.  There was great instructor focus.  One issue that was discussed was to try to find a better way for drivers, instructors and workers to connect at the Saturday night dinner.

• Double National – All

Half of the entrants were from out of the region.  There were 5 from CalClub.  It was noted that at the last Buttonwillow race on the same weekend there were 5 from SFR.

• Season Opener – All

Group 2 was cutoff at 56 entries.  Group 7 had 59.  Worker camping will be in the paved upper lot.  Race Administration would like all crew members without a membership card present to sign the waiver and be assessed a $10.00 charge, which will go to the WAP fund
   
• Region Administrators Report – Sherry Grantz

The national awards presented to SFR for communications were given to Sherry to display at the Region Office. The out of region steward gets paid for expenses at the Double National.  Ian is reviewing the track contract and charges at all tracks. 
Sherry’s office goals:
 Work with recruiter.
 Find a backup person for duties.
 Increase understanding of sponsorships.

• Recruiting Report – Sherry Grantz

Discussed the interview process.  Samantha Corbin has accepted the job.  She will start on Sunday at Infineon if possible, or on Monday March 31

• Secretary’s Report – Bryan Nemy

The minutes of the February 25th meeting were reviewed. Some changes were made.  Motion by Ed Railton, seconded by Blake Tatum to approve the report.

• Treasurer’s Report – Ed Railton/Sherry Grantz

Discussed the report. Finances are on track for 2008. Peter discussed changing banks.  Motion by Peter Nosler, seconded by Dave Allen to approve the report.

• Laguna Seca -  Mike Smith

Mike Smith and Ian Cook had lunch. Met with Bo, Gill and Ann to review 2008 planning.  Overall relations with Laguna are very good. 

• Review 2007/2008 Goals - All

The board went over the 2007/2008 goals. 
1. Sealed Spec Miata
    Discussed ways to encourage more SSM participation. 
    Sponsorship Specialty need to discuss will Bill Booth.
2. The Wheel
    Discussed some criteria for John Blakemore.
3. WEB
    Discussed transportation and lodging assistance for workers on the Web.
4. Feature Classes
    Need to grow some classes.
5. Membership
    Need to shoot for a 1% to 2% growth. 

• Board Seats - All

Looking for new Board members.  Bryan Nemy and David Allen will not be running this year.
Discussed possible candidates. 

• Spec Racer Ford Festival – Mike Smith

The awards will be the same as last year with SFR matching the Enterprise contribution of $1000.

• Pace Car

Still looking

• Worker Tracking – Bryan Nemy

Tested at Thunderhill.  Will run another test at the Vintage race at Laguna.
 
• IT Triple Crown – Dave Allen / Sherry Grantz

Information came from Josh Sirota through David Allen.  There are events at Mid Ohio and Road Atlanta.  A West coast venue needs to be found. David suggested using one of our races.
 
• NASA License -  Mike Smith

RJ Gordy will bring up the issue with the Nation BOD.

• July Thunderhill

The Formula Vee and Formula Ford will have a second race.  It was discussed that they should separate the classes into one race for each class. 

• Monterey Historics – Peter Nosler / Blake Tatum

Discussed using worker bucks for motels as much as $50 worth.

• Liaisons

o Peter Nosler
Tech trailer cost $2700. 

o David Allen
Suggested that we make a refrigerator magnet out of the annual race schedule.

o Ed Railton
Will talk to Shannon about storage at Thunderhill

Next Board Meeting Date – Thursday April 24 6:00 pm at Mike Smith’s office.   

A motion to adjourn was made by Blake Tatum.  Meeting adjourned at 10:43 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Bryan Nemy
Assistant Secretary