The monthly meeting of the Central New York Region of the Sports Car Club of America was called to order at 7:20PM, February 11, 2015 at the American Legion Hall in Liverpool, by Regional Executive Ed Leubner. Some 14 people were on hand. It was noted that Paul Andrews and Fred Galster, of the MG Car Club were in the group.
At Ed's request, Rex Franklin moved, and Mike Donofrio seconded, that the minutes of the November, 2014 meeting, be accepted as posted on the Region's website. There were no corrections or additions.
In his R.E. report, Ed spoke of the success of the annual banquet, in January, at Borio's. With kudos and huzzahs to Ted Barbuto for stepping in as our new Activities Chair, and organizing many aspects of the dinner, and to Mark Mangicaro for taking a bunch of good photos at the event. Leubner also cited the just released online edition of the Snarling Exhaust, with thanks to editor Dan Hurley. And Ed had put together a nice article on the Awards Banquet for the newsletter.
After it came up at a recent monthly meeting, the R.E. reported he'd been in contact with other New York state regions about how they insure their trucks/vans/trailers and found our expense was comparable for a commercial vehicle, with multiple drivers, although it does seem costly for the amount it is used, and the mileage put on the vehicle. But, it's comparable.
Region Treasurer Jay Cartini said all Snarling advertisers had been billed, and are current. And he says we're in decent shape to start the new season soon. Some hilarity over ill-defined topics ensued for a short time. I wish I could be clearer than that, but I can't make sense of my notes.
The (new) Assistant Regional Executive Mark Bizzozero told us he'd turned all the autocross stuff over to the (new) SOLO Chair Scott Newton.
And, on a related note, Bizzozero, as the most-recent past "Member of the Year", passed along the "Member of the Year" Award to Newton at our banquet in January.
Secretary Pro-tem Jon Coffin had no report, but we all welcome sunning Secretary Bob Holcomb's race reports from Florida.
On Activities, Ted Barbuto thanked those who helped him get the banquet done, and said we'll be looking to the banquet facilities planned at Central New York Raceway Park for our awards dinner next January.
SOLO Chair Scott Newton mentioned we need new "loaner" helmets, and storage bins for the upcoming season, and he'll be looking for some deals shortly. He talked about SOLO sites, and continuing talks about a Cayuga Community College site in Fulton, but that's still not finalized. There will be one, or more, events at the kart track in Lafayette. We probably won't return to the microd track west of Cortland. He's trying to nail down a date at the Fairgrounds which will coordinate with the Finger Lakes Region's schedule, but has not found smooth dealing with the State people yet. And we're all hoping there will be useful autocross asphalt at CNYRP by the fall (or sooner).
Mick Levy told us about a race-working talk he and Mike Fuller will give at the Liverpool Library, Saturday, 2/28, from 3 to 5pm. It's open to anyone and everyone, and we will need trained workers able to trade time at CNYRP for our access to facilities there, so this is a good opportunity for some of us to start that activity. Mick also pointed out an article in the March edition of Hemmings "Muscle Machines" magazine about road racers from the Syracuse area in the 1970s, including mentions of Rex Franklin, Bob Baechle, Neil Kassel, and others.
James Quattro reported on Rallycross activities, which included an event at Walczyk's Farm in Weedsport the end of January, and another one coming up the end of this month. He talked about a Northeast Divisional Rallycross series, with contingency awards, and a small series cash pot building up, which has had a successful start. Our region will host the series at a two day event in September at Walczyk's. And, he's hoping to be able to organize one (or more) events at CNYRP, maybe even as soon as May.
In old business, Lee Hidy told us that Mike Fuller had donated some old Region articles (newsletters and such) to the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen, and that the Museum has sent a letter of acknowledgement and thanks, dated 2/3/15. And Lee handed over a box of stuff (newsletters and such) and a scrapbook photo album to Ted Barbuto for safekeeping.
Ed Leubner mentioned that Clay roadracer Jeff Knittel had won the NYSRRC Championship for his class in 2014, and that it would be great if some (or several) racers were able to make it to a meeting; that it would be enjoyable. (Secretary's aside - maybe their absence is affirmation that the only spare time a racer has is spent working on the car.)
Ed asked that region members try to update their email addresses with the club. Some recent "blasts" have had several messages rejected for bad addresses.
Ed asked about Region By-laws; he has a copy dated 1993, and is wondering if there is a more recent edition? And, he's getting his hands on the most recent Charter, which Scott Newton still has.
There was brief discussion about the Car Show coming up at the Fairgrounds the end of March. Volunteers to man a club display would be welcome, And the Divisional Mini-Conference is coming up, near Pocono, Pa, March 7. Those get-togethers are highly informative and often entertaining.
On a motion by Lee Hidy, seconded by Rex Franklin, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm.
Respectfully submitted by Jon Coffin, Secretary Pro-tem.