Called to order at 1:00 by RJ Gordy – Introduction of present Directors - Dave Allen, Barbara McClelland, Bryan Nemy, Peter Nosler, Michael Smith and Blake Tatum.

RJ turned the meeting over to Michael Smith incoming RE. Mike thanked Barbara McClelland -outgoing Secretary and RJ - outgoing RE for their services and presented mementoes to them for their services. The members present saluted them with a standing ovation.  

Michael Smith asked for comments from the crowd about RJ’s tenure. Ian Cook recalled that it was June, 1997 in Chris Jackson’s kitchen when he asked RJ to run for the Board. Gary Meeker recalled that one of the first orders from the Board after RJ became RE was that there be no more box wine. Dave Allen felt that RJ had helped the region soar like eagles much like the award RJ was given. Barbara McClelland said that RJ always kept the region in mind in all that he did. Laura Stich commented about RJ’s passion for racing. Charley Davis mentioned the Ambassador Program and the cooperation between Solo 2 and road racing. Blake Tatum said it was no coincidence that he had finally trophied once RJ became RE. Marcia Ulise’s memory of RJ was that through the good times and the bad times he had always listened. Mike Smith said that he respected RJ’s integrity and refusal to put self-interest above the club. RJ responded with thanks to the members of Board and the club for allowing him to have the success he had and that it was attributable to them and not to him.

Barbara McClelland presented the minutes from the previous annual meeting. Gary moved to approve the minutes as submitted Seconded by Marcia Ulise and passed.

Marcia Ulise, ballot count supervisor presented results of election. Total of 996
ballots were counted Nov. 15.  Results as follows: Regional Executive:  Michael Smith--862; No Votes--134, Board of Directors:  Elected Blake Tatum--709; Morris Hamm--693; Ed Railton--612, Not Elected:  John Schmale--493; No Votes--481.

Mike Smith introduced new board members and new officers Peter Nosler Assistant Regional Executive, Ed Railton Treasurer, Morris Hamm Secretary.

Recap of 2005

Bryan Nemy reported on the 2005 results in Drifting/Solo Nemy – Drifting Norcal Drifting Academy for drifting competition, still working on staging an event with them, rules package has been adopted, Solo Program – Fresno 14 events at Castle Airport Atwater, Sacramento 10 San Joaquin county fairgrounds, 3 practice 2 day enduro – 5 laps,  Sacramento tried drifting school not likely to continue. Mather airport successful event with Shriners, San Francisco 14 rounds at McAfee, Monster Park , Marina Airport and Golden Gate Fields, 6 Slush series events, Crows Landing site has been lost to toxic waste cleanup – turn-outs down slightly from prior years. The national tour and pro event at Atwater , Tour 300 participants largest in country for single region. Results at the National Championships at Topeka not as good as last year. The solo participants served as  pass checkers at San Jose Grand Prix

Bruce Goronsky reported on Vintage – 245 entries at Laguna thanks from Vintage community for putting on event. The SFR vintage event is the only standalone vintage in the country.

Blake Tatum reported on Road Racing –9 events regional/national, double national, 7 pro events. The total races staged were 15 with second race included. There were 3552 total entries including double events which was an increase over 2004. The region will have the same run groups for 2006. The inaugural Grand Prix of Willows was a big success thanks to Dave Vodden. The 2006 Drivers School needs entrants and the  Arken Scholarship is available. Those interested should send a letter to office stating why they should receive the scholarship for 2006.

Bryan Nemy talked about the Road Rally and Rally Cross or autocrossing in the in dirt. There were  3 national rally  tour events near Bishop and 2 afternoon raod rallies in Redwood City and Toy Rally in Fremont . Schyler Stein – 5 events at Thunderhill 43 entrants at event. There was also an event at Altamont with 88 drivers and the entries could have been larger. The region would like to do more events there , no rallycross school in 2005. Pego Mack, National Director of Rally, indicated we might get national rallycross event. Two people from SFR took trophies at first National Rallycross Championship

RJ Gordy reported on the Concours program which makes contributions to charity from the fess they collect. The region provides field and road crew four for events this year. Shriners event raised $500,000 for Shriners’ Hospital at Mather, possible event on USS Hornet along with Hillsborough, Palo Alto , Serrano and Mather. 

Sherry Grantz reported on activities in the Region office. The basic job of the office is to help the club do its job but to stay in the background. Blythe  Bonds is the region’s bookkeeper. The officer is upgrading its equipment but the new software provided by national has not been successfully installed. Sherry said  Colan Arnold had been hired in the national office to straighten out and improve database software. We can now do 1 Wheel subscription per house, can do data sorts by specialty, etc. can do more if asked but not currently being asked. The region now has budgets and expense controls and employs  requests for notice in advance of expenditures, Ian Cook doing a lot of work as Race Chairman with sanctions, etc. Race Entry – in one month, the office handled Laguna Double Regional, the SMT Challenge, Willows Grand Prix, the Enduro and the Vintage and managed it all as well as the election without outside help. The office also  works with new members and inquiries, help them to get oriented to the club and get into swing of things. Her memory of RJ was being told to be happy on phone regardless of what was happening.

Dave Allen reported on Membership. The inaugural Grand Prix of Willows was a big event for community relations with city of Willows with many new people at track including the  marching band from Willows High School. The band raised more than $1500 from their friends at Thunderhill. The Road Racing Drivers Club scholarship for the 2006 Drivers School is available. The entry fee is paid by the Region and the car supplied by RDC. The scholarship is open only to worker. The RDC needs applications. The Region had a membership booth at every pro event except NASCAR, manned every day of each event. The membership program is a closed loop Ambassadors get information on prospects  as does office. The objective is to get the prospects into club activities immediately. The Region had a 9000 square foot display at the Auto Show at Moscone Center. Ambassador tours by Laura Stitch and Sherry Grantz to get interested people into club.

The region’s Financials were presented by Michael Smith. The region got help from the Vintage event as well as the normal racing program in making the level of income that it did. The region’s cash reserves are sufficient to operate Region for year as well as have reserves to purchase equipment. The region has replaced a lot of equipment and is setting aside  additional funds each year. Ian Cook asked about the timing adjustments on the statements. Mike Smith explained that those are expenses accrued to match income since income comes in early. Linda Rogaski asked about the income from Solo that was not included – dues allocated but income/expenses not accrued. Solo keeps its own records that are not part of these statements

Peter Nosler discussed the Race To Recycle Oil Program. Peter explained history of region and program – unusual for SFR to get grant and repeat grant 3^rd grant expired in 2005, 4^th grant not approved. Over $400,000 has been received by the region. The funds will not be available in the future. There is a grant audit in process concerning issues of naming rights to races. The agency auditors are questioning the use of funds to name races. Peter expects to prevail over issue, possibility some of grant money may have to be returned – will be some time before decided. High marks from Board on grant performance.

The Thunderhill Report was given by David Vodden. The track has 12 years of operation now. Each year better than before and 2005 was better than 2004. David and Mike Smith discussed long term plan 2005-2007, 100% efficiency on water testing, public water system. The food service has improved, coffee drinks added during year, now catering on-site. A survey showed positive results and comments from users, customer service, highly ranked with other tracks, often above Laguna, Infineon. The track’s target to develop employees with line of succession – working well, buddy program for employees, engage consultant for economic impact survey. The track attracts 60,000 people each year - 60% from Bay Area averaging 386 people per day rented. T. The track is exceeding budget for 2005 with $250,000 into paving fund, $70,000 into equipment fund and plans to declare a $50,000 dividend to SFR for year. This year new garages were completed, additional paddock space is planned as well as a bathroom for the north end of paddock and replacing paddock lights. The speakers are being adjusted paddock shade cover successful, more to come in 2006.  Steve Jaroch asked about the Turn 9 announcer system - the system is available now but waiting for comm. Line. Rick Bynum asked about paving the worker camping are. David said there is drainage problem and solution is not available yet. They have tried things but not working.

Where are we going? – Mike Smith

Mission – SFR: The finest amateur motorsports club.

Values

Professionalism – do the best in all we do

Integrity – we do what we say we will do, we are all custodians of the club,

Respect – apply the Golden Rule it all starts with treating people right – the way you wanted to be treated

Friendliness – we smile and create a welcome to all those that cross our path and give out the message is that I am glad you are here.

Plans for 2006

Racing schedule for 2006 – one less three day event, tried to avoid back to backs, un avoidable conflict with Rose Cup – seven pro events. Goal to have schedule that will be solvent and yet keep volunteer life manageable. Question from Ian Cook will Willows Grand Prix return to Thunderhill? David Vodden responded -  possibly August event. Paul Einhorn asked about a 4 hour night enduro with Willows Garn Prix? Possibly. Michael Cantu  asked about A1 GP? Yes on schedule. Bruce Brunner mentioned that the A1 GP website shows different date – our date from Laguna.  Laguna is repaving during Spring and takes away our Spring dates. Laguna events are profitable to us and offset other losses.  Question from Tim Linerud – When will Competition Director be elected by membership? From Mike Smith views -  Steve Archer not perfect, but very good, he has a hard job in which he makes no friends. It is a different side to the racing. If another volunteer stepped forward they would be considered but understand job first. Mike Smith said he would not do it. RJ commented that he ran to have Steve replaced until he saw what he did, no one could do job like Steve does, considers many aspects that others would not, position would not likely to be filled as well if vacant. Tim Linerud asked about a succession plan if Steve leaves? Nosler – no replacement. Mike Neff asked why are the only nationals at Thunderhill response track availability.  Also from Mike Neff, why nationals on Saturday. Gary Meeker responded that national drivers like it because they will not run the regionals and so would have to wait an extra day besides SoCal drivers like going home Saturday. Brian McCarthy seconded the comment that drivers don’t like to sit around on Saturday. Ian Cook asked about Enduro practice and sound levels with the event being held at Laguna this year. Paul Lamm  asked about the Double National with Reno? Yes it will happen. What are the A1 GP support races? Bruce Brunner A1 GP competition between nations not drivers. Ian Cook said the Spec Miata Challenge not yet decided Toyo undecided.

Peter Nosler reported on the NORPAC Convention – SFR hosting several workshops two workshops on being a chief for current and future chiefs, Bob Hubbard on driver safety. Peter Hylton SCCA National Archivist will be Saturday lunch speaker.  Sunday morning will be the  town hall. Gary Pitts will provide a national update> there will be a forum for solo, rally and racing. The national staff expected to attend are Barbara Lundquist, Jeremy Thoennis, Brian Cohn, Gary Pitts - Acting President and Terry Ozment

Mike Smith December 17 Board Meeting – all day for liaisons, buddy program for liaisons primary and secondary, move more quickly on issues solve offline

Spec Miata now national class what happens? Important to Region for Miatas to continue as large groups, necessary to hold level on entry fees – Brian McCarthy – regional Miatas comply with national rules? Supps to provide for Spec Miata Toyo class with own rules maybe, need to finalize the rules ASAP to clarify for drivers.  Tom Turner if we can avoid rules creep we can keep regional drivers from moving into nationals. Mike Neff asked if a claiming rule for motors had been considered? Yes but not practical.

David Allen reported on a program for leveraging our size for member benefits. We will be asking for concessions based on size of region and impact on economy. We are working on lower rates etc for motels, restaurants, looking for ideas to talk to about getting price concessions, etc.

Morris Hamm reported on the All Club Training Day. It will be February 18 at Infineon. We should have  articles for newspapers and website, ambassador lists to invite, materials for Moscone, article for Wheel

Chiefs Meeting will be January 21 at a location to be determined. Notice will be published and may not be the San Ramon Marriott.

Mike Smith announced there will be an open test Day at  Thunderhill must be race drivers in race cars free to SCCA members.

VIP orders – overwhelmed supplier – distributing now, if problems with order, call RJ about issues. We have proper rain slicker available now 33 points pants not yet available. Bob Stegall reported on use or lose use by 12/31/05 points earned prior to 12/21/02 or they will expire and not be redeemable. VIP points will be on 3 year accumulation periods from here on out. Dorothy Bookman updated list for December Wheel. Dorothy needs a complete list of crews of record for each group from the chief of the crew.

Open floor for questions:

Bob Stegall asked for a member count – Sherry Grantz said about 4800 now trend is to hold steady.  Bob Stegall asked if we have year-to-year comparisons? Sherry said data not available – 3 years ago was 5300 dropped to 4800 and has held steady.

Vivian Stegall asked about the schedule for second races/bonus races? Mike Smith not yet decided will decide later.

Hall of Fame

RJ reported on the  Region Hall of Fame. The Board established a committee to select the inaugural Region Hal of Fame. The inaugural class will be inducted at a Hall of Fame Race probably June at Thunderhill. W Bruce Brunner served as Chair of the committee with Gary Meeker, Barbara McClelland, Mary Lou Robson and RJ Gordy  The first 10 inductees were announced by Bruce Brunner:

Sid Colberg
Roger Eandi
Marty Ilgen
John & Pat Kelly
Dr. Richard Lee
Ed Leslie
Kjell Qvale
Don Seike
Dr. George Snively
Don Wixcel

Motion to adjourn at 3:59 p m Steve Jaroch, seconded Michelle Hemus. Passed.

Respectfully submitted

Morris Hamm

Secretary