Mid State of Ohio Kart Club
Board of Directors Meeting
March 16, 2006
Station House 81 – Commercial Point, Ohio
Call to Order – Mike Unger called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM by welcoming everyone in attendance. Paul Lyda then distributed an agenda that he had prepared.
Attendance – In attendance were:
Kevin Brown – Member
Bill Bruce – Member (Secretary)
Dana Conlin – Member
Mike Dillon – Member (Treasurer)
Charlie Hughes – Visitor
MaShaun Jones – Visitor (Webmaster)
Mike Long – Alternate
Paul Lyda – Member (Vice-President)
Butch McCall – Visitor (arrived at 7:30 PM)
Bob McConnell – Visitor (Publicity Chair)
Jay McDaniel – Visitor
Mike McPhillips – Visitor
Steve Sharp – Alternate
Bo Strawser – Visitor
Bob Strawser – Member
Heath Tatman – Member
Steve Tatman – Member
Mike Unger – Member (President)
There were nine regular board members present, in addition to two alternates.
Apologies for Absence – Those who had indicated that they were unable to attend the meeting were:
Mike Yoerger – Member
Approval of Minutes – The minutes of the January 19, 2006, meeting were approved as written. Motion – Bob Strawser, Second – Paul Lyda, Vote – Unanimously approved.
Revisions to General Competition Rules – Mike Unger reported that he, Paul Lyda, and Bill Bruce had worked on the revised General Competition Rules (GCRs) over the past few weeks. Paul Lyda distributed a draft copy to everyone in attendance. Two items that were yet to be resolved include the fuel specification for 2-cycle engines (except for shifter karts) and the specification for the Rookie Box Briggs Intek engine. Bob Strawser informed Mike Unger that the correct ratio for the 2-cycle fuel specification was 8 oz/gal. Bill Bruce reported that the specification for the Rookie Box Briggs Intek engine had been finalized, but that a formal specification had not been written, and that Butch McCall has 6 to 8 engines either built or being built. Mike Unger indicated that it would be useful to provide a description of the Rookie Box Briggs Intek engine specification in the GCRs, but that sealed engines for use in this class must be acquired only from Butch McCall. Upon Butch McCall’s arrival, he reported that the required modifications to the engine include removing the governor (requires splitting the case), installing a restrictor plate, and sealing the engine (valve cover, carburetor, blower housing, and side cover bolts). He also indicated that a GE Noram clutch with a 17 tooth driver, heavy (stock) shoes, and black springs was also installed. Bob Strawser asked if these clutch components and a specific gear ratio would be made mandatory. Bill Bruce reminded the group that these were not specified in the current Rookie Box rules and that this allows the flexibility to use either size tire on the rear (4.60 or 6.50). Following some discussion, it was agreed that these items (clutch components, gear ratio, and rear tire size) should not be made mandatory, but that the board should stay aware of any unfair advantage as the result of this during the first few races of the year. Mike Unger indicated that he would update the GCRs to include both the 2-cycle fuel specification and a description of the Rookie Box Briggs Intek engine specification. Following this, the GCRs for 2006 will be posted on the website. ACTION – Mike Unger to revise GCRs and have them posted.
Race Day Preparation/Personnel Assignments – Personnel assignments in preparation for the first race of the season were discussed next. Steve Tatman indicated that Andrew Gallo had agreed to accept the grid person position. The scale-house person position is still open, although Steve Tatman indicated that Leslie Gallo may still be interested. Charlie Hughes indicated that he was willing to be fill one of the corner worker positions again this year. Mike Unger indicated that Bob Strawser would be in charge of distributing fuel – both gasoline (Citgo 110) and methanol. Bob Strawser indicated that the price for Citgo 110 would be $5.00/gal and the price for methanol would be $3.00 to 3.50/gal.
Transponders/Timing and Scoring System – Steve Tatman reported that the timing system and 30 transponders had been ordered from AMB, but that the transponders were on back order and there is some question as to whether or not they will arrive prior to the first race (April 9). The need to delay the requirement for transponders on all karts was discussed. Mike Unger indicated that it might be a good idea to plan on scoring the first few races by hand and then transition over to the new system. There was general agreement that this was a good idea, particularly in light of the transponders being on back order. It was agreed that transponders would not be required until Race No. 4 on May 21. Motion – Kevin Brown, Second – Paul Lyda, Vote – Unanimously approved. Bob McConnell indicated that there had been interest expressed on the Karting Forum about a group order of transponders and that he has subsequently been able to negotiate a price of $205 plus shipping from AMB for a transponder, charger, and attachment clip. The minimum-required quantity for this price is 10 transponders and he already has orders for seven. After making sure that this was acceptable to Steve Tatman, he indicated that he would place an order in the next week or so.
Club-Spec Tires – Mike Unger indicated that Bob Strawser had ordered 60 sets of Vega tires on behalf of the club. Steve Tatman reported that there were still many club members who have not yet picked up tires using their banquet certificates. He indicated that anyone wanting to exchange their certificates for tires should contact him to make the necessary arrangements (statman2@columbus.rr.com or 740-474-7697 - Home). Bob Strawser indicated that anyone wanting to order or purchase tires should contact him (srkp94@yahoo.com or 740-412-6862 - Cell).
Track Condition – Steve Tatman indicated that he had taken a walk around the track recently and that it was in good condition. He had had crack filler applied last fall and it appeared to have prevented deterioration.
Trophy Supply – Mike Unger asked if there were enough trophies on hand for the junior classes for the first few races. Steve Tatman thought that there were, but that he would check. If not, he would order them from the supplier in Westerville. ACTION – Steve Tatman to check on trophy supply. Mike Dillon offered to pick them up if necessary.
Track Clean-Up Day – Mike Unger initiated some discussion pertaining to track clean-up day (Saturday, April 8). Steve Tatman reported that the truck stop adjacent to the track had recently been sold and that the new owners are currently engaged in a significant clean-up activity, which will improve the appearance of the area surrounding the track. The operators of another local restaurant in Circleville are taking over the restaurant, and gas pumping operations are also being resumed. Mike Unger asked what specific tasks need to be completed during clean-up day. Steve Tatman indicated that concrete work was required to facilitate running the track in the opposite direction and that painting of curbs, stripes, etc., was necessary. Mike Unger suggested that participants in the clean-up day should be encouraged to bring picks and shovels for the concrete work preparation and painting clothes for the painting activities. He also proposed that the club donate $100 to the track for painting supplies, which was approved. Motion – Bill Bruce, Second – Paul Lyda, Vote – Unanimously approved. Mike Dillon provided this to Steve Tatman from the petty cash account.
Club Marketing/Sponsorship – Mike Unger asked Bob McConnell what had been done pertaining to sponsorship ideas for the club since the last meeting. He indicated that, now that a sponsorship package had been put together, he would begin to contact potential sponsors. Mike Unger proposed that any club member who recruits a sponsor at anything more than the “corner sponsor” level should receive a reward. Three complementary race-day entry fees was proposed, although this was revised to two prior to approval. Motion – Mike Unger, Second – Paul Lyda, Vote – Unanimously approved.
Hog Roast Schedule – The first item of new business was to establish a date for an after-race-day hog roast. Mike Unger indicated that this will be a good way to attract new members to the club. After some discussion, the Sunday race on July 23 was selected. This is after school is out for the summer and just before the Commercial Point Grand Prix (CPGP). Mike Unger suggested that, in addition to current members, potential new members should be invited to eat for free. Promotion of this event at the CPGP was also discussed.
Club Photographers – Mike Unger indicated that we need to urge anyone who takes pictures at an MSOKC event to provide them to the club for potential posting on the website. Paul Lyda suggested that we should post a sign at registration. MaShaun Jones offered to investigate the best way to collect and post photographs.
Promotional Activities at CPGP – Heath Tatman outlined the cost for various promotional opportunities for the club at the CPGP (e.g., title sponsor, class sponsor, etc.). He indicated that a total of 25,000 spectators attended the event in 1999. He offered to allow the club to set up two display tents for free where brochures could be distributed. Mike Unger indicated that this would be ideal, but that volunteers would be required. He volunteered to staff one of the tents. Heath Tatman also agreed to include a copy of the flyer in the driver registration packets if the club would help stuff the packets.
MSOKC Swap Meet in 2006 – A committee was formed (Bob Strawser, Mike Dillon, Butch McCall, and Mike Unger) to determine if having an MSOKC Swap Meet in the fall of 2006 was a good idea. The committee will present a proposal to the board in the June/July timeframe.
Banquet Date – Mike Unger indicated that he was unsure if the proposed date for the 2006 banquet had been confirmed by Villa Milano. Mike Dillon indicated that either he or Erin Dillon would check with John Fox to see if the date had been confirmed. ACTION – Mike or Erin Dillon to check with John Fox regarding banquet date confirmation.
Tire Rule for 125cc Shifter Kart Class – Mike Unger reminded the group that a decision was made at the previous meeting to change the tire rule for the 125cc Shifter Kart Class to “open.” He indicated that this might result in the loss of year-end benefits for this class from our tire sponsor, Grand Prix Distributing. There was no further discussion, so the open tire rule for this class will stand.
Treasurer’s/Membership Report – Mike Dillon reported that 33 Master Members (68 total members) had paid their dues for 2006. Three others paid their dues at the meeting. The checking account balance prior to the meeting was approximately $1300 and the petty cash balance was $200. Following the meeting, these were approximately $1400 and $100, respectively.
Next Meeting – Following some discussion, it was decided that the next meeting will be at 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 20, 2006, at Station House 81 in Commercial Point, Ohio. Bo Strawser initiated some additional discussion pertaining to the need to form a committee each race day consisting of board members and others to evaluate infractions and protests. Following this discussion, it was decided that the procedure outlined in the GCRs, where the Race Director summons all board members present to review the protest, interview witnesses, etc., is adequate and that no revisions are required.
Actions – The following is a list of action items from the meeting:
Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:50 PM.
Bill Bruce
Secretary
MSOKC Board of Directors