SAN FRANCISCO REGION SCCA
MINUTES ANNUAL MEETING
NOVEMBER 15, 2008
San Ramon Marriott

Called to order at 1:00 by Mike Smith, Regional Executive. Introduction of present Directors - Morris Hamm, Peter Nosler, Ed Railton, Peter Nosler and Blake Tatum., retiring directors – Bryan Nemy and David Allen and new directors Viet-Tam Luu and Joe Riley. Other introductions were Sherry Grantz, Samantha Corbin, Shannon Ell and Davids Vodden. 

Secretary’s Report – Minutes from November 17, 2007 Meeting – Morris Hamm. Copies of the truncated minutes were made available to all the members present. Motion by Gary Meeker, seconded by  Linda Rogaski and approved. David Arken  asked his opposition be noted.

2008 Election Results – Bruce Brunner

A total of 621 ballots were received.
 
Regional Executive

Michael Smith – 554
Ballots Received No Vote Cast –67

Directors

Peter Nosler – 503
Viet-Tam Luu – 472
Joe Riley - 474
Ballots Received No Vote Cast – 414

By-Laws Amendment

Yes – 514
No – 94
Ballots Received No Vote Cast - 13

The ballots were counted by Bruce Brunner, Samantha Stoker, Marcia Ulise, Tom Turner and Linda Turner. Observing were Morris Hamm and Ed Railton.

Outgoing Directors

Mike Smith recognized the outgoing directors - Bryan Nemy and Dave Allen and presented them with mementoes.

Financial Report

Mike Smith reviewed the results from 2008 so far in the various categories beginning with revenue. He noted that revenues were down from projections by over $100,000. Expenses for the year were also down by over $100,000. A question was raised by Brian McCarthy about The Wheel including reducing issues, using electronics more and checking for non members receiving The Wheel. Mike and Peter Nosler replied that the recipients are reviewed often for non-members, duplicates, etc, that the current publication rate has been examine and is appropriate and that The Wheel in print form is needed as well as the website. Tim Linerud asked about multi-year comparison. Mike replied that the Board looks at multi-year comparisons in its work. Brian McCarthy asked about using the surplus from entry fees to one year to reduce entry fees in a subsequent year. Mike pointed out that the surpluses are small. Brian McCarthy asked about using the prior surpluses to reduce future entry fees. Mike discussed also the steadily increasing track rentals costs. Mike then reviewed the present Balance Sheet and the amounts of cash available. Ian Cook asked about the Equipment Fund – has the pace car and the E truck been taken out. Mike replied that the E truck had not but the Pace Car was. Mike reviewed the other assets including our fixed assets and investment in SFR Properties, Inc. (Thunderhill). Morris Soto asked about not going to Infineon because of the costs. A question was raised about the loss of entries possible in 2009 based on the economy. Mike replied that the Board is planning for the possibility of reduced revenues and reducing the number of vintage events, trying to increase entries from other groups and other ways to generate revenues. A question was raised about negotiating with Infineon. Mike replied that the Region plans to point out that the prices are getting beyond our reach.

Entry Levels by Class and Group

Peter Nosler reviewed entry levels by event and by class and by group to show the ways that entries are affected by participation and class growth. An issue was raised about entry numbers being up but revenue down. It was explained that dual entries count as separate entries but actual revenue is reduced. An extensive discussion ensued over groups, classes and ways to make the racing better.

Solo Status

Bryan Nemy discussed the status of the Solo Program and results for 2008. The first item was to report that John Kelly is recovering from his stroke and will be returning home on the next day. Bryan also noted the passing of Art Allen a Solo competitor at the age of  82.  Bryan mentioned the success of the region’s members at both the National and Pro Solo level as well as the move of the Solo Nationals from Topeka to Lincoln, Nebraska for 2009. The Region staged a divisional series with Cal Club and San Diego with many entries and payouts for members. Our event was staged at Golden Gate Fields. During the year, the Region lost its site at Atwater (Castle Airfield).  A question was raised about adding drifting. Bryan replied that drifting presents too many problems to incorporate with the existing Solo program and is better suited at race tracks.

Sealed Spec Miata

Ed Railton discussed the status of the Sealed Spec Miata program and the new vendor for dyno services. The SSM class has doubled since 2007 and is now the 8th largest class. A question was raised about expanding the program to include the 1.8L engine. Ed said that the program is not expanding right now and that most of the 1.8L engines in the Region were running Pro Motors and that there was no demand for expansion. The cost of the motors and the longevity of the engines was noted. Steve Jaroch mentioned that a Sealed Spec Miata finished ahead of the Spec Miata winner in the Enduro.

Recruiting

Samantha Corbin, the Region’s recruiting director, discussed the results of her efforts concerning volunteers. She expressed her appreciation of the efforts of the club’s volunteers and their dedication. She thanked the members for their assistance and kindness to her during the past six months. She noted among other information that 38 of the 246 leads generated during her tenure had become workers.

Update on Thunderhill

David Vodden discussed the status of Thunderhill and its progress. The track’s net income increased by $55,000 from the prior year. The track was repaved during the year during a 12 day shutdown. The project cost less than projected included revisions to curbs and runoff areas. The track also added another canopy in the paddock area. The track expanded its Drift program and Drift pad. The track also acquired a new tow truck and fork lift. The tow truck is generating revenue by being rented to track users. Thunderhill hosted the 25th year anniversary of the Shelby Club as well as the Grand Prix of Willows as well as the 7th 25 Hour Race.

Dave introduced Shannon Ell to discuss the 2009 season. The track expects to have as successful a year in 2009 as it had in 2008. The higher prices at other venues work in Thunderhill’s favor in being more competitive. Shannon introduced by name the various staff members at Thunderhill and attributed its success to them. A question was raised about sanctioning the 25 hour (NASA) and the anticipated dividend for 2008 ($50,000). A question was raised about possible redesign of Turn 15 to minimize impact zones such as happened during the final event. A question was raised about capital projects and the status of the wind/solar power. Capital items – showers and restrooms, a contract has been signed for installation of four wind generators during the next nine months that will take the track off the grid. A question was asked about the wireless petition that has been signed. Shannon said that negotiations are underway for installation of some device for
improved service. A question was raised about the serious incident that occurred during 2008 and what plans were being made to avoid future incidents. Shannon said that additional K wall, tires etc will be used. The SFR free test day will be January 2, 2009 (now January 4, 2009). A question was asked about running Thunderhill in reverse direction. Mike Smith replied that the issue is under consideration and is being evaluated for safety issues before a decision is made. The track will be looked at soon from the reverse direction to evaluate.

2009 Schedule

Mike Smith presented the 2009 schedule which has one less Vintage event (No Infineon) as well as the Pro events.

Banquet Notes

Blake Tatum discussed the banquet and arrangements. The Region is noting its 60th Anniversary with commemorative wine glasses. One glass will be provided for each attendee at the end of the banquet. Brian McCarthy raised an issue about the banquet paying for itself.  Blake noted that the banquet is for celebration of friendship and not necessarily a profit making venture. George Ott raised a question about the wine on the table and having the option of not buying the wine. Blake said he would address the issue.

Open Forum

RJ noted that he is running unopposed for election and that no ballots will be sent out to save costs. RJ was asked about the status of the President search – candidates are being interviewed and selection is scheduled for around January 1.

A question was asked about the electronic version and paper ballots and how to prevent duplicate votes and how the ballot counting cost will be and what savings will result. Sherry Grantz stated that she was working with Motorsports Reg on the issue and they has solutions to the problems such that the membership number of the member will be used for control. Motorsports Reg anticipates minimal cost for the voting process. Mike Smith suggested that Bruce Brunner and Marcia Ulise be monitors for the process and results.

A question was raised about how the Board would work to raise involvement of the members in the process.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted

Morris Hamm, Secretary