February 2010 Regional Executive Report

2010 has started out quite nicely.  Our city is getting the best publicity it has ever seen, our Saints have finally made it to the top, and our February event went off without a hitch.  Some late-year purchases last year helped to make the event a bit better.  Benson Young did allot of research and put allot of his personal time into formulating one of the most sophisticated timing systems on the Gulf Coast.  It is now 90% wireless, providing us reduced setup and cleanup times while ensuring delay-free event.  Also, a newly-purchased PA system helped to keep the spectators and participants better informed of event schedule, times, and where they stood in the rankings.  59 drivers participated with 28 of them being weekend members (potential future Delta members). 
 
For the remainder of 2010, I would like to ask all Delta members to focus on expanding the region’s membership.  Talk to friends, neighbors, acquaintences about the joys of autocross.  Bring them out for ride-alongs or help them attend their first event.  Talk to new drivers at events and encourage them to continue participating.  Our school in March is the PERFECT place for people to get started with autocross.  Please try to pass the word about this school wherever you can.  Also, make sure they people understand that they don’t need the latest wizz-bang coilovers or titainum exhuast to have fun and stay competitive. Too many non-competitors believe that cars have to be modified to be fast.  Just look at the Wetzels.  Jeff was our PAX Champion for 2009 and Roberta took the PAX win for the February 2010 event - in a stock Honda S2000.  Jimmy Jummonville came in 2nd this month with a completely stock Miata.  Jeff Schaadt (RRR) came in 2nd at Nationals in 2009 with a completely stock Mini Cooper.  If you hear new members talking or posting things like “i will come out when I can afford coilovers”, clarify it for them and encourage them to come out and drive their car as it is.  I will be sending each new weekend member an email after each event encouraging their continued particpation as well as watching the local discussion boards and encouraging participation there.
 
It takes allot of effort to keep the club going and, in the past, the burden of that effort has resided on the shoulders of just a few people in the club.  I encourage each of you to get involved this year and see where you can assist the Board with the day to day and strategic business of the club.  The next occasions that members can help is with the annual trailer cleaning/organizing.  This year, it will be held on February 27th at Snee Chemical (thanks to Delta member Mitchell Mark for donating his facility for this work) at 5565 Pepsi Street in Harahan.  The day will begin at 9:00AM and will continue until done.  Delta will be providing lunch and refreshments for all volunteers.  If you can assist, please email delta_guest@charter.net with your name and contact information.
 
Thanks and see you at the March event!!

Darren Darby