The Central New York Region of the Sports Car Club of America monthly meeting was called to order at 7:15pm, April 8, 2015 at the American Legion Hall in Liverpool by Regional Executive Ed Leubner. Some 16 people were in attendance.
The R.E. asked for a motion to accept the minutes of the March meeting as posted on the Region's website; moved by Mike Gagliardi, seconded by Mike Donofrio, passed. There were no changes or additions.
Leubner called on our Treasurer; Jay Cartini reported that the Club's 2014 tax filing was done. And while he's been able to collect most monies pledged by sponsors, there's still one outstanding that Cartini is chasing.
Ed recapped the Motorama show at the Fairgrounds the end of March, noting the cars our group displayed: Gerrit VanVranken's Toyota, Gagliardi's Cobra, Scott Newton's shifter Kart, a new Toyota Corolla Mark Bizzozero rounded up, and Mark Georgiades' Rallycross Subaru.
Ed is asking us to put together a story or two for our Region newsletter, the Snarling Exhaust.
And, the R.E. mentioned he was going to participate as an instructor in an upcoming Finger Lakes Region Street Survival School for young drivers. That Tire Rack-sponsored event is one we may do when the Central New York Raceway Park has pavement.
The Assistant Regional Executive, Mark Bizzozero, promoted a Solo van cleanout coming up before the end of the month.
The Secretary Pro-Tem, Jon Coffin, had no report, other than that Bob Holcomb would be back with embellishments in May.
Activites Director Ted Barbuto brought up an idea for our August picnic; with the heavy pedestrian traffic by the Onondaga Lake Yacht Club, how about a display of our "racey" cars there during that event?
SOLO Chair Scott Newton confirmed the Cayuga Community College Fulton Campus site would be available to us for three events this season, all on Saturdays, as the School is in session on Sundays. The building will not be open, but there will be a port-a-potty on site. The first autocross there is May 2. The Club has purchased four new "loaner" helmets for our novice competitors. And Newton named a couple more specialty chiefs for the year; Bill Scott will be leading tech, and Mark Mangicaro will line up grid. Scott also mentioned that it looks like we'll have a "live timing" function available for folks onsite with smart phones. And, there was a short discussion about promoting our SOLOs with the various local marque clubs for Miatas, Subarus, Corvettes, VWs, MGs, Jaguars, BMWs, Porsches, Corvairs, Mustangs, et al. It's amazing how many there are, and we'll let them run as their own class if they want.
James Quattro gave the Rallycross report; the March 28 event was cancelled because access to the site on Walczyk"s Farm was impassable. Planning is going ahead for a tentative 'Cross at CNYRP in May. And a Divisional Rallycross will be held in Pennsylvania in conjunction with the Susquehanock Trail Pro Rally in June.
On Flagging & Communications, Mick Levy mentioned the Motorsports Safety Seminar early April, and the Watkins Glen International opening weekend activities mid-April, with track days starting the end of April.
Quattro, who is working as the Raceway Park liason with the SCCA, reported on a late March meeting with track officials and Club honchos with the Finger Lakes and Glen Regions. With their experience and expertise, those regions will be leading SCCA racing activities at the new track initially, as our region does not have enough people certified in enough specialties to entertain organizing the first events ourselves. That will come later for us. The Glen and Finger Lakes representatives have been supportive and encouraging to us in our program to lead these events in the future.
The current Central New York Raceway Park goal is to run an SCCA "Track Night in America" event in November, 2015. It will take much luck and effort to reach that goal.
In membership matters, our R.E. pointed out that neighboring Region member Jim Garry, from MoHud, had reached the 35-year club anniversary.
In new business, Ed asked if the Region's Charter had been renewed, and immediate past-R.E. Newton said the paperwork had been submitted.
Leubner reported the MG Car Club invited us to set up a display at their annual European Car Show in Cazenovia, June 21, Father's Day.
Scott reported he's culled the (e)mailing list and asked for corrections and additions as needed. And he mentioned an upcoming Sports Car Club of Vermont "Track Day" at St. Lawrence Motorsports Park, in Morristown, on the border, May 23 and 24. Several members commented on that being a fun venue and event.
VanVranken requested that we schedule a Solo Safety Steward training Seminar, which I will run Wednesday evening, June 10 at the American Legion at 6pm before the regular monthly meeting.
My number was called, and I won the 50/50!
As Lee Hidy was not on hand, Rex Franklin moved the meeting be adjourned, and Mike Donofrio seconded the motion, passed at 8:30pm.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary Pro-Tem Jon Coffin.