SFR SCCA Board of Directors Minutes
May 29, 2008
Location: Mike Smith’s Office

Called to order at 6:25 p.m.

Present: Mike Smith, Peter Nosler, Dave Allen, Bryan Nemy, Morris Hamm, Sherry Grantz, Ed Railton (late), Joe Riley. Absent – Blake Tatum.

• Thunderhill Report – Mike Smith

The injured workers are recovering and should be released shortly. Repaving is on schedule for July after our event.

• Region Administrator’s Report – Sherry Grantz

Sherry has two SFR banners for use at events. Motorsports Reg has updated their code used for online registration. The June event is now open for registration. Sherry would like feedback on the new system. Bay TSP will sponsor the June double regional at Laguna as they have in the past. Sherry had a brochure downloaded from the national website for use with car classes.

• Recruiting Report - Sherry Grantz

Sherry submitted Samantha’s goals and plan of activity for May through December. Mike and Sherry and Samantha have a weekly conference call to discuss activities, problems, etc. Samantha is working the leads, returning phone calls and interfacing with new groups of people and sources of prospects. Samantha is working on contacting the drivers and workers who have not been present at the various events. The region lacks a system for tracking which workers have appeared at each event except Worker Bucks which takes time  to process.

• Secretary’s Report – Morris Hamm

The minutes for the April 24 meeting were presented for review and approval. Upon motion by Dave Allen, seconded by Bryan Nemy, the corrected minutes were approved.

• Treasurer’s Report – Ed Railton/Sherry Grantz

The financial reports through April were presented and reviewed. Dave Allen asked about the cost of the canopy, table and chairs for membership at the Grand Am event and future events. Upon motion by Peter Nosler, seconded by Bryan Nemy, the report was accepted.

• Review 2008 YTD entry counts - Mike Smith

Entries for the year are down slightly from the budget reflecting the impact of gas prices and economic trends. The board will track entries and the budget to monitor performance to see how the region is faring and to take appropriate actions. Peter and Samantha are to contact FF drivers to encourage attendance and to identify causes for non-attendance. Suggestion to start dialogue with teams and garages to determine if there are issues.

• Board seats for 2009 - Mike Smith

Joe Riley is running for the Board and has submitted his petition for the election and attended this meeting for the full session as a welcome visitor. No other candidates have appeared as yet. Bryan is working on possible candidates from the Solo community.

• Updates

• Grand AM / Thunderhill Double Regional ITE  Festival - Mike Smith

The Region had aback to back events. The Grand Am event went very well. The Double Regional and ITE festival was successful. Dave suggested that the ITE festival be at the end of the year to attract more entries. The injured worker is recovering from her injuries. Joe suggested that the Turn 14 box be manned instead of the 14/15 box to improve visibility to the drivers. Peter suggested having a training school for F&C volunteers from drivers and crew to provide an alternate source of workers.

• C&C sponsored SSM Race - Ed Railton

The first C&C sponsored race was held at the May 23-25 race. Flyers were sent to the SSM participants prior to the race and circulated at the track. There were eleven entrants in the SSM race, the most ever. Upcoming events will be at the Thunderhill regional and the Laguna double regional.

• Sponsor development – Mike Smith

Mike met with Bill Booth to discuss the possibility of developing a sponsor program and what it will entail.  Mike suggested that a demographic study be conducted of the SFR members to develop the statistics for presentation to any potential sponsors. Butte College developed the prior survey used by Thunderhill to demonstrate economic impact on the county.

• The how to’s for using worker bucks for Monterey Historics lodging

The workers would turn in a request for a reimbursement of $50 from their Worker Bucks to Sherry who will determine from Dorothy Bookman if the worker has sufficient bucks accrued. If so, the request will be paid.

• Banquet – Costs and Fees

James Keane presented an analysis of the banquet costs and attendance from prior years showing the escalation of the costs of the banquets over the past 25 years.

• Final outcome of FF engine protest – Mike Smith

The appeal has been heard and denied and the decision is final. Mike is working to get the parties together to talk about the issues.

• Reno Event update - Mike Smith

Mike Smith presented the schedule for the event at Reno.

• Worker Support Ideas – Mike Smith

The board discussed ideas concerning us of the Worker Appreciation Program funds to benefit the workers as well as using region funds to do so.

• POG Program – Mike Smith

Mike discussed the status of the POG program. There is a lot of acceptance of the program at the regional level.
 
• Use of Worker Bucks for Shirts – Mike Smith

The request of the E crew and Pit Fire to use Worker Bucks to buy their shirts was considered and the Board agreed that the use of the bucks was appropriate and the items would be added to the list of merchandise subject to pre-approval of the person acquiring the shirt.

• Liaison Check In

Hall of  Fame weekend is on schedule and being prepared. Damon racing has donated the cost of the trophies to the region.

Solo is halfway through their regular season. Entries are down somewhat compared to prior years. The Divisional event was very successful and very well organized and well received by all participants.

Jeff Filiault, Worker Trans Laguna Seca, was commended for his attitude and willingness to get the job done whatever it is.

• Solo long term site progress – Bryan Nemy

A price has been obtained for repaving at Golden Gate Fields but it is greater than the amount in the site fund so additional work needs to be done before we can proceed.

• Pace Car – Mike Smith

The pace car is complete, the lighting system is installed, all graphics have been placed on the car and the car is ready for use. The region will be buying billeted wheels and Ron Cortez will be donating tires for the car.

• Street Survival School – Mike Smith

The BMW Club is asking to hold a Street Survival School in the Sacramento area. Bryan is to work with the Sacramento Solo Chapter to schedule the event and help it to happen.

• Rally Cross

An individual is proposing to restart the Rallycross program at Thunderhill. Bryan is to work with the individual about the program and the existing Rallycross program.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:52 pm.

Morris Hamm
Secretary