tanney
11-04-2003, 04:24 PM
Ok, I was really busy at work today, so I typed up my thoughts (they are not quite minutes) from Saturday's Solo 2 Workshop. I am no doubt missing things that were discussed and I am sure my perspective may have been a little different on some discussions as well, so don't lose it and flame me to death becasue of it.
This starts with the official agenda and concludes with my thoughs and notesa on each topic.
If I missed anything or someone has something additional to add, please let me know.
There were, I do believe, 20 competitors and 5 clubs represented (HADA, TAC, MSOC, PMSC and WOSCA) not to mention a load of Subaru guys (they are not affiliated....yet).
Solo 2 Workshop Sheraton Hotel North
November 1, 2003 1:00pm Aurora Room
Workshop Agenda
CNAC Rules for Next Season
• CNAC Rule Set is being proposed for next season.
• Comments and concerns?
• Keep current rule set with some changes.
• Adopt a more SCCA oriented set.
Budget
• Budget Review.
• Rule Book Requirement.
• Series Timing System?
• Other Series Equipment?
• Capital requirement to purchase equipment from CASC-OR BOD.
Solo 1 and Solo 2 Year End Shoot-out
• Is the format valid?.
• Poor Attendance this year by Solo 1
• Comments, Suggestions?
Registration
• Open House Series Registration. Ideas, comments?
• Tax Free day at CSC Racing
Sponsorship
• Returning Series Sponsors?
• New Series Sponsors?
Promotions
• Articles for Inside Track and Grassroots Motorsports to up the profile of the series.
Rule Book
• Car Classification. Forward specifics to the Solo 2 for review.
• Scrutineering…Should there be scrutineering and if so, how?
ASN National Solo Committee
• Chris Sorensen is the Ontario representative on the National Committee. Any specifics for Solo 2 should be filtered through the Solo 2 Director.
Series Operational Planning
• Solo 2 Committee positions that will need to be filled…
Web Master
Scrutineer
Chief Timer and Scorer
Sponsorship/Marketing Representative
Registrar
Event Coordinator
Series Scribe
New Business
• New clubs, excluded clubs, minimum event standards, Organizer Reports etc.
• Choose Date and Venue for Solo 2 Committee Meetings (if required)
AOB
Overview of Workshop
CNAC Rules for Next Season
It seems that people like the idea of using CNAC rules. There is a concern about the availability of large lots in the province, thus making some car classes and mods, either obsolete or uncompetitive.
If the existing system was to continue, it would need to be revcamped as there are a number of newer vehicles that have been dropped into classesthat may not be the best spot for them and the fact that a lot of “stock” cars are being put in mod classes.
Budget
Robb Smith brought along print outs of the budget from 2002, 2003 (proposed and actual) and a working budget for 2004. It was reviewed and explained. There is a proposed budget of $11475 for 2004, up from $10775 in 2003 and $7770 in 2002.
Not a lot of money to work with. It had a meager $77.50 profit projected.
There is an allotment of $2500 for equipment. A timing system would be at the top of the list as far as purchases are concerned. A timing system would make the regionals much more consistant in the long run. It would also mean that the Chief Timer and Scorer for the Series would have more control over the timing and scoring….desirable.
Solo 1 and Solo 2 Year End Shoot-out
The shoot-out was seriously under subscribed by the solo 1 community (I guess they are afraid of some little orange pylons).
The solo 2 community does like the format and think that it should continue in one form or another.
The DDT rental was $2000 and the date was originally Thanksgiving weekend and was changed due to a cancellation on the date that the event ended up happening. Pretty pricey given the turn out. The event would have lost money if it wasn’t for Wheel & Tire Zone and Subaru Canada kicking in some money.
Something needs to happen to ensure a higher enrollment in the future, specifically the Solo 1 community.
Registration
Insentive is needed to get more people out to the open house. A suggestion was made to have a raffle for all in attendance of some sort.
Event registration needs to change. The whole point of series registering is to fast track registration at events, which is NOT happening and huge long lines seem to be the unexacceptable norm.
There needs to be two lines at event registration, one for series registered and one for non series. Forms should be COMPLETED before competitors get in line.
A suggestion was made to make ALL competitors in the regional event register for the series.
These are not club events, they are regional events. They should not be run like club events. It was suggested that all events run the same way, with the same rules.
It was also suggested to make EVERY event the same price, but that may not be possible with the varying lot rental fees.
Currently each club is responsible for running all aspects of the event and some events are substandard to the rest of the events. This should change. Some clubs have a big group of concerned members while others have a couple of people doing everything.
Sponsorship
A marketing person or team is needed to attract new sponsors and retain existing sponsors.
Wired Motorsports (Taylor) put together a promo video in 2001 that has been used for the trade show to attract new blood to Solo 1 and Solo 2. Maybe it can be used as a further marketing tool to attract new sponsors and competitors.
Sponsors with product as well as cash could be beneficial. It would allow for product at the open house, events, special events and banquet.
Ralph O’Brien suggested a potential sponsor, that he will hopefully follow up with after the new Solo 2 Director is in place (November 15th).
Promotions
Inside Track will publish almost anything sent to them. Some one is required to write brief articles to send to them for publishing.
It was suggested to have a Journalist Challenge, similar to what Solo 1 tried this year.
The Wheels section of the Toronto Star seems to be THE place to get published. That may be a place to concentrate some effort.
Grassroots Motorsport is another spot that we could get some coverage.
Rule Book
It seems that sections 1-4 of the CASC-OR rule book and sections 5 and above from the CNAC would be the way to go. The CNAC rule book is for weekend style National Events, not a ten event series. There were a number of specifics pointed out , mostly in Section 4 of the CNAC rule book.
Will we require a Basic Solo License for next year? Good question…..
Scutineering…… What exactly, if anything, should be done with scrutineering?
It was suggested that a banner be present at each event telling people what safety issues that need to be looked at on their cars before each event start (ball joints, wheel bearings, loose articles, battery etc.) There were comments about a safety inspection of vehicles leaving the series, clubs or scrutineering individuals open for lawsuits if they pass a car and then there is a mechanical failure on course. The word safety should be left out and scruteneering beused instead.
There was a discussion about a 15 minute park fermier after each run group with doors open and hoods up for anyone to observe than, possibly, protest. There was also discussion about the hoods up during registration and course walks.
The best suggestion brought forth would be to have a “Scrutineering/Test and Tune Day” at the beginning of the season for people to come out, have their vehicles looked at, ask questions about mods, and get a chance to test some of the mods done before the beginning of the season. The competitors that don’t have a technical back ground could make sure that they are class right for the season then.
ASN National Solo Committee
Chris Sorensen is the Ontario representative on the National Committee and has been relaying the information from the meetings to the current Solo 2 Director and Chief Timer and Scorer.
Any specifics for Solo 2 should be filtered through the Solo 2 Director.
Meetings take place via a conference call once a month
Series Operational Planning
Solo 2 Committee positions that will need to be filled; Web Master, Scrutineer, Chief Timer and Scorer, Sponsorship/Marketing Representative, Registrar, Event Coordinator, and Series Scribe.
Volunteers stepped forward to offer their services as registrar, scrutineers, and anything that could be done remotely. The offers are much appreciated and after the new Solo 2 Director is in place, a committee will be formed.
The number of events that counted for the series in 2003 was 7 of 9. That should go back to ½ + 1 (which would have been 5 or 6 of 9 this year) for 2004
New Business
Clubs are encouraged to seek out more desirable venues for their events. Some current lots are acceptable, but more effort could be put into opening up the courses to make them flowing and open.
Clubs are encouraged to get their membership more involved, after all this is the premier series in Ontario.
This starts with the official agenda and concludes with my thoughs and notesa on each topic.
If I missed anything or someone has something additional to add, please let me know.
There were, I do believe, 20 competitors and 5 clubs represented (HADA, TAC, MSOC, PMSC and WOSCA) not to mention a load of Subaru guys (they are not affiliated....yet).
Solo 2 Workshop Sheraton Hotel North
November 1, 2003 1:00pm Aurora Room
Workshop Agenda
CNAC Rules for Next Season
• CNAC Rule Set is being proposed for next season.
• Comments and concerns?
• Keep current rule set with some changes.
• Adopt a more SCCA oriented set.
Budget
• Budget Review.
• Rule Book Requirement.
• Series Timing System?
• Other Series Equipment?
• Capital requirement to purchase equipment from CASC-OR BOD.
Solo 1 and Solo 2 Year End Shoot-out
• Is the format valid?.
• Poor Attendance this year by Solo 1
• Comments, Suggestions?
Registration
• Open House Series Registration. Ideas, comments?
• Tax Free day at CSC Racing
Sponsorship
• Returning Series Sponsors?
• New Series Sponsors?
Promotions
• Articles for Inside Track and Grassroots Motorsports to up the profile of the series.
Rule Book
• Car Classification. Forward specifics to the Solo 2 for review.
• Scrutineering…Should there be scrutineering and if so, how?
ASN National Solo Committee
• Chris Sorensen is the Ontario representative on the National Committee. Any specifics for Solo 2 should be filtered through the Solo 2 Director.
Series Operational Planning
• Solo 2 Committee positions that will need to be filled…
Web Master
Scrutineer
Chief Timer and Scorer
Sponsorship/Marketing Representative
Registrar
Event Coordinator
Series Scribe
New Business
• New clubs, excluded clubs, minimum event standards, Organizer Reports etc.
• Choose Date and Venue for Solo 2 Committee Meetings (if required)
AOB
Overview of Workshop
CNAC Rules for Next Season
It seems that people like the idea of using CNAC rules. There is a concern about the availability of large lots in the province, thus making some car classes and mods, either obsolete or uncompetitive.
If the existing system was to continue, it would need to be revcamped as there are a number of newer vehicles that have been dropped into classesthat may not be the best spot for them and the fact that a lot of “stock” cars are being put in mod classes.
Budget
Robb Smith brought along print outs of the budget from 2002, 2003 (proposed and actual) and a working budget for 2004. It was reviewed and explained. There is a proposed budget of $11475 for 2004, up from $10775 in 2003 and $7770 in 2002.
Not a lot of money to work with. It had a meager $77.50 profit projected.
There is an allotment of $2500 for equipment. A timing system would be at the top of the list as far as purchases are concerned. A timing system would make the regionals much more consistant in the long run. It would also mean that the Chief Timer and Scorer for the Series would have more control over the timing and scoring….desirable.
Solo 1 and Solo 2 Year End Shoot-out
The shoot-out was seriously under subscribed by the solo 1 community (I guess they are afraid of some little orange pylons).
The solo 2 community does like the format and think that it should continue in one form or another.
The DDT rental was $2000 and the date was originally Thanksgiving weekend and was changed due to a cancellation on the date that the event ended up happening. Pretty pricey given the turn out. The event would have lost money if it wasn’t for Wheel & Tire Zone and Subaru Canada kicking in some money.
Something needs to happen to ensure a higher enrollment in the future, specifically the Solo 1 community.
Registration
Insentive is needed to get more people out to the open house. A suggestion was made to have a raffle for all in attendance of some sort.
Event registration needs to change. The whole point of series registering is to fast track registration at events, which is NOT happening and huge long lines seem to be the unexacceptable norm.
There needs to be two lines at event registration, one for series registered and one for non series. Forms should be COMPLETED before competitors get in line.
A suggestion was made to make ALL competitors in the regional event register for the series.
These are not club events, they are regional events. They should not be run like club events. It was suggested that all events run the same way, with the same rules.
It was also suggested to make EVERY event the same price, but that may not be possible with the varying lot rental fees.
Currently each club is responsible for running all aspects of the event and some events are substandard to the rest of the events. This should change. Some clubs have a big group of concerned members while others have a couple of people doing everything.
Sponsorship
A marketing person or team is needed to attract new sponsors and retain existing sponsors.
Wired Motorsports (Taylor) put together a promo video in 2001 that has been used for the trade show to attract new blood to Solo 1 and Solo 2. Maybe it can be used as a further marketing tool to attract new sponsors and competitors.
Sponsors with product as well as cash could be beneficial. It would allow for product at the open house, events, special events and banquet.
Ralph O’Brien suggested a potential sponsor, that he will hopefully follow up with after the new Solo 2 Director is in place (November 15th).
Promotions
Inside Track will publish almost anything sent to them. Some one is required to write brief articles to send to them for publishing.
It was suggested to have a Journalist Challenge, similar to what Solo 1 tried this year.
The Wheels section of the Toronto Star seems to be THE place to get published. That may be a place to concentrate some effort.
Grassroots Motorsport is another spot that we could get some coverage.
Rule Book
It seems that sections 1-4 of the CASC-OR rule book and sections 5 and above from the CNAC would be the way to go. The CNAC rule book is for weekend style National Events, not a ten event series. There were a number of specifics pointed out , mostly in Section 4 of the CNAC rule book.
Will we require a Basic Solo License for next year? Good question…..
Scutineering…… What exactly, if anything, should be done with scrutineering?
It was suggested that a banner be present at each event telling people what safety issues that need to be looked at on their cars before each event start (ball joints, wheel bearings, loose articles, battery etc.) There were comments about a safety inspection of vehicles leaving the series, clubs or scrutineering individuals open for lawsuits if they pass a car and then there is a mechanical failure on course. The word safety should be left out and scruteneering beused instead.
There was a discussion about a 15 minute park fermier after each run group with doors open and hoods up for anyone to observe than, possibly, protest. There was also discussion about the hoods up during registration and course walks.
The best suggestion brought forth would be to have a “Scrutineering/Test and Tune Day” at the beginning of the season for people to come out, have their vehicles looked at, ask questions about mods, and get a chance to test some of the mods done before the beginning of the season. The competitors that don’t have a technical back ground could make sure that they are class right for the season then.
ASN National Solo Committee
Chris Sorensen is the Ontario representative on the National Committee and has been relaying the information from the meetings to the current Solo 2 Director and Chief Timer and Scorer.
Any specifics for Solo 2 should be filtered through the Solo 2 Director.
Meetings take place via a conference call once a month
Series Operational Planning
Solo 2 Committee positions that will need to be filled; Web Master, Scrutineer, Chief Timer and Scorer, Sponsorship/Marketing Representative, Registrar, Event Coordinator, and Series Scribe.
Volunteers stepped forward to offer their services as registrar, scrutineers, and anything that could be done remotely. The offers are much appreciated and after the new Solo 2 Director is in place, a committee will be formed.
The number of events that counted for the series in 2003 was 7 of 9. That should go back to ½ + 1 (which would have been 5 or 6 of 9 this year) for 2004
New Business
Clubs are encouraged to seek out more desirable venues for their events. Some current lots are acceptable, but more effort could be put into opening up the courses to make them flowing and open.
Clubs are encouraged to get their membership more involved, after all this is the premier series in Ontario.