2018 Board of Directors

Brief description of their board position/responsibilities.

As Regional Executive I work to ensure Delta’s board members work in unison as a hive mind to ensure the best interest of our membership as a whole.

How did you get into autocross/racing?

I started out with a interest in legal street drag racing. The idea of paying more money to win always was a sore thumb in the whole experience. A non car enthusiast friend heard about the sport and told me I should look into it. I attended an event just as a spectator and instantly I knew that there was something magical.

What is it that you like so much about autocross?

The most interesting thing about autocross to me is the ability to adapt. The course, surface, and temperature affect your learning curve. It’s all about the driver’s ability to adapt and less about the money you put into it.

Why did you become a Delta board member?

My interests in the sport had become such that I wanted to learn all the inner working mechanics. So I sat back listened and watched the leaders at that time and even befriended a few. Shortly later I was asked if I could join the board as the rookie board chairman.

What are your 2018 autocross goals/targets?

To continue to grow and expand on the atmosphere that we call Delta. A welcoming biosphere of race heaven, where our participants already know they will have a fun safe and  competitive time with us at Delta.

Brief description of their board position/responsibilities

My role is Assistant RE. I assist in Delta operations as needed. For 2018 I am putting a big focus in marketing/social media w/ the communications chair team.

How did you get into autocross/racing?

In ‘06 I had a friend suggest I participate for years and I always put it off. Once I got a car I thought was competitive I went to my first event and got my butt kicked, but everyone was super nice.

What is it that you like so much about autocross?

I enjoy the competition and really sharing the feeling I experienced at my first event.

Why did you become a Delta board member?

At the time the Delta board only consisted of three active people. I attended two meetings and got shanghaied into being a board member.

What are your 2018 autocross goals/targets?

For 2018 I want to work on improving my driving, prep my car to a national level in B street, and work with the Delta board to improve our events/operations.

Brief description of their board position/responsibilities:

Secretary. I also do registration, checking in drivers on event days, and ensuring that all participants and spectators fill out/sign the appropriate paperwork.

How did you get into autocross/racing:

I started as a spectator watching my son compete.  As a former journalist and newspaper photographer I naturally took pics of him and his new found autocross friends. Shortly after that, the board asked me to be the club photographer.  This past summer I became a “driver”  and entered my 1st event.

What is it that you like so much about autocross:

Camaraderie of all who attend.  I feel like we have monthly “family reunions” featuring friendly competition.

Why did you become a Delta board member:

I became a board member to help Delta in any way needed.

What are your 2018 autocross goals/targets:

To be able to read the courses so that I can see drive lines instead of a sea of orange.

Brief description of their board position/responsibilities

My duties as Delta’s Activity Chair are To assist the RE and ARE, contact sites for available dates, review and sign contracts ensure Delta has insurance and maps for events and hold the event chair position at events.

How did you get into autocross/racing?

It was a bet.  I wanted my husband (Kerry Coughlin) to try something new and he wanted me to try autocross.  I remember my first event he said “I will be happy if you are within 10 seconds of me”…… I was within 4!  After my first event, I was hooked!

What is it that you like so much about autocross?

It’s FUN!!!  It gets my adrenaline running.  I also love the competition and meeting new people.I have met lots of new friends locally and all over the United States.

Why did you become a Delta board member?

I wanted to help out more and had some ideas that I thought would help.

What are your 2018 autocross goals/targets?

I have a few…..

Attend more tours and Pro Solo’s this year

Be a trophy winner at tour and Pro Solo events

Be a National Trophy winner (again)

Be consistently within ½ sec of Kerry at local autocrosses

Brief description of their board position/responsibilities:

Treasurer.I’m the money man. I stop hoodlums from spending all of delta’s monies. I do basic accounting for delta and pay the bills.

How did you get into autocross/racing?

I always knew about autox from the rsx forums, but didn’t know there was a region around me, in Biloxi; if only social media was around 12 years ago.  I moved to the NOLA area in 2011.  one of my friends starting modding his car like crazy and said he wanted to autox and put his car on the big track, he still hasn’t done either; This sparked my interest.  I knew about the local region through some car friends (one who should not be named). I at first just came out and took pictures of the events. My first event was a test and tune at NMSP.  

What is it that you like so much about autocross?

I enjoy improving upon myself after each run. I to like see time get chipped away throughout the day. It’s just fun whipping a car around the course.

Why did you become a Delta board member?

I was asked to join and thought why not, LOL

What are your 2018 autocross goals/targets?

To stop spinning out with my current setup, I need stop being cheap.

Brief description of their board position/responsibilities.

I am responsible for growing our autocross community numbers.

How did you get into autocross/racing?

I have always liked cars, but the addiction really kicked in when I was in 10th grade. I went to the mall with a buddy, and in the arcade was a brand spanking new head to head racing game…. Initial D. It was the first racing game that sucked me into it, from there it expanded to Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsports. Each one feeding the desire to race more and more. Finally, after school obligations were finished and I was able to get a car, I ended up buying probably the worst starter car you could image. But the challenge was fun and kept me coming back.

What is it that you like so much about autocross?

There are two points that make this sport the absolute best in my eyes. The first of which is the people, When I first started I was a complete green horn that had no clue what I was doing but everyone was willing to help and give advice to make me a little faster at a time. It was the welcoming demeanor of our group that completely pulled me into autocross and made me go full bore.  The other aspect of it, is getting to explore the limits of your car and your skill in a controlled and safe environment. You can’t beat getting out there and just going full bore and making your car work, pushing to the point where the car just says “nope”.

Why did you become a Delta board member?

Points at Derek he made me do it. all kidding aside, I became a board member to help where I could to keep what pulled me to the club alive. Making people feel at home, and giving off a positive attitude to make sure people enjoy their time at our events is one of the things I consider a “perk of the job”

What are your 2018 autocross goals/targets?

Hahaha, does completing the season without killing the car count? I would like to make a couple national events now that I have the equipment to get there and back without killing my kidneys on the way there because of how hard the miata’s suspension is sprung.

pic post paint job coming soon!

Brief description of their board position/responsibilities:

Create Facebook page events and delta newsletters

How did you get into autocross/racing?

Modified my car suspension and wanted to enjoy using it legally

What is it that you like so much about autocross?

Shaming cars / drivers with my lowly econobox

Why did you become a Delta board member?

They needed help

What are your 2018 autocross goals/targets?

Not break my car as much

Brief description of their board position/responsibilities.

As a board member that specializes in IT/Tech… I am responsible for the various systems using during an event as timing and scoring.  My goal is to have zero technical issues our events.

How did you get into autocross/racing?

I started out racing cenla in 1997.  Took an extended break when marriage and children arrived.  The Coughlan’s moved next door and pulled me back in.

What is it that you like so much about autocross?

I’ve always enjoyed motorsports.  Grew up in a family that has a passion for cars.  I heard about this thing called autocross from my orthodontist at the time.  He described it as a way to be the race car driver you always wanted to be.  But without the cost and risk associated with the pro stuff.

Why did you become a Delta board member?

I’ve learned a lot over the years and felt that it was my turn to give back to the sport.  Working with a team is enjoyable if the right people are in the right places with the right attitudes.  We have that at Delta.

What are your 2018 autocross goals/targets?

As a participant, I want to continue to improve my driving abilities, overall knowledge of the sport, and most of all to have fun.

Brief description of their board position/responsibilities

Feeding Leigh.

How did you get into autocross/racing?

What is it that you like so much about autocross?

Why did you become a Delta board member?

What are your 2018 autocross goals/targets?

Brief description of their board position/responsibilities.

Member at Large

How did you get into autocross/racing?

I grew up racing dirt bikes as a kid and through high school but it wasn’t until my first year of medical school that I stepped into the world of 4 wheeled racing. A classmate in my med school class noticed me driving off in my old Focus ST one day after anatomy lab and he flagged me down. He immediately said “Man this ST is sweet! Have you ever autocrossed it before?!?” I didn’t have the slightest clue what an “autocross” was, but after a little discussion with him I was sold. Before I knew it I was signed up for an event the very next Sunday.

What is it that you like so much about autocross?

There’s just nothing like being on the edge, the exhaust screaming, the tires howling, and the car ever so slightly still in my control as I dance around (and over) cones. Things are happening faster than I can process it, the only person slowing me down is me. It’s such a beautiful manifestation of our passion for cars and motorsports, to actually be in the seat, risking something. But at the end of the day it is the people that make autocross so special, being able to share this love and obsession with others that aren’t just competitors but dear friends.

Why did you become a Delta board member?

Of all the regions I have raced with, Delta stood out to me; the board members, the drivers, the venues. I loved everything about it from the first day. I realized how special a group this was and after having been a part of it for over a year I jumped at the opportunity to give back for all the great experiences they had given me, and hopefully to continually create amazing, memorable moments for new and old autocrossers to come.

What are your 2018 autocross goals/targets?

Goals for 2018 are to win CS in Delta’s region, throw up RAW times within 1.0 sec of Kerry, and to attend my first national’s events (with aspirations of trophying at Lincoln in CS).

Brief description of their board position/responsibilities.

Car Tech Inspection and other general fooling around

How did you get into autocross/racing?

I have always been interested in driving fast.  When I moved to an area where autocross competition was available, it was natural for me to get involved.   The risk and wear and tear are low; it is a great way to take your car to the limit.

What is it that you like so much about autocross?

It doesn’t require a major commitment in time and funding like wheel to wheel racing.  Autocross lets you compete against others AND yourself, without requiring a dedicated race car.  The autocrossers are some of the friendliest people around.  The socializing and hanging out is (almost) as much fun as racing.

Why did you become a Delta board member?

I wanted to help out since I so enjoyed competing in the Delta Region over the last few years.  I would like to see our region grow: attract and retain members.  To that end, we must ensure that our events run smoothly and safely and are enjoyable.

What are your 2018 autocross goals/targets?

To beat Kerry!  (I think it may be possible if I sneak up behind him with a 2×4…)   Lol!

Seriously, there is NO WAY I could beat him, so my goals are to continue to improve my skills and to figure out in what direction to take my vehicle (upgrade, or replace)